Daniel Domingo Mosquea
Age: 19
Hometown: New York, NY
School: Farmingdale State College
Graduation Year: June 2028
“I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT not only because it offers a remarkable opportunity to advance my aviation career, but because its mission deeply resonates with me. As someone who is passionate about empowering marginalized youth within an industry that remains racially imbalanced, I was especially inspired after hearing about the program from the parent of a Tuskegee NEXT alum.”
About Me:
My interests include aviation, painting, knitting, illustration, fashion, writing, cooking, and reading. I aspire to work for a commercial airline and hopefully become a captain before the age of 30.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
From a young age, I’ve felt a deep connection to aviation and have longed to be among those privileged few who soar above the earth, not just as pilots, but as stewards of humanity’s progress. Though despite no longer being a child, my passion remains undiminished. What has evolved is my purpose to champion for diversity within the aviation field.
Aviation, as inspiring as it is, has a complicated legacy marked by exclusion and inequality. Today, nearly 90% of pilots are white men, a statistic that remains a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that persist. As a proud Latino aspiring to become a pilot and dedicated administrator, I am equally driven by the technical side of flight and the social responsibility that comes with it. My goal is to uplift and empower underrepresented communities to ensure that they see themselves in the cockpit.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who have nurtured my love for aviation. Their support opened doors for me through industry conversations, aircraft tours, and even the chance to fly a plane before beginning my journey with Tuskegee NEXT. Now, I hope to pay that forward. I aim to inspire the next generation of aspiring pilots, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, by showing them that with the right guidance, they can not only dream of flight but achieve it.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT not only because it offers a remarkable opportunity to advance my aviation career, but because its mission deeply resonates with me. As someone who is passionate about empowering marginalized youth within an industry that remains racially imbalanced, I was especially inspired after hearing about the program from the parent of a Tuskegee NEXT alum. Their story reinforced my belief that this organization is more than a training program, it’s a movement. I want to be part of a legacy that challenges systemic barriers and redefines what’s possible in aviation. Carrying the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen on my shoulders, I am committed to furthering their vision of equity, excellence, and enduring change.
What are your future aviation aspirations?
Currently a student at Farmingdale State College dual majoring in Aeronautical Science and Aviation Administration, my goal remains to secure the necessary licenses to become a flight instructor. Afterwards, I aspire to become an international commercial pilot. I hope to serve the aviation community by being part of initiatives that contribute to the field's diversification and challenge the industry's social status quo.
Fun Fact:
As an enjoyer of the arts I’ve converted my bedroom into a mini museum featuring various mediums and styles of craft.
Quote:
“Without facts, you can't have truth. Without truth, you can't have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality” - Maria Ressa