Meet 24-year-old Nigerian: MIRACLE Izuchukwu, America’s Youngest Licensed Black Female Commercial Pilot
…started as an airport customer service representative before becoming a flight attendant
*“Flying is freedom. It’s a lifetime opportunity. I finally found a career that I love. Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I would watch a lot of TED Talks, thinking about a career I would love. Becoming a pilot is a fulfilment, I can do this job all day. I want young girls to see me in my pilot uniform and tell them they can also become pilots. Preparing the next generation of black girls that want to become a pilot is my top priority”-IZUCHUKWU
*BY SIMI OREOLUWA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
SHE IS FULL OF INFECTIOUS SMILES, with no dull moments. She is beautiful, intelligent and smart. Welcome to the world of MIRACLE IZUCHUKWU, a 24-year-old Nigerian born Naturalized American who made history as the youngest licensed black female commercial pilot in the United States of America. Though grew up in New York but broke the gas ceilings recently when she became the youngest woman of color to be a black female commercial pilot in the United States of America.
In this rare interview, IZUCHUKWU takes you through her adventure and career:
NAIJA STANDARD: What inspired you to be an aviator?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I started working as an airport customer service representative before becoming a flight attendant. I met a pilot that instilled in me the passion to become a pilot.
NAIJA STANDARD: What background got you to where you are today to become a pilot?
Miracle Izuchukwu: It started with telling my parents that I wanted to be a pilot. At first, my parents didn’t support my dream. They didn’t see it as a possibility. My dad told me that if a black woman were flying a plane, he would get off the plane. My mom was totally against it. My mom is a nurse and wanted me to follow in her footsteps. My mom felt that to survive in the United States, I needed to be a nurse to put food on the table. Being a nurse was not my passion.
I’m the oldest of five children. In the African culture, the oldest sibling is responsible for caring for their siblings. My parents said that there was no way I could leave my siblings behind. My mom tried to stop me at all costs, but seeing my persistence, she eventually caved in.
When I left for Ohio, I wondered if I had made the right decision. When I left home, I decided there was no going back. I had to prove to my parents that I would be successful. Not only did I need their support, but I also needed them financially. I had to find a way to support myself to enroll in the pilot program. I found a way by taking out student loans. I succeeded, and my parents are very proud of me.
NAIJA STANDARD: What is one thing you would like to change in the aviation field?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I want a change in the pilot’s uniforms. Women have to wear pants and a tie. I would like to see women wear skirts, heels and have more options for wearing a uniform.
NAIJA STANDARD: Only 7% of pilots across the nation are female. What does it feel like to be a young female in this industry that is dominated by white men?
Miracle Izuchukwu: It feels great. I’m very thankful for the aviators that came before me to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams.
NAIJA STANDARD: How many flight hours do you have and need to become a commercial pilot?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I need 1,500 flight hours to work for an airline. As of now, I have 300 flight hours. The training is very intense. I have been keeping myself motivated because I know that I will reach my goal of getting 1,500 flight hours.
NAIJA STANDARD: Can you describe what it feels like flying?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I would say freedom. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. I finally found a career that I love. Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I would watch a lot of TED Talks, thinking about a career I would love. Becoming a pilot, I can do this job all day.
NAIJA STANDARD: What aviator, past or present, you would like to have a conversation with, and what questions would you ask him or her?
Miracle Izuchukwu: It would be Bessie Coleman. She is the reason why I am a pilot. I would ask her what gave her the courage to become a pilot and people who doubted her being a black female pilot. I can relate to her because I went through obstacles to become a pilot as Bessie Coleman did.
NAIJA STANDARD: You’ve been a nurse, flight attendant, and pilot before the age of 24. How does it feel to accomplish so much in such a short period of time?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I am excited about the many opportunities to come. I feel like I’m just getting started. I’m looking forward to being in the aviation industry and helping young girls who want to become a pilot because anything is possible.
NAIJA STANDARD What message would you give to a young woman who is considering a career in aviation?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I want young women to know that getting into the aviation field is very hard. What kept me going during the difficult times was showing up and being ready to put in the work. There were times I wanted to quit, but I would say tomorrow would be a better day. I would tell young women to never give up on their dreams.
NAIJA STANDARD: Where do you see yourself in your career 5 to 10 years from now?
Miracle Izuchukwu: I want to travel around the world and meet young girls from Africa. I want to help them because there are not enough resources and opportunities to pursue a career in aviation. I want young girls to see me in my pilot uniform and tell them they can also become pilots. Preparing the next generation of black girls that want to become a pilot is my top priority.
*Additional reports by Chicago Defender
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