Michelle Curran

Michelle "MACE" Curran is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and an inspiring keynote speaker, known for breaking barriers and empowering others through her remarkable military career and personal journey. Curran gained national recognition as the only female pilot on the elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, where she flew as Thunderbird #5 in the demanding "lead solo" position. Her call sign, "MACE," symbolizes her strength, resilience, and determination, traits that have marked her career both in and out of the cockpit.

Curran’s path to the Thunderbirds began with her early passion for aviation and service. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, she joined the Air Force, where she completed rigorous pilot training and went on to fly F-16 fighter jets. Over her decade-long career, she accumulated over 1,500 flight hours, including 163 combat hours during deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

As a Thunderbird, Curran captivated audiences worldwide, performing high-speed maneuvers and representing the excellence of the U.S. Air Force at airshows and events. Her role as the only woman on the team served as an inspiration to young women and girls, demonstrating that there are no limits to what they can achieve. After retiring from the Air Force in 2021, Curran transitioned to public speaking, sharing her experiences of overcoming adversity, leadership, and performance under pressure.