Xyla Foxlin is a prominent advocate for women in STEM, using her platform as one of the internet’s leading female engineers to exemplify what can be achieved when ingenuity is coupled with engineering. Her projects range from building high-powered rockets to constructing airplanes. Beyond her impact in STEM, 2025 saw Xyla emerge as a national voice for pilot mental health. After losing her FAA medical for seeking therapy, she led a campaign challenging regulations that deter aviators from seeking medical care. Following the release of her video “The FAA is in Crisis”, over 3,300 messages to 442 legislators were delivered. The Mental Health in Aviation Act was introduced in the House in April, with expected Senate introduction soon - a landmark win for pilots and a milestone for mental health in aviation. Xyla’s advocacy redefines what it means to be a STEM creator on YouTube: not only building things, but building change.
