“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 the Latin aerospace & aviation communities; 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:
Lead the Way
In all that we do and do so in a professional and respectful manner.
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.
Give Back
Through scholarships, providing more affordable access to aerospace & aviation careers.
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.
Volunteer
By giving back to the communities in which we live. Sharing our passion and love for what we do, with those around us.
Spread Awareness
Through outreach and advocacy efforts to ensure a pipeline of careers in the aerospace/aviation sectors are available to future generations of Latin/o/a/x/e youth.