Finding Community and Support Through NGPA Student Chapter

Establishing a Sense of Belonging

Meet Charlie Sanford (’27), an Aeronautical Science student who grew up with several pilots in their family, cultivating an early interest in flight and the aeronautics and aviation industries.

“I had my first lesson when I was 12 years old, and I was hooked,” Charlie said.

They learned about opportunities to pursue aeronautics as a future career through their participation in the Civil Air Patrol, which led them to discover Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Even after receiving acceptances to multiple aeronautics-focused programs, Charlie knew that if they did not attend Embry-Riddle, they would regret it.

Since their first year, Charlie has engaged with peers across several clubs and organizations, including Alpha Omicron Alpha, the American Meteorological Society, the Honors Program, the Society of Women Engineers, Women in Aviation and the NGPA Daytona Beach student chapter.

“It was important to me to have a well-rounded social group with a variety of backgrounds,” they said.

What is the National Gay Pilots Association?

The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering community and a professional network for LGBTQ+ aviation professionals worldwide.

As the former treasurer and current vice president of the NGPA Daytona Beach student chapter, Charlie demonstrates exemplary student leadership and encourages connections among their peers.

They share a meaningful perspective on how NGPA can shape the Embry-Riddle student experience.

What inspired you to get involved in NGPA?

During my first year of college, the social sphere felt like a whirlwind. I turned to club involvement, and NGPA was the perfect place for me. The members were all friends who supported and mentored each other.

During my sophomore year, several members were invited to attend an NGPA conference in Palm Springs, California. The eight of us who had the privilege of attending grew much closer, and I felt like I found a community where I belonged.

Since most of the executive board was graduating that year, I knew I could bring fresh ideas — not only to boost our membership, but to increase the number of people we could bring to the next conference.

I was soon elected as treasurer, and the rest is history.

What are the benefits of being a member of an NGPA student chapter?

There are two major benefits for NGPA student chapter involvement: community connections and career growth opportunities.

We are always enthusiastic about welcoming new people and are always looking for opportunities to include them in our social events.

We also offer many opportunities for professional development, ranging from local United Airlines speaker events to career expos all over the country.

What makes NGPA special?

Our chapter has a lot of group diversity. We have several allies and people from all corners of the LGBTQ+ community.

Although it may seem like only a small number of people are “eligible” to join NGPA, we are proud to accept anyone who is looking for career development opportunities and community connections.

How has being involved in NGPA enhanced your experience as an Embry-Riddle student?

NGPA gave me direction for professional development and a community I can call home.

I have made lifelong friends in NGPA both in the Daytona Beach student chapter and by attending events across the United States.

I am honored to be a part of this wonderfully diverse association, and I am looking forward to building it up even more in the coming years.

Charting Multiple Pathways

As they approach their final few semesters at Embry-Riddle, Charlie is working toward earning their Certified Flight Instructor certificate and fulfilling their contracts in the pilot pathway program through SkyWest Airlines and United Airlines. They continue to dream big for themselves and work hard to become an accomplished pilot.

“After a few years, I would love to upgrade to a widebody and fly all over the world,” Charlie said.