Flying High Enough To Shatter The Glass Ceiling: Dawn Cook For She Is Atlanta

"I can go R&B or old school, or we can put on some Nipsey Hussle. I listen to a little bit of everything." Dawn Cook is in my studio to shoot for my She Is Atlanta project, a photography exhibit and short film documentary celebrating women over 40 in Atlanta. Her story made her a perfect candidate to be featured, not just because she stands out as a Black woman pilot but because she manages to be so MANY things. She is confident and relatable, probably in part because she straddles so many worlds and has a life full of diverse experiences.

“My place, like most women of color, is multi-faceted and lovingly complex,” she reflects. She wears many hats: a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, the captain of a Boeing 767, a bestselling author, a life coach, and an entrepreneur. These roles coexist within her, showing that complexity can be a strength rather than a limitation.

Dawn Cook for She Is Atlanta

Dawn's love for aviation began early in life. Her mother worked as a flight attendant and often took her to work. Young Dawn experienced the excitement of flight firsthand, which fueled her desire for a career in aviation. Now, she stands as one of the first Black women to captain a Boeing 767, breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by men. Each flight she commands not only showcases her expertise but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring aviators everywhere. In fact, since becoming a captain, she has inspired over 500 young people, including many girls, to consider careers in aviation—a field where female representation remains low, with only about 7% of pilots being women. Being a pioneer in her industry would culminate in accomplishing a historic first. In 2020, alongside Captain Stephanie Johnson, Dawn participated in Delta’s first mainline flight with two Black women as captains, a significant milestone in the aviation industry. This achievement symbolizes progress and showcases the importance of representation for aspiring pilots everywhere.

As I've gotten to know Dawn, what stands out to me most about her is how kind and down-to-earth she is, but how well-balanced this is by her drive and assertiveness. Women who carry themselves with a lot of confidence can be perceived as intimidating, but Dawn knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it. In her book, The Aviatrix Mindset: Stop Stalling and Start Soaring she says, "If you are reading this book, it means you are a driven woman. People already thought you were aggressive, they just never told you to your face. So, what others think should not concern you. And really, you have two options: take what people give you or welcome what you asked for with open arms." I cackled when I read that passage, and it's so true! But I think the way that Dawn moves through a room, openly and warmly interacting with everyone there, tempers that inner force. I think this balance of soft and strong is something many women grapple with.

I appreciate Dawn for taking all her years of experience, and wisdom, and accomplishments and distilling them down into an easy-to-follow, inspiring book. Throughout the chapters, she guides readers through the struggles of self-doubt. She encourages them to push through barriers and embrace their true potential. She lays everything out in logical steps, with doable actions and realistic changes. The book makes me feel like I've got a successful bestie in your corner. She says, "This non-stop flight called life will not last forever. I repeat, this flight will not last forever! So, what are you waiting for? Next month is going to come whether you have achieved your goal or not. You will either be one month older and have achieved your goal, or you will simply be older and talking about your goal. Are you going to talk about it or be about it? Set a date and start taking action!"

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I feel honored to be photographing Dawn, to give her a day of being pampered, to celebrate her, tell her story, and to showcase who she is in the form of images that illustrate just how incredible she is. The "She Is Atlanta" project emphasizes the need for representation. Women over 40 are often overlooked in media portrayals, making it vital to tell stories like Dawn's. Celebrating her achievements helps break stereotypes and paves the way for future generations of women, particularly women of color, in traditionally male-dominated industries.