Age: 19
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Year: 2022
Career Aspirations:
In a perfect world, I am a pilot who researches aviation and medicine. I am interested in both flight and how it affects our bodies.
Hobbies & Interests:
Aside from aviation, I am passionate about reading, fencing, serving my community, and trying new things.
Organizations/Clubs:
MIT Varsity Fencing Team, MIT Medlink, Urban Program Counselor, Black Students Union (BSU), Minority Association of Premed Students (MAPS), Black Women’s Alliance (BWA).
Why are you passionate about aviation?
Living relatively close to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, I had the privilege to admire aircraft overhead almost daily. During my sophomore year of high school, I joined my school’s Science Olympiad team. Because of my interest in aircraft, I decided to participate in Wright Stuff, an event where students create a rubber band powered plane and compete. In this event, my partner and I earned a high place. The next year, I competed in the Helicopter Event with a non-coaxial rotor helicopter and earned 2nd Place in the region.
Once I identified my love for aircraft, I sought out programs that would further expose me to aviation. The summer before my senior year of high school, I explored both Aviation and Astrophysics. My participation in the 2017 Atlanta Organization of Black Aerospace Engineers (OBAP) Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy was rewarding. During this time, I also studied Astrophysics and Science Writing as a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC). Through MOSTEC, I learned that Astrophysics was not for me and that I love MIT. Through the ACE Academy, I learned that aviation is truly one of my passions.
What is your future aspiration?
I strive to set an example for those around me. It pains me to know that there are not many females of color involved in the aviation industry. In the future, I want to be an inspiration to minority aviators.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT?
The Tuskegee NEXT program means an opportunity: To follow my passions, grow, acquire skills and resources, and an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen are significant not only for what they have done for this country but also because they are proof that a person can do anything they want to if they put their mind to it. Despite the obstacles of oppression that they faced, the Tuskegee Airmen were able to thrive and push forward, becoming role models for many like me.