Michelle 'Mace' Curran

She has led an impressive career as a fighter pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019 to 2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Michelle was also named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas in 2021.

She's been featured on several well-known media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, Glamour, and of course, today on Creating Confidence. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Michelle was a combat proven fighter pilot completing missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She has a passion for pushing her limits clearly, inspiring others, and changing lives.

She's been featured on several well-known media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, Glamour, and of course, today on Creating Confidence. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Michelle was a combat proven fighter pilot completing missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She has a passion for pushing her limits clearly, inspiring others, and changing lives.

She's been featured on several well-known media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, Glamour, and of course, today on Creating Confidence. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Michelle was a combat proven fighter pilot completing missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She has a passion for pushing her limits clearly, inspiring others, and changing lives.

As the lead solo for the Thunderbirds, Michelle realized that flying was cool, but the best part was inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams just like she did. Since transitioning out of the military, she's founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, and is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure.

As the lead solo for the Thunderbirds, Michelle realized that flying was cool, but the best part was inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams just like she did. Since transitioning out of the military, she's founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, and is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure.

As the lead solo for the Thunderbirds, Michelle realized that flying was cool, but the best part was inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams just like she did. Since transitioning out of the military, she's founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, and is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure.

She has inspired thousands through her passion for breaking barriers, setting the example of what can be accomplished through hard work. When she isn't speaking, she volunteers. I mean, this woman has an amazing family. She's living her best life. Michelle, thank you so much for being here with us today.

She has inspired thousands through her passion for breaking barriers, setting the example of what can be accomplished through hard work. When she isn't speaking, she volunteers. I mean, this woman has an amazing family. She's living her best life. Michelle, thank you so much for being here with us today.

She has inspired thousands through her passion for breaking barriers, setting the example of what can be accomplished through hard work. When she isn't speaking, she volunteers. I mean, this woman has an amazing family. She's living her best life. Michelle, thank you so much for being here with us today.

It's a pleasure to be here, Heather.

It's a pleasure to be here, Heather.

It's a pleasure to be here, Heather.

When people hear about you being a fighter jet pilot, I mean, it sounds so crazy looking at you and seeing this very attractive young woman You assume in your mind, and I know it's not the case, but I want you to share with everyone. I assume in my mind, like you grew up in this military family. You were groomed from day one to like fly jets.

When people hear about you being a fighter jet pilot, I mean, it sounds so crazy looking at you and seeing this very attractive young woman You assume in your mind, and I know it's not the case, but I want you to share with everyone. I assume in my mind, like you grew up in this military family. You were groomed from day one to like fly jets.

When people hear about you being a fighter jet pilot, I mean, it sounds so crazy looking at you and seeing this very attractive young woman You assume in your mind, and I know it's not the case, but I want you to share with everyone. I assume in my mind, like you grew up in this military family. You were groomed from day one to like fly jets.

And you've always had this passion for flying and fighting. But tell me, is that what it was like growing up in your life?

And you've always had this passion for flying and fighting. But tell me, is that what it was like growing up in your life?

And you've always had this passion for flying and fighting. But tell me, is that what it was like growing up in your life?

No, definitely not. People, when I was on the Thunderbirds, would always be like, how did you get to this spot? Which is just such an open-ended question. I was like, well, how much time do you have? But I always would say that I kind of just stumbled into it, which is half joking, but sort of true. I grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin. kind of in the middle of nowhere.