GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA — Strategic Aviation Services (SAS) Founder and Executive Director Asiwome Dzakuma visited the University of North Dakota on March 25, 2026, where he engaged aerospace students in a session centered on aviation careers, global exposure, and professional pathways.
The visit followed an invitation from Assistant Professor Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, a pilot and faculty advisor at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, who works closely with the university’s chapter of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).
Dzakuma met with members of the UND OBAP chapter, sharing insights from his journey from Ghana to the global aviation stage. His remarks drew from a career shaped across multiple regions, including Africa and Asia, where he served in multiple capacities — notably as a captain — before becoming a First Officer with United Airlines.
He spoke about his early years in a boarding school in Ghana, his transition to the United States, and the international experiences that informed his growth across countries such as Mali, Indonesia, and India.
The session offered students a candid view of the discipline, adaptability, and global perspective required to navigate aviation careers.
OBAP, a national nonprofit established in 1976, has long supported the development of minority aerospace professionals through mentorship, scholarships, and career readiness initiatives. The University of North Dakota chapter, established in October 2020, continues to foster connection, professional growth, and peer support among aspiring aviation professionals.
Through platforms like OBAP, students gain access to mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and industry connections that help bridge the gap between academic training and professional advancement.
Students engaged actively throughout the session, making the interaction both insightful and impactful.
The visit highlights the role of mentorship, representation, and structured support systems in preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.
