Joserik Figueroa-Duran

Age: 20
Hometown: Chicago, IL
School: Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Graduation Year: 2024

“The program’s emphasis on mentorship and inclusivity aligned with my passions and goals, confirming it was a great opportunity for my journey in aviation.”

About Me:
I have a deep love for the general aviation side of the industry. One of my favorite things to do is volunteer and mentor at as many aviation events as possible. I find real joy in being involved, whether it’s attending chapter meetings, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, or experiencing the excitement of AirVenture each year. These events not only fuel my love for aviation but also give me the opportunity to share my story as a young Hispanic woman in the field. I’m proud to speak about my journey, and I’m committed to encouraging others to pursue their own dreams in aviation. Everything I’ve accomplished so far is because of my mother. Her strength, love, and unwavering support have made it possible for me to take part in experiences many kids my age only dream about. She’s the reason I continue to push forward. Pursuing a career in aviation isn’t just about achieving my own goals, it’s about honoring everything my mom has done for me and showing her, and the world, what I’m capable of becoming.

Why are you passionate about aviation?
I believe that the aviation community not only encompasses the design and manufacture of aircraft to the operation of air travel, but is a monumental and inspiring network of individuals united by a shared passion for flight, innovation, and adventure. One of the most defining and admirable aspects of this field is its culture of mentorship. There will always be someone ready to share knowledge, celebrate milestones, or lend a hand, making aviation one of the most welcoming and empowering communities to be part of. Mentors often serve as role models and help navigate both the technical and emotional challenges of the field. They help build confidence, skills, and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with working in aviation. Many careers in aviation have been shaped by a single mentor who took the time to invest in someone’s growth. This spirit of guidance and generosity shapes the aviation community itself, creating a culture of giving back, where those who once received guidance feel a strong sense of duty to pass it on. This continuous cycle of support ensures that the aviation industry not only maintains its high standards, but also nurtures a sense of belonging and pride. In a field where every decision can affect lives, mentorship helps ensure the next generation is prepared, confident, and committed to carrying the torch forward. My love for aviation was sparked and encouraged by mentors who believe in me, and for that, I will always be grateful. My passion lies in honoring their legacy by doing the same for others and helping to build a future where the aviation community continues to thrive with purpose and pride.

Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
At AirVenture 2024, I happened to walk through the Warbirds area and came across the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s P-51C Mustang. There, I saw the current Tuskegee NEXT cadets taking photos, and I had the chance to speak with two chaperones, alumni of the program themselves. They shared their experiences with genuine enthusiasm and pride, explaining the opportunities Tuskegee NEXT had opened up for them. Their passion for aviation and deep respect for the program inspired me. Hearing firsthand how transformative the experience had been for them gave me the motivation and confidence to apply. The program’s emphasis on mentorship and inclusivity aligned with my passions and goals, confirming it was a great opportunity for my journey in aviation.

What are your future aviation aspirations?
As I’ve grown and learned more about the aviation world, my passion has only deepened, and it’s become clear to me that I don’t want to limit myself to just one aspect of it. My goal is to become both a certified A&P mechanic and a licensed pilot. I believe that combining technical expertise with flight experience will make me a more resourceful and well-rounded aviation professional. My goal goes beyond earning licenses or landing a job. I want to grow within the aviation industry, continuously learning, challenging myself, and finding new ways to improve both myself and the field I love. I aim to be part of the next generation that keeps aviation safe, efficient, and exciting, not just for myself, but for others who will come after me. One of the things that excites me most is the idea of being someone who can bridge the gap between pilots and mechanics, who understands both worlds and brings them together to make aviation better. In the long run, I hope to use my skills to not only fly and maintain aircraft, but also to inspire others, especially those who may not see themselves represented in aviation yet. I want them to know that this field is full of opportunity, and that with passion and dedication, they can find a place in it just like I did. Representation and encouragement can change lives, I’ve seen it in my own journey, and I want to pay that forward. I know that aviation is where I belong, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Fun Fact:
Every meaningful experience and milestone I’ve had in aviation has been shaped by incredible women who believed in me, guided me, and opened doors I never imagined possible. My journey began at Aerostar Avion Institute, where Dr. Tammera L. Holmes first welcomed me into the aviation community. Her leadership and encouragement helped me see a future in a field where I didn’t see myself reflected in. She didn’t just show me the runway, she showed me I was capable of taking off. That momentum continued when I met Ms. Cheryl Freeman at Olive-Harvey College. She became the next key figure in my path, introducing me to the world of A&P mechanics and guiding me step by step toward earning my license. Her support gave me the technical foundation and the confidence to move forward, knowing that I had both the knowledge and a great community to back me up. As I grew in the field, programs like the GirlVenture camp became life-changing. At GirlVenture, I met some of the most uplifting and empowering women I’ve ever known. They created a space where I felt seen, capable, and inspired. Their mentorship and friendship helped me build confidence, find my voice, and realize that I wasn’t alone in this industry. GirlVenture gave me lifelong mentors, role models, and friends. Without it, I truly wouldn’t be the person I am today. More recently, while attending the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, I had the honor of being sponsored and trained by Chix Fix to attend the 2024 MRO Americas competition, where I proudly competed as part of my school’s team. That experience deepened my skills and further connected me with a network of strong, driven women in aviation. These experiences, woven together by the mentorship and support of remarkable women, have shaped not just my career path, but who I am at my core. I’ve not only learned so much, but I’ve also come to deeply appreciate the power of sisterhood in this industry. I’ve learned that “girl power” isn’t just a slogan, but a force that lifts and motivates. I’m proud to be part of that force, and I can't wait to continue meeting future mentors and friends.

Quote:

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince