As Envoy continues to grow, bringing in top talent from all walks of life is more important than ever. One of the many ways we’re attracting and hiring the best of the best, is focusing on a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel valued.

Envoy partners with a wide range of groups across the aviation community, including the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA). Last month, at this year’s NGPA Winter Warm-Up Industry Expo in Palm Springs, Calif., the Envoy Recruitment team connected with students and aviation professionals to further this mission.

Watch our recap video highlighting the events at the NGPA Winter Warm-up including the Saturday night gala where Envoy Vice President of Flight Operations Ric Wilson presented three awards to our NGPA scholarship winners, and read more from our recruiters below.

Captain Elis Rosa Santaella

For Envoy Captain Elis Rosa Santaella, his love for aviation began at a young age watching aircraft take off and land at the park by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fast forward to today and Elis graduated from Texas A&M University, joined the American Airlines Cadet Academy and the Envoy Cadet Program, and is now flying as a Captain for Envoy on the Embraer 175.

During his training, Elis actively sought out organizations that would allow him to engage with the community, and that’s when he found NGPA.

“Being a member of the NGPA has given me access to a wealth of resources and inspired me to give back to the community using those same resources,” Elis said. “The best part of the NGPA is how it makes you feel heard and seen within the aviation community. They provide a safe space for everyone to feel like they belong in their respective workplaces and create an environment where companies unite to provide visibility and respect for our community.”

When asked for advice to aspiring pilots entering the aviation industry, Elis emphasizes determination.

“Don’t give up and above all, use your resources!” said Elis. “This is the best career in the world, and it’s even better when you build the right support group and engage in activities that help you develop as a person.”

First Officer Simon Lovely

Envoy First Officer Simon Lovely discovered his passion for aviation while playing flight simulator games in middle school. Over time, his interest grew and becoming a pilot became the best decision he ever made.

During his time at the NGPA conference, Simon met with industry professionals and students, heard their stories, and offered advice to those navigating the path from conditional job offers to training.

“The NGPA allows for a diverse group of people to be recognized, appreciated, and supported in the aviation sector,” Simon said. “Having allies within NGPA helps foster inclusion throughout aviation.”

First Officer Akshat Tyagi

Envoy First Officer Akshat Tyagi began his journey in high school at Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. where he gained the motivation to pursue a career in aviation. From a young age, he knew American Airlines would be his end goal.

He later continued his education at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. earning a degree in Professional Flight and was accepted into the Envoy Cadet Program, which streamlined his path to becoming a commercial pilot. Akshat was introduced to the NGPA through their Windy City Chapter after being based in Chicago.

There, he had the opportunity to meet many people and make lifelong friends, one of whom became his partner.

“Having an organization and community like the NGPA has been so beneficial to both my professional and personal life,” said Akshat. “I was able to connect with people like me.”

One of Akshat’s role models, Tony Petraglia, is also part of the NGPA and is currently a First Officer at American Airlines on the Boeing 737. The two were fortunate to fly together on the Embraer 145 before Envoy moved to a single Embraer E-Jet fleet type in 2023.

“Tony has been a great mentor, showing me what a good captain looks like as I prepare to upgrade,” Akshat said.

As Envoy expands, the perspectives and experiences of employees like Elis, Simon and Akshat are becoming essential to our continued success.