Community

The Urban Pilots & Professional Network or UPPN was formed out of an idea to help underprivileged youth in the Greater Toronto Area get involved in STEM related programs during the 90’s. It’s founder and former President, Tony Lawrence, thought that he could use his aviation professional experience to provide creative and innovative programs to reach these youth and encourage them to think about careers in aviation.  Tony, along with 2 other aviators, Len Isaacs, and Bill Shepard, officially incorporated UPPN in 2004 as a nonprofit organization.

UPPN has grown from 3 original members to over 70 members of various aviation professions ranging from Airline Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers to Flight Attendants and Airline Managers.  It’s current leadership consist of President & Chief Executive Director Warren Holt, Treasurer Allan McLean, Secretary & Aviation Camps Director Damar Walker, Scholarship Director Zoey Williams, IT Communications Director Coneil Campbell and Executive Administrator Giselle Dildy Wilson.

Since it began, UPPN has reached hundreds of young people through workshops introducing careers in aviation, mentorship programs, annual aviation summer camps and annual scholarship awards.

UPPN takes pride in being Toronto’s premier urban aviation network.

“Inspiring to Aspire Higher”