THE TEAM BEHIND THE SUCCESS

Camil Dumont

President and Founder

Passionate about aviation from a young age, he became a pilot in 1978. Camil takes every opportunity to share his passion with young people. In 2008, with financial support from Bombardier, he launched Aviation Connection’s ‘Pilot Mentor Program’ which allows young pilots, engaged in professional training, to accumulate more than 30 flight hours and international experience.

Camil is a financial professional: From 1990 to 2017, he devoted himself to portfolio management for corporate and individual clients, in partnership with several Canadian financial institutions. Since 2017 he has dedicated himself exclusively to the development and implementation of the Aeronautics Training Program of the Aviation Connection Company.

The success of the program relies on the strength of the team and Camil is proud to work with a group of professionals and enthusiasts.

Dear visitor,

Now that you have visited our website, I am sure you are impressed with  our 13, 14, 15  year old student’s  capacity to engage in exciting challenges  that make the Aviation Connection STEM Program so unique!

Aviation Connection’s STEM Program motivates students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through a stimulating activity that introduces them to the fascinating world of aerospace.

The Program inspires teachers who participate in the program; it emphasizes the relationship between a strong educational program in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and a successful career.

It also emphasizes the importance of setting goals, making plans to achieve them, and understanding the need to develop STEM skills that lead to meaningful careers.

The program makes it possible to recruit and integrate more students from minorities who normally do not have access to STEM programs of this level, absolutely free and without prerequisites.

Our schools play a vital role in the future of our society. They are the incubators of our workforce of tomorrow: “The next generation”. It is time that we recognize the importance of their mission: Companies, Governments and Institutions must deploy the necessary efforts and resources to help them develop strategies that will increase the chances of success for OUR young people.

Our young people have great potential! that is why we invite you to help them define themselves, to flourish in an environment conducive to learning Engineering Sciences and Technology. Education is the key to prosperity for all!

Canada is facing a major productivity challenge and the accelerated aging of its population. By stimulating education, we help improve the ability of our businesses to be competitive.

Our technical institutions are struggling to attract the next generation in aerospace. All companies in the sector recognize the need to act quickly to ensure access to a skilled workforce that has placed the country in the ranks of world aerospace leaders.

The STEM program offered in high schools by  Aviation Connection is essential to promote careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and essential to ensure a competent next generation capable of facing the challenges ahead.

By supporting  Aviation Connection’s STEM Program, you are making a difference

Thank you !

Camil Dumont
President and Founder

Jennifer Schwab

Jennifer Schwab brings extensive experience and a profound commitment to aviation, education, and sustainability. With over a decade as a private pilot, she combines her passion for aviation with a distinguished career in education and technology as CEO of ENTITY Academy, a platform dedicated to upskilling and mentoring women in technology. Jennifer has empowered women to excel in technology-driven roles, bridging critical skills gaps and fostering diversity in a rapidly advancing industry.

Additionally, Jennifer co-founded Sierra Club Green Home in collaboration with the Sierra Club, reflecting her dedication to environmental awareness and sustainable living. She holds degrees in urban planning from UC Irvine and accounting from the University of Arkansas, with further studies in environmental design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Jennifer’s Fulbright Fellowship in Israel, focused on sustainable water management, further underscores her commitment to impactful societal contributions.

As a board member of Aviation Connection, Jennifer leverages her extensive background in educational strategy and program integration to support the organization’s mission of expanding STEM education in aviation and aerospace. Her insight and expertise in curriculum development are invaluable assets in inspiring and enabling students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in these fields, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to building an inclusive, skilled future generation.

Rob Dewar

Referred to as the “Father of the Airbus A220,” Rob is a Canadian aerospace leader and Living Legend who joined industry giants like Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk. We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the Aviation Connection Board.

Rob  has been  a supporter of the Aviation Connection Program since the start, as he knows how important it is to  inspire young minds to follow the path of higher education and STEM careers particularly in the aerospace and  A.I. sector.

Aviation Connection team is excited to have him onboard as we continue to expand and gain recognition in the field of STEM education, in North America.

Catherine Tobenas

General Manager and Co-Founder

Co-founder of the Aviation Connection Aerospace and A.I. STEM program, Catherine has been involved, since 2015, in the development and management of the Program. Rich in professional and personal experiences in various countries, she held management positions in major companies. Catherine helped establish Aviation Connection in Canada in 2007 for the purpose of helping young pilots gain International flying experience during an event today known as the largest group flying event covering North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America. She is the president of International Air Rally, the organization behind the event and has always made sure to invite local kids to visit the planes and share great flying experiences with the participants. Seeing how amazed and curious the kids are she and Camil decided to bring aviation into the school ! She co-founded the Aviation Connection Aerospace and A.I. STEM Program which is highly appreciated by science teachers, students and parents. ”Experience is a way of building up knowledge: experiences guide our choices and decisions, our know-how and our interpersonal skills’ those principals constitute the foundation of Aviation Connection STEM Program to which I am very happy to contribute”.

Camil Dumont Jr.

Program Director

Camil ensures the quality of the Programs and training. He works closely with instructors and teachers in high schools.

Upon joining the organization in November 2019, Camil took responsibility for the Artificial Intelligence and Drones Program, working in collaboration with Katherine and Antoine, two software and computer engineering students from Polytechnique. He becomes familiar with the operation of drones, validates the exercises with a view to their application by teachers in the context of school activities in science profile. His multimedia / cinema expertise is an asset in the realization of video tutorials intended to provide educational support to teachers.

Versatile, with good knowledge of Computer Technologies, he provides solutions to various technical problems encountered and ensures the proper functioning of all equipment.

Having received pilot training and his PPL, he participates in the upgrading of the AERO 1 course and assists the model aircraft specialist  in the development of the prototype P1 unmanned cargo plane which will serve as a model for the AERO 2  course.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Nick Acosta

Mr. Nick Acosta Jr. is an Aerospace and Logistics Instructor at Miami Springs Senior High School. The Logistics Academy was founded by Prologis as part of their Community Workforce Initiative (CWI) program in partnership with the Career and Technical Education department at Miami Dade County Public Schools. Students earn their Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC): Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certifications. Also, they earn their Forklift Certification. They learn about the basic principles of working in a warehouse, operating warehouse equipment, inventory management, and logistics operations.

Recently, Mr. Acosta started the Miami Springs Senior High Aerospace Academy in partnership with the Gaetz Aerospace Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Students earn 27 college credits of dual enrollment, complete their Private Pilot Ground School, and earn their Part 107 Commercial Drone License. The program is open to all Miami Springs Senior High school students who have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students complete coursework in aeronautics, meteorology, business, aviation safety and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation.

Nick Acosta has 10 years of industry experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics/Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. Mr. Acosta also serves on several boards and committees for local civic organizations. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Talent sub-committee for the Miami Dade Beacon Council Trade and Logistics Committee, the Education Committee for the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarder’s Association, and serves as Secretary for the Miami Springs/Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. He also regularly attends events hosted by World Trade Center Miami and the Greater Miami Aviation Association.