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August 6, 2023

Celebrity Cruises has revealed the godmothers of Celebrity Ascent, the new ship that will join the fleet in the next month of November. Sandy Yawn, known for her appearance on the famous Bravo TV series “Below Deck,” along with her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), have been selected as co-godmothers of the future ship.

The sisters will join the industry’s first brother captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, announced earlier this year as the chosen pair to jointly command the new vessel.

Sandy and Michelle will now join an illustrious group of admired, determined, and inspirational women who hold the role of godmother for a Celebrity Cruises ship. The godmothers of the previous ships in the Edge series include Simone Biles, 19-time world champion and seven-time Olympic medalist, who christened the most recent ship, Celebrity Beyond, in 2022; Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of the international non-profit organization Girls Who Code, who named Celebrity Apex in 2021; and Malala Yousafzai, Nobel laureate and activist, who introduced the revolutionary Edge class of ships in 2018.

“We are honored to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the ranks of Celebrity’s godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership, and strength, both as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspiring role model for young women. Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for autistic children and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”

One of the oldest traditions at sea, the godmother is the spiritual embodiment of a vessel – she is the woman who inspires, protects, and positively impacts the lives of everyone who sails onboard. During Ascent’s official naming ceremony on December 1, 2023, both sisters will bless and christen the ship, bringing good luck and protection for the crew and all passengers onboard.

Captain Sandy is the embodiment of resilience, having survived a serious accident, cancer, and struggles with addiction before launching her career in the yacht industry. Her unwavering integrity and courage have earned her an outstanding reputation, and her remarkable leadership and bravery during a catastrophic fire and pirate threat off the coast of Yemen led to her receiving the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award from the International Superyacht Society in 2006.

As a best-selling author and motivational speaker, she is passionate about sharing her life stories to inspire others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. Beyond her successful yachting career, she actively contributes to philanthropy, ocean advocacy, and children’s education, showcasing her commitment to creating a positive impact on society.

“As I embark on this remarkable journey as a co-godmother of Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honored to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment,” says Captain Sandy Yawn. “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.”

Michelle Dunham is the co-founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), alongside her husband Mark. Michelle developed the model for JSA to give her son, Nicholas, the best opportunity to learn. Established in 2005, JSA is a not-for-profit private school as a full-service K-12 educational center for students and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, with a focus on whole child development and individualized programs that encourage both family and community involvement. JSA is as unique in its approach as the children they serve. Interwoven into the very fabric of what their program stands for is the necessity for each student to develop independence while improving the quality of their lives. Removing the layers of isolation, they are creating an inclusive environment for each student to be themselves in order to educate, engage, and inspire. In March of 2020, JSA relocated to an expansive campus that embraces the lush landscape and provides both the staff and students with frequent opportunities for engagement with the outdoors and the introduction of a vocational gardening program.

“It fills my heart with immense pride to stand as co-godmother of 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,” says Michelle Dunham. “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.”

The pair of godmothers is now poised to join the rich list of ambassadors of the cruise company and to leave a significant mark on the history of Celebrity Ascent, carrying with them a message of hope, commitment, and inspiration. The future ship’s naming ceremony is therefore expected to be an exciting and meaningful moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the ship and for all the people who will have the privilege of sailing onboard Celebrity Ascent.

Stay tuned for more information about Celebrity Ascent and the other ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet on Cruising Journal, with reviews, tips, and special cruises available.

Gabriele Bassi

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