Nicole Malachowski is a retired United States Air Force Colonel and combat fighter pilot who broke barriers as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, the military’s premier air demonstration squadron.
With over two decades of service, she has led elite units, advised national leadership, and championed resilience in the face of complex personal and professional challenges.
Nicole was among the first group of women to fly modern fighter jets in the US military, earning her place in operational F-15E squadrons and accumulating over 2,300 flight hours, including combat missions in Operation Deliberate Forge and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Her leadership roles included commanding the 333rd Fighter Squadron and directing multimillion-dollar flying hour programmes.
Beyond the cockpit, she served at the highest levels of government, including as a White House Fellow and later as Executive Director of the national ‘Joining Forces’ initiative, where she advised the First Lady and Dr Jill Biden on policy affecting service members and military families.
Her career took a turn following a medical retirement due to late-stage Tick-Borne Illness. Rather than retreat from public life, Nicole became a powerful advocate for patients with complex medical conditions.
She has served on the Department of Health and Human Services Tick Borne Diseases Working Group and the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, offering valuable insight into research and care for affected populations.
Nicole's journey is marked by persistence, service, and a commitment to challenging convention. She remains active in mentoring wounded service members and shaping policy for those navigating chronic health issues.
Her story is not only one of military excellence but also of personal transformation, making her a compelling voice on leadership, adversity, and the evolving role of women in high-performance environments.
Book Nicole to inspire your team with proven strategies that transform barriers into breakthroughs and uncertainty into opportunity.
How can I book Nicole Malachowski for my next event?
Email nicole.malachowski@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Nicole directly.
What topics does Nicole Malachowski specialise in?
Nicole Malachowski specialises in discussing military leadership, advocacy for health issues, breaking barriers for women in aviation and more.
What is Nicole Malachowski's speaking style like?
Nicole captivates audiences with her inspiring storytelling and practical insights, energising professionals and leaving them eager to implement her impactful messages. Her tailored approach resonates deeply, making her a standout speaker.
Does Nicole Malachowski offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Nicole Malachowski offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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