“I believe everyone has the potential to do it. They just have to believe in themselves enough to actually do it.”
—Lt. Col. Olga Custodio
Our Story
In 2015, five friends attending Jacksonville University noticed the absence of a professional pilot organization that represented the Latin community. Accordingly; Nicholas Sorkki, Jerry Dooyes, Gabe Quintana, Merrill Sutton and Michael Cerrato-Yeomans founded the Latino Pilots Association (LPA).
Our Mission
LPA is committed in its mission to INSPIRE, MENTOR and DEVELOP Latin Professionals in Aerospace; further eliminating socio-economic barriers through representation, financial support, education and mentorship.
Our Purpose
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization of diverse professionals from various sectors of the aerospace and aviation industries. We strive to: Inspire, Mentor and Develop.
Inspire
Inspiration awakens us to new possibilities by allowing us to transcend our ordinary experiences and limitations. Inspiration propels us from apathy to possibility, and transforms the way we perceive our own capabilities.
Mentor
Mentorship at its core, guarantees that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and reassures them that they matter.
Develop
We strive to develop new pathways to a career in the aviation and aerospace industry. We work closely with our partners and in depth with our members to help them achieve their career goals.