Celebrity Cruises has announced that sisters, Captain Sandy Yawn and Michelle Dunham, will serve as godmothers for Celebrity Ascent when the Edge Class ship sails in November. Captain Sandy Yawn is known for her appearance on Bravo TV’s reality show “Below Deck” while Michelle Dunham is the co-founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.
Lauren Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises President, said, “We are honored to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world.”
“Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership and strength, as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspirational role model for young women. Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for children with autism and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”
The sister godmothers will be alongside co-captains and brothers, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, when Celebrity Ascent is officially named and then christened and blessed by the sisters on December 1, 2023.
The sisters are joining a group of women who hold the same title of godmother for other Edge Class ships. Women such as Simone Biles, Reshma Saujani and Malala Yousafzai who are godmothers to Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge respectively.
Both Captain Sandy Yawn and Michelle Dunham have accomplished much in their lives. Yawn has survived a life-threatening accident, cancer and addiction along with receiving the Distinguished Crew Award in 2006 for her role during a fire and pirate threat off the coast of Yemen. Her sister, Dunham, co-founded the Jacksonville School for Autism in order to give her son and others with autism more opportunities in education.
Of being named godmother, Yawn said, “As I embark on this remarkable journey as a co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honored to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment.”
“This role serves as a reminder that women can steer their destinies with grace and determination, commanding the seas of possibility and inspiring others to follow their own paths with courage and conviction. I am so honored that my sister and I can share this distinction. She has always been my biggest inspiration in her selfless pursuit to help my nephew and other families impacted by autism.”
The Jacksonville School for Autism serves all grade levels and is open to students with autism spectrum disorder. Currently, more than 100 students attend the school that focuses on whole child development.
Dunham, also honored to be named godmother of Celebrity Ascent said, “It fills my heart with immense pride to stand as co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, alongside my sister, Captain Sandy Yawn. As we embark on this journey, much like Celebrity Cruise’s commitment to delivering exceptional vacations and enriching lives, we embrace the same spirit of compassion and positive change.”
“Together, we aspire to elevate lives, create boundless possibilities, and set sail towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all who grace our path through the charities we founded, Jacksonville School for Autism and Captain Sandy’s Charities.”