A Visit from Amelia Earhart’s Great Nephew

Written By Beth White

We were deeply honored to host Bram Klepner, the great-nephew of Amelia Earhart and a state legislator for Chittenden County, Vermont, at Habitat for Aviation. Bram’s connection to aviation is undeniable, as his grandmother was Amelia Earhart's sister, making him a part of a family legacy that changed the course of aviation history. His visit to our organization was particularly meaningful, knowing that he came with a profound appreciation for our mission and the work we do, especially in empowering young women to explore the world of aviation.

Aubrianna taught Bram how to rivet and he pulled his first one in front of the painting that Beth made of his great aunt.

Bram’s visit was not only a moment to share our story but also an opportunity to learn more about his great aunt, Amelia.He graciously brought with him rare photos of Amelia, many of which had never been seen by anyone outside his immediate family. One of the most captivating images showed Amelia adjusting the prop on her plane in Lae, New Guinea—her final stop before attempting the fateful journey to Howland Island. This intimate glimpse into Amelia’s life was both humbling and inspiring, reminding us of the courage and determination that has always been a part of the Earhart legacy.

Throughout his visit, Bram expressed admiration for the unique space our Pilot in Command, Beth White, has created at Habitat for Aviation. Beth’s dedication to providing young women with the opportunity to learn and apprentice in avionics has fostered a one-of-a-kind environment for the next generation of aviation professionals. We are incredibly grateful for the time Bram spent with us, sharing stories, photos, and his deep connection to Amelia’s legacy. His visit was a reminder of the importance of continuing to break barriers and provide opportunities for women in aviation, and we left feeling inspired by the shared history and the bright future we are building together.

Beth White

Education Possibilitarian, Artist, Writer, Doula, Mentor, Aviatrix, Breast Cancer Survivor, Pilot-in-Command at Habitat for Aviation


In the spring of 2022, Beth White emerged from a 10-month battle with breast cancer with an idea: to create an apprenticeship program at Franklin County State Airport where youth work alongside adult mentors servicing conventional and electric aircraft. A pilot and airplane mechanic apprentice herself, and with family roots in the trades, Habitat for Aviation provides an taxilane for world learning opportunities for youth and adults who love to work with their hands to enter the FAA’s apprenticeship certification track. Each day she puts systems in place that make real John Dewey’s philosophy that we “learn best what we live” – a deep throughline from her time at Antioch University New England and as Regional Director for Big Picture Learning. Each learning experience is grounded in relationships, relevance, and practice. In October, 2023, Habitat for Aviation launched its Women Build Planes program, where an all-female team of Modern Day Rosies is building an airplane at Franklin County Airport, in northwestern Vermont, to show folks everywhere that despite the fact that only 2.6% of airplane mechanics are female, women BUILD, FLY, and FIX airplanes.

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