Vanessa "Siren" Mahan
“Siren was the keynote speaker for the annual fundraising event for the Wings for Val Foundation in 2019. This event celebrated five years for us as a nonprofit organization and it was held in the theatre at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Siren had an amazing stage presence and captivated the audience of over one hundred people from the get-go. She came fully prepared and had obviously done research about our foundation and its mission. Her carefully crafted presentation made a huge impact on our friends and donors in attendance. We had the best fundraising effort that year to date and I believe it was because Siren was able to reach them on an emotional and intellectual level and inspire them to give generously. I highly recommend having Siren or any of the other great female warriors from Athena’s Voice speak at your next function.”
-- Doreen Cappelaere, President Wings for Val Foundation
Speaking Topics
Weakness to Superpower: You’re Stronger than You Think
Top Guns: Wellness in the Workplace and Why You Should Give a Fork
Friction to Flight: Soaring Towards Goals Regardless of the Barriers
Travels From: Pensacola, FL
Bio
Colonel Vanessa “Siren” Mahan is a combat-proven aviator, commander, and nationally recognized speaker on leadership and performance under pressure. She graduated from Purdue University in December 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology and was awarded Distinguished Graduate honors from Purdue Air Force ROTC Detachment 220.
Siren has flown more than 100 combat missions in the F-15E Strike Eagle in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In addition to her fighter experience, she flew in the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler and earned carrier qualification, one of a small number of USAF aviators to do so.
Beyond operational flying, Siren is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and high-performance decision-making. Through appearances on TED’s Women Who Lead and numerous national podcasts and panels, she challenges audiences to lead with clarity, discipline, and courage—especially in high-stakes environments. She is also a dedicated functional fitness and health coach, promoting strength, confidence, and sustainable wellness as foundations for peak performance.
Siren lives in Alaska with her husband, two children and the happiest golden retriever in the world!