Capt Sax Scholarship Recipient: Dawn Bender

We’re proud to highlight Capt Sax Foundation scholarship recipient, Dawn Bender.

A mother of four young daughters, Dawn found her passion for aviation later in life and has pursued it with remarkable courage, purpose, and determination.

At 39 years old, while facing the devastation of the Eaton Fires and serving her community through fire relief work, Dawn continued showing up for her aviation dreams. Shortly after regaining housing stability, she began IFR training and continued working toward her Private Pilot Certificate, Advanced Ground Instructor certificate, and degree in Commercial Pilot Operations. She is also completing her Air Transport Dispatch certificate course in June.

Before aviation, Dawn spent the first 15 years of her adult life in nonprofit work and later told stories through documentary film. Her heart for service, storytelling, mentorship, and community continues to shape the way she approaches this next chapter.

Dawn began pursuing aviation with the hope of building a better life for her family through a future Part 135 opportunity. Along the way, she hopes to inspire her daughters to show up fully, bravely, and passionately in pursuit of their own dreams.

As a lifelong learner, Dawn sees aviation as both humbling and full of endless opportunity. Inspired by those who have mentored her, she looks forward to giving back and helping others on the journey beside and behind her.

In Dawn’s words:
“I am so honored to be selected for this scholarship… I intend to give back in any way possible, and I hope that in a small way I can somehow honor the legacy of Capt Sax, through my pursuit of aviation.”

Dawn, we are honored to support you as you continue pursuing aviation with resilience, service, and heart.

“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘦 𝘋𝘰, 𝘞𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘪𝘮”
𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢 & 𝐆.𝐀.𝐒.

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