Vânia Furtado was born and raised in Cabo Verde and immigrated to the United States at the young age of 16. Vânia’s passion for aviation was inspired by her parents who both worked in the industry for over 30 years. With over 2 decades of experience, she began her career at TACV, the national airline of Cabo Verde, and now holds an administrative position at JetBlue Airways.
Vânia loves working in aviation not only for the dynamic environment but also for the opportunity it gives her to travel the world.
Carlos Lopes was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Cape Verdean parents hailing from the island of Fogo. Deeply connected to his heritage, Carlos has carried the spirit of both his birthplace and his ancestral roots into the skies. A professional pilot, he currently flies for American Airlines, bringing years of experience and dedication to the aviation industry.
Rui Lima was born in New York City to Cabo Verdean parents and has always carried a deep passion for aviation. While his journey began in the cockpit, his interests evolved to include the broader landscape of aviation management and strategy. He received his flight training at Spartan College of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began his professional flying career at Mesa Airlines, later joining JetBlue Airways. Today, Rui serves as a First Officer on the Boeing 777 at United Airlines and manages other start-up ventures. His unique blend of operational experience, entrepreneurial vision and business acumen has positioned him at the intersection of aviation, innovation, and global business.
Currently serving as the Director of International Outreach for the Cape Verde Aviators Association (CPVAA), he is tasked on developing key relationships with international stakeholders, mentoring and empowering the next generation of Cabo Verde aviation professionals.
Born and raised in Cabo Verde, Laurentino always dreamed of becoming a pilot. After completing high school in Fogo, he moved to the United States to pursue that dream—enrolling at Vaughn College in New York, where he earned his aviation credentials and became a certified Flight Instructor.
Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Laurentino turned his aspirations into reality. After nearly two years of instructing, he launched his airline career in 2017 flying the CRJ 900. Today, he flies the Boeing 757/767 for Delta Air Lines, continuing to live out his childhood dream.
Now, he’s dedicated to creating pathways for future aviators—using his journey to uplift others and expand the horizons of Cape Verdean talent around the world.
Jefferson, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, is a seasoned aviator with over a decade of experience and more than 6,000 flight hours. A proud graduate of Bridgewater State University, he holds a degree in Aviation Science with dual concentrations in Flight Training and Aviation Management.
His aviation journey has taken him through the ranks at Cape Air, Island Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, leading to his current role as a First Officer on the A320 for Delta Air Lines. From small aircraft to commercial jets, Jefferson has never lost sight of the passion that first drew him to the skies.
As CEO of the Cape Verdean Aviators Association, Jefferson is not only committed to advancing aviation opportunities—he’s driven by a personal mission to inspire, mentor, and open doors for future Cape Verdean pilots. For him, it’s about more than flying—it’s about lifting others as he climbs.
With over 10,000 flight hours and 16 years of experience as an airline pilot, Vagner has turned a lifelong passion into a thriving aviation career. From turboprops to modern jets, he has flown across four different airlines, embracing every opportunity the sky has to offer. For him, the cockpit isn’t just a workplace—it’s home.
Aviation is more than a profession; it’s a calling. Vagner finds deep fulfillment in sharing his love for flying and mentoring the next generation of aviators. Whether guiding aspiring pilots or inspiring young dreamers, he is committed to helping boys and girls believe in their ability to one day take flight.
Now, through his work with fellow aviators, he’s proud to help turn those dreams into reality.
Edilson is a proud graduate of Bridgewater State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Aviation Science. As an immigrant navigating life in the United States, he faced numerous challenges—but his unwavering passion for aviation kept him focused and determined. These early obstacles only strengthened his resolve, and he graduated in just three years, already equipped with nearly a year of flight instructing experience.
Since 2017, Edilson has had the privilege of flying for the airlines, gaining experience in aircraft including the Cessna 402, Embraer 145, Embraer 190, Boeing 757/767, and now serves proudly as a Captain on the Boeing 737. He credits his journey to goal-setting, perseverance, and a relentless work ethic.
Today, Edilson is passionate about giving back—using his story and experience to help others achieve their own dreams of flight, just as others once helped him.
