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.

Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Cathyrine Armandie, “Lilo’s”, career spanned over 1,600 flight hours, including 450 combat hours in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Lilo held leadership roles as the Deputy Commander of the 479th Flying Training Group, Commander of the 479th Student Squadron, and Commander of Air Force Recruiting Service, Detachment 1.

As a Commander, she led nearly 600 military and civilian personnel to oversee the training of 300 Combat Systems Officers a year.

Her time in Command was uniquely challenged by a global pandemic, the aftermath of a severe hurricane rendering infrastructure unusable, and near-fatalities of multiple personnel.

Leading with strength and empathy, she created a positive culture of resilience, ensuring mission success while prioritizing the safety, well-being, and professional development of her team.

After a career defined by excellence and service, Lilo retired in 2024 to launch her entrepreneurial journey, leveraging her strategic vision to empower her clients in a new arena.