McLean, VA — Dec 1, 2025 — The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) proudly announces the successful completion of the 2025 NGPA Student Summit, held November 14–15 in McLean, Virginia. This year’s summit brought aviation students from across the country together for a weekend of connection, mentoring, skill development, and leadership growth.
The summit opened with a student social at Lucky Strike in Tysons Corner, giving attendees an opportunity to build community before transitioning into a full day of programming at ALPA’s Valo Park campus. Saturday began with a breakfast networking social and welcome remarks supported by Endeavor Air, followed by the keynote session “Your Queer Career” delivered by Matthew French, who offered empowering guidance on authenticity, personal branding, and navigating early-career opportunities.
Students participated in a range of breakout sessions tailored to their development as emerging professionals, including interview preparation, networking strategy, mental wellness in aviation, and airline pathway education. A Lunch Panel brought together industry representatives and NGPA leaders for an engaging discussion on workplace culture, career readiness, and resilience.
The afternoon featured an All-Group Financial Education Workshop with Wings Financial and a University Chapters Leadership Workshop, offering practical tools for students to strengthen their own chapters and future involvement in NGPA’s mission.
NGPA extends its gratitude to Endeavor Air, Wings Financial, our presenters, volunteers, and university chapter leaders for making this summit a meaningful and memorable experience.
About NGPA
The NGPA is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota. Founded in 1990, NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Our organization aims to encourage individuals to begin aviation careers, foster an environment of equality for LGBTQ+ aviators, promote safety, and establish personal and professional networks. The NGPA makes this a reality through education, outreach, and social events. Our organization is run by a board of directors, executive leadership, and volunteers! For more information, visit www.ngpa.org.
