A community built to widen the runway.

A graduate of Bridgewater State University’s Aviation Science program, Edilson overcame the challenges of building a new life in the United States and completed his degree in three years while beginning his career as a flight instructor. Since entering airline aviation in 2017, he has flown the Cessna 402, Embraer 145 and 190, Boeing 757/767, and Boeing 737. He created CPVAA to give back and help aspiring Cape Verdean aviators find the guidance and encouragement that helped him along his own journey.

A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, Jefferson is a Bridgewater State University graduate with a degree in Aviation Science and concentrations in flight training and aviation management. His career has included Cape Air, Island Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and his current role as an Airbus A320 First Officer at Delta Air Lines. With more than a decade in aviation, Jefferson brings broad operational experience and a commitment to opening doors for future Cape Verdean aviation professionals.

Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Cape Verdean parents from the island of Fogo, Carlos has carried both his heritage and his dedication to aviation throughout a diverse professional flying career. Before joining American Airlines, he gained experience at a regional carrier and with TACV, the national airline of Cabo Verde. Carlos is passionate about mentorship and community empowerment, with a particular commitment to helping aspiring aviators from underrepresented backgrounds pursue their goals.

Born and raised in Cabo Verde, Vânia immigrated to the United States at age 16. Her passion for aviation was inspired by her parents, who both worked in the industry for more than 30 years. With over two decades of aviation experience, Vânia began her career at TACV, the national airline of Cabo Verde, and now works in an administrative role at JetBlue Airways. She values aviation’s dynamic environment and the opportunity it provides to connect with people and places around the world.

Born and raised in Cabo Verde, Laurentino moved to the United States after completing high school in Fogo to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He studied at Vaughn College in New York, earned his aviation credentials, and became a certified flight instructor. After nearly two years of instructing, he began his airline career in 2017 flying the CRJ-900. Today, Laurentino flies the Boeing 757/767 for Delta Air Lines and is committed to creating clearer pathways for future Cape Verdean aviators.

Born in New York City to Cabo Verdean parents, Rui trained at Spartan College of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and began his professional flying career at Mesa Airlines before joining JetBlue Airways. Today, he serves as a Boeing 777 First Officer at United Airlines while managing other start-up ventures. Rui brings together operational experience, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking to develop international relationships and help mentor and empower the next generation of Cabo Verdean aviation professionals.