Destined to Soar to Success
Born into a family of pilots, Charlie Sanford felt called to their future career from an early age. With two pilot pathway programs underway, Charlie is stacking up professional experiences while earning a degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
They offer a unique perspective on the NGPA experience as vice president of the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach student chapter.
Q: How did you initially get involved in NGPA?
A: 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.
Q: What resources have you found to be most useful?
A: My student membership makes networking events financially accessible and includes free mentoring and mental health services. 
Q: What makes NGPA student chapters special?
A: There are two major benefits of student chapter involvement: community connections and career growth opportunities. Our chapter rewards members with networking opportunities while engaging new students who are seeking community at our social events.
We offer many opportunities for professional development, ranging from speaker events to career expos all over the country.
Q: How has Embry-Riddle and its support for the NGPA student chapter shaped your student experience?
A: Embry-Riddle goes above and beyond to create spaces that harbor a variety of interests. Even as an LGBTQ+ organization, I never felt we were out of place. They always include us in their student organization events and give us financial support to attend NGPA conferences.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from an NGPA event?
A: The executive board, plus seven other members, were invited to the 2025 Student Summit to network, and we had a blast doing it.
The beauty of NGPA events is that there are not only opportunities for professional development, but opportunities to connect with people in a relaxed and fun environment. We all made new friends from chapters across the country and continue to interact with them at every event we go to.
The Lasting NGPA Impact
NGPA has provided Charlie access to networking opportunities, meaningful connections and a welcoming environment to grow into a young, accomplished professional.
“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,” Charlie emphasized.
Embry-Riddle hosts two NGPA student chapters at its Prescott, Arizona, and Daytona Beach, Florida, campuses, both dedicated to providing a social and professional community for LGBTQ+ aviation professionals.
To learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and its offerings for pilots and aviation professionals alike, visit erau.edu/ngpa.
