Age: 20
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
School: Texas A&M University
Year: Junior
Career Aspirations: I aspire to serve as a Flight/Propulsion Test Engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy dancing, playing volleyball, spending time with family & friends, trying new foods, and watching movies.
Organizations/Clubs: I am the 2022 Chair of the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC), Co-Captain of Maroon Prestige (majorette dance organization), and Co-Director of Mentors for Excellence uniting Culture, Education, and Leadership (ExCEL; freshmen mentoring organization). I am also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), and Cohort F of the Zachry (Engineering) Leadership Program.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
“To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.” (Anonymous)
Listening to the roar of waves screaming in the air as planes would accelerate to take off was how I spent my free time at a young age. No one had any idea these memories would attribute to my drive and passion to propel forward. When I turned 16 years old, I began looking for summer aerospace opportunities, and I was blessed to find my first internship through SpaceWorks Enterprises Inc: The Summer Training Research Opportunity (ASTRO, Team 9). I had the privilege of serving as an Aerospace Systems Engineer and I immediately fell in love with my job!
As the youngest member and being the least experienced, I studied and learned from the mentoring team within the company. Our purpose was to build, test, and maneuver a CubeSat through space. All throughout the internship, I contributed critical thinking and problem-solving skills while conducting research related to improving the CubeSat and Space Tug design. Additionally, I supported my team by taking responsibility for managing risks associated with the tug and the effects it would have on society. As a result, I was honored with the “2018 Most Valuable Intern” award and it validated my calling to pursue my aviation journey. It gave me the confidence to realize that through hard work, dedication, mentorship, and the commitment to explore trial and error, my glass ‘as twice as big as it needs to be” will always supersede running over. That summer gave me the push and enthusiasm I needed to believe in my dream of becoming a Flight/Propulsion Test Engineer. I will never forget that summer!
What is your future aspiration?
My long-term career aspiration is to serve as a Flight/Propulsion Test Engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Along my journey towards doing so, I hope to inspire other minority women to join the aviation/aerospace community.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT?
Many summer opportunities helped me visualize my aviation journey. However, the most influential experience was being interviewed and selected by my mentor, Delta Airlines’ Flight Instructor, Branden Dungy, to participate in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Solo Flight Academy. His support and guidance led me to successfully solo and push myself to apply for the Tuskegee NEXT Program.
Because of this experience, for me, learning to fly has grown to mean more than just memorizing my flight manual. Each experience towards the blue skies gives me an appreciation to problem solve and challenge my thinking skills knowing that every takeoff and landing will impact the lives of others. At the same time, the process has allowed me to view mentoring and giving back as true gifts within the aviation community. These are the skills and opportunities I truly believe I can mature as I matriculate through my journey with Tuskegee NEXT.
I chose to partake in the program not only because I love to fly, but because I know Tuskegee NEXT signifies a window of opportunity filled with moments where I will grow within my career, as an aviator, and as a person who loves giving back to my community!