Colonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret), born in 1971 in The Bronx, New York, is a trailblazer in the field of aviation and a symbol of perseverance and excellence. She is notably recognized as the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft in the United States Air Force. Her journey to this remarkable achievement began with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Haven, where she was one of only three women in her program and actively participated in basketball and ROTC.

Merryl’s military career started in the Navy as a commissioned officer after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1994. She excelled as a Naval Aviator, piloting the SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter and serving in various global locations, including the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. Her transition to the Air Force marked a historic moment as she became the only Black woman to fly the U-2 spy plane, accumulating over 1,000 flight hours and participating in critical reconnaissance missions worldwide.

In addition to her flying career, Merryl has held significant leadership roles, such as the Chief of Flight Safety for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Director of Operations for the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, and Commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Detachment 2 at Palmdale, CA. Her last assignment before retiring in 2017 was as the Director of Inspections at the Pentagon, where she managed the USAF Nuclear Surety Inspections (NSI) program.

Merryl’s post-military life is as dynamic as her career. She is a motivational speaker, sharing her insights on diversity, leadership, and the importance of women and minorities in STEM. Her television appearances include being a cast member on CBS’s “Tough As Nails” Season 2 and contributions to various programs like the Smithsonian Channel’s “Air Warriors” and PBS’s “UNLADYLIKE2020 – The Bessie Coleman Story”. She also consulted on Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies”.

Her educational achievements are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven, a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of New Haven. Merryl was inducted into the 2019 Air Force Gathering of Eagles Foundation as an aviation pioneer.

In 2021, Merryl released her Memoir Shatter the Sky: What going to the stratosphere taught me about self-worth, sacrifice, and discipline. “Shatter the Sky,” is more than a memoir; it’s an inspiration. In it, Merryl shares her life lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhood – and everything in between.

The book is a deep reflection on life in the military, with mesmerizing storytelling. Merryl invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood in the Bronx, to her years deployed in the Middle East, South America, and Asia, and more. It stands as a testament to Merryl’s resilience and pioneering spirit, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams with determination and to live life on their own terms.

Reflecting on her illustrious career and impactful post-retirement endeavors, Colonel Merryl Tengesdal has established herself as a distinguished speaker and advocate for diversity, leadership, and STEM education. Her engagements from 2020 through 2024, including keynote speeches at prestigious institutions like William Jessup College and appearances at the National Air and Space Museum, highlight her commitment to sharing her experiences and insights. She has also addressed audiences at prominent organizations such as Kitty Hawk Aeronautics, Dell Technology, and Lockheed Martin Women in Network. In 2024, she continues her inspirational work, engaging with the Student Veterans of America, showcasing her dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and pioneers. Merryl’s journey, from the streets of The Bronx to the heights of the aviation world, remains a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, the sky is indeed the beginning.