Jesutofunmi(JT) Akerele
Age: 19
Hometown: Prince George’s County, Maryland
School: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Graduation Year: 2028
“As the first aspiring aviator in my family, Tuskegee NEXT provides answers to many of the questions I've had and offers a path toward reaching the skies.”
About Me:
My name is Jesutofunmi (JT) Akerele, and I am an aspiring airline pilot and aerospace engineer from Maryland. I am of Nigerian descent. I am working toward earning a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, along with a minor in Corporate Innovation. I am passionate about both flying and aircraft design, and I hope to contribute to the aviation industry as both a pilot and an engineer.
Outside of aviation, I enjoy watching shows, listening to music, and making beats in my free time. I also enjoy serving others and finding ways to make a positive impact in my community. I am excited to continue growing in an industry that inspires me and to follow in the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen by pursuing excellence and creating opportunities for others.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
I have been fascinated by airplanes and pilots for as long as I can remember. That interest eventually grew into a passion, leading me to join the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology (AEAT) program in high school. Through that experience and opportunities such as the OBAP ACE Academy, I became even more certain that aviation was the field I wanted to pursue.
To me, aviation is an industry that embodies the incredible possibilities of human intelligence and cutting-edge engineering. What excites me most is the opportunity to combine flying with engineering by applying concepts in aircraft systems, structures, and design. I hope to one day contribute to the development of innovative aircraft and aviation technologies while also pursuing a career as a professional pilot.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
Tuskegee NEXT directly honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, and I wanted to be part of that legacy. My family did not have the financial means to support my private pilot training, so Tuskegee NEXT presented an incredible opportunity.
The program provides flight training at no cost and offers mentorship, professional development, and lifelong connections that extend far beyond aviation. I saw it as a major stepping stone toward my aviation career, and it was an opportunity I could not pass up.
I first learned about Tuskegee NEXT at the Black Brown College Bound (BBCB) Summit in Tampa, Florida, where I met Adrian, a Tuskegee NEXT alum cadet, and Jairo Vargas, the program's former manager, during a program fair session.
What are your future aviation aspirations?
My goal is to become both a commercial pilot and an aerospace engineer specializing in aircraft design, systems, and manufacturing. I hope to combine these two fields to help advance aviation while inspiring the next generation of future aviators and engineers.
Fun Fact:
I taught myself how to make music beats and have accumulated over 400,000 views on YouTube.
Quote:
"For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall." - Psalm 18:29 (NKJV)