Afton J. Brown is a United States Air Force Senior Instructor Aircraft Commander with over 4,500 flight hours in the C-17 and T-1.

She has flown combat missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation United Assistance, and currently serves in the Air Force Reserve Command at the U.S. Air Force Academy, mentoring future officers.

Afton co-founded the UPT Women’s Mentorship Program and helped launch AFRS Detachment 1, expanding aviation outreach nationwide. She also flies the Boeing 767 as a FedEx First Officer and is active in ALPA and Women in Aviation International.

When she’s not flying, Afton enjoys mentoring students, running marathons, and spending time with her beloved dog, Nala.

Kate Hewlett is a U.S. Air Force pilot and a fierce advocate for keeping dreamsairborne—no matter the obstacle.

But Kate’s story isn’t just about flying. It’s about fighting. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at a young age, she faced the kind of uncertainty that forces many to walk away from aviation.

Instead, she chose to stand her ground. Through determination, treatment, and an unwavering belief that her diagnosis didn’t get the final say, Kate regained her medical clearance. She returned to flying—stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever.

Today, Kate uses that hard-won experience to mentor future aviators, support underserved communities, and remind others that barriers can be navigated, climbed over, or flat-out broken. Her presence as a Level Up Aviation Ambassador reflects everything we stand for: resilience, accessibility, and the belief that the sky is for everyone.

Applications open soon.