Sonia Kekeh ’23 has turned her passion for mathematics and innovation into a pathway to aerospace engineering opportunities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“Aerospace aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of contributing to an equitable space industry—whether through technical innovation, regulatory reform or a combination of both,” Kekeh said. “By working at the intersection of engineering and policy, I hope to shape a future where space is an accessible tool for development for all.”

Foundations at Ocean Lakes

At Ocean Lakes, Kekeh earned the Dolphin Medallion, a prestigious award that showcases citizenship, leadership and excellence. In addition, she served as the vice president of the Operation Smile club and student council (SCA) during her senior year.

“She had a powerful presence and was truly inspiring, especially as a sophomore on executive board with goals to advance in SCA,” senior and SCA vice president Anna Brown said. “She made me want to be better and earn a better position in order to recreate the atmosphere she created for me.”

Kekeh was also an AP Scholar with Distinction and a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, balancing rigorous coursework in the Math and Science Academy (MSA) with initiative and dedication.

“As a student in the MSA, she tackled a challenging workload for four years while still finding time for leadership and service,” Operation Smile club advisor Andrea Smolin said. 

Kekeh credits her MSA senior project shadowing at the Summer Science Program (SSP) for Astrophysics at UNC Chapel Hill as a valuable experience for her personal growth. Listening to the outcomes of SSP alumni inspired her to apply to MIT, as their stories motivated her and spoke to her abilities. 

Thriving in Innovation at MIT

“As someone who had zero prior coding or astrophysics experience, is a rookie at pulling all-nighters and is still working to overcome a fear of failure, my experience at SSP was highly challenging but also a catalyst for personal growth,” Kekeh said. 

Advancing to MIT, Kekeh recognizes a familiar ambition with Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson, whose story is portrayed in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures.” The women worked at NASA and assisted in the win of the space race, while leading the revolution for equal rights and opportunity.

“As a Black woman, coming from a low-income, immigrant family from Togo, I recognize that sustainability in spaceflight is not just about protecting the environment—it also has direct benefits for marginalized communities,” Kekeh said. “Sustainable innovations, [such as] fully reusable rockets, help lower the cost of access to space, making it more feasible for underrepresented groups to participate in and benefit from the space industry.”

Earning the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

In addition to her previous impressive achievements, Kekeh’s dedication to aerospace led to her selection as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow. 

This year, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship honors 35 undergraduate students from 24 universities across the United States with opportunities to excel in their aerospace careers. Each student selected for this program has secured a competitive summer aerospace internship at a top-tier aerospace company, along with a scholarship, mentorship and a community of high-achieving Black students and young professionals. 

“Patti Grace Smith was a powerhouse in aerospace and a trailblazer in commercial spaceflight, leading the Office of Commercial Space Transportation at the Federal Aviation Administration and shaping the industry we see today. Her work made it possible for private companies to launch rockets and helped pave the way for the new era of space access,” Kekeh said. “She was also deeply committed to increasing opportunities for Black talent in aerospace, which resonates deeply with my passion for space accessibility and representation.”

Named the “35 Future Leaders in Aerospace,” Patti Grace Smith Fellows must show extraordinary professional aptitude, proven leadership qualities and a strong commitment to community, according to the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship blog. The application and selection process for the program is exceptionally precise. Candidates must meet all standard requirements, gather a resume, transcript and two letters of recommendation, share goals, write a personal essay and finally, submit a multimedia piece.

Kekeh’s recognition as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow is a remarkable achievement and represents her hard work and dedication.

“Patti Grace Smith broke barriers in an industry that wasn’t built with Black people in mind, but she didn’t just make space for herself—she made it her mission to open doors for others,” Kekeh said. “Now, as a 2025 Patti Grace Smith Fellow interning at Stoke Space, I am living out the legacy of the women who inspired me.”

A Leader in Aerospace and Advocacy

In addition to the Patti Grace Smith Fellows program, Kekeh earned the “Distinguished Peer” title for her MIT spirit by the The Office of Minority Education (OME) in December 2024.

“Whether attending student-led initiatives, organizing workshops or representing MIT at conferences, she continuously seeks opportunities to foster connections and enhance the sense of inclusion within MIT’s diverse community,” OME stated. 

From March 5 to 9, 2025, Kekeh attended the annual National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) convention in Chicago, IL. For the 50th anniversary, over 15,000 African American engineering students, teachers and leaders attended this conference. 

During the convention, the Society conducts organizational business, elects national and regional leaders, holds competitions and provides professional and personal development, networking and celebratory activities, according to the NSBE website.

“I was able to reconnect with a few friends I made at last year’s convention or AfroTech and celebrate our recent accomplishments together. I can always rely on NSBE Nationals to leave me feeling empowered and more curious about all the opportunities available to me,” Kekeh said. “The affirmation of community and belonging in fellowship with other Black engineers is an unmatched feeling.”