Michelle “Sonic” Ruehl is a multifaceted individual, juggling roles as a non-profit founder, military combat pilot, educator, writer, and mother of two.
Michelle "Sonic" Ruehl
Lead Speaker
Sonic is currently working in homeland defense at NORAD and United States Northern Command in Colorado. She’s a former Pentagon director of communications and a lead author for the 2022 National Military Strategy. Previously, she served as a White House Fellow, working as a speechwriter for the Secretary of Transportation and the Vice President of the United States.
Sonic’s aviation passion extends to her role as a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and as a Tillman Scholar with a PhD in English. Over a decade of experience in education includes teaching at the U.S. Air Force Academy and children in various countries. She also contributes to mental health through equine therapy for veterans with PTSD and leads a non-profit conducting leadership camp for military families.
An Air Force Academy graduate, Michelle flew the C-130 and the MC-12 reconnaissance plan where she amassed 807 combat hours in Afghanistan. She volunteered in various capacities during overseas deployments, including teaching English to local children and working with NATO partners. Sonic brings her passion for people, her experience working at the highest levels of government, and a touch of humor to every engagement. She promises you will leave each Afterburner event with a renewed sense of commitment to your own life’s work.
Motivated Community Servant, Combat Veteran, and Inspirational Leader
Sonic brings her passion for people, her experience working at the highest levels of government, and a touch of humor to every engagement. She promises you will leave each Afterburner event with a renewed sense of commitment to your own life’s work.
