This November, NGPA hosted two of our most impactful events of the year: the annual Aviation Inclusion Summit and the second annual Student Summit, held at the Air Line Pilots Association Headquarters in Tysons–McLean, Virginia. Both gatherings brought together leaders, students, and industry partners committed to shaping the future of aviation.
The Aviation Inclusion Summit created a focused environment for meaningful dialogue and progress. A defining moment came from keynote speaker Amanda Simpson, who shared her remarkable journey as a trans woman in both military service and aviation leadership. Her story, powerful, honest, and deeply grounded in experience, highlighted the ongoing work needed to build an industry where authenticity is supported. Another key session, Building the Future Workplace: A Student Perspective panel, featured current aviation students offering direct insight to airline recruitment and HR teams. Their perspectives on belonging, mentorship, flexibility, and career development were clear and candid, giving employers a valuable look at what the next generation expects from the aviation workplace.
NGPA then welcomed more than 100 students from 20 universities and flight schools to the second annual Student Summit, a significant jump in engagement that reflects the growth of this program. The day welcomed Matthew French’s keynote, Your Queer Career, which encouraged students to show up confidently and authentically in their professional journeys. His message set the tone for a day of breakout sessions on interview preparation, airline pathways, financial planning, and building strong professional networks. Hosting the event at ALPA added a compelling layer of relevance, offering students a firsthand look at the role labor advocacy plays in shaping aviation careers.
Together, the Aviation Inclusion Summit and Student Summit demonstrated the impact NGPA continues to make across the industry. From emerging talent to seasoned professionals, the conversations and connections formed this week advanced our mission to build, support, and unite. We look forward to carrying this momentum into next year’s events as we continue strengthening the future of LGBTQ+ representation in aviation, with the Aviation Inclusion Summit November 4-6, 2026, and the Student Summit November 7, 2026!
