In 2007, at the age of 18, Cynthia Akazuba was crowned Miss Kigali. She continued on the beauty pageant path which led to her crowning as Miss East Africa 2009. 

However, the graduate of Architecture - Creative Design from College of Science and Technology, former Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) decided to ditch the runway for air travel. She currently works as a senior flight dispatcher with RwandAir.

In an interview with Women Today’s Doreen Umutesi, Akazuba encouraged Rwandan girls to seek careers in aviation regardless of how intimidating the male dominated field can be.

Excerpts;

How did you end up in aviation?

I started off as a customer service agent, and then I requested to be moved to flight dispatcher, which is more of operations. To qualify as a flight dispatcher, I took on a short course at Jeppesen Academy in The United States of America.

As a flight dispatcher, I’m required to assist in planning flight paths, taking into account aircraft performances and other conditions. I also interact with pilots, if there are any changes. For instance, I tell the pilot the number of passengers on board, the weather, the fuel available and the expected limitation of the airport destination. It’s an exciting job.

That seems like a lot of stressful work. How are you able to deal with it?

The training teaches you to manage time and stress in any given situation, including the technicalities of the job. Also, I have been in this field since 2012, so I have the experience and have gotten used to the pressure.

What challenges do you encounter as a flight dispatcher?

I can’t say I have encountered any problems with this job because it requires constant checking and clarification, especially with the information I share with the pilots. There is no room for error.

With your experience in the field, what advice do you have for young girls out there who dream of doing the same?

Aviation is a male dominated field; in fact, my office has only three women. But I encourage girls to take it head on, aviation is an interesting field and they should pursue careers in this field, no matter how hard it seems. There are very many opportunities so it would be wise to pursue aviation related studies.

What was your childhood dream?

I originally wanted to be an architect but with time, it changed. Although I attained a degree in architecture - creative design, I decided to pursue a career in aviation instead.

With two crowns to your name, what do you miss most about being a beauty queen?

Besides the charity work I used to get involved in and the interactions with people I met at different events, I miss being able to wear anything I wanted. As a flight dispatcher, I have to wear a uniform every time I report to work. (She laughs).

What’s the secret to winning a beauty pageant?

I can’t say it’s a secret; I just enjoyed what I was doing and I was young. I had all the support that I needed. I didn’t have anyone dispiriting around me. I think that’s why I was able to win both pageants.

What motivated you to participate in beauty pageants?

The thought of interacting with people from all walks of life. Also, being young makes you brave enough to go for what you want.

You are usually on the panel of judges of most beauty pageants here in Rwanda.

What qualities should a beauty queen possess?

Most beauty pageants provide criteria to follow, so in most cases, when I’m part of the jury, I follow the provided criteria.

Personally, I look at how a girl expresses herself because after she is crowned, she should be able to represent the country on various platforms.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

One thing is clear; I have no plans of participating in any beauty pageants again (she laughs). I like aviation and understand it quite well, so I see myself growing in this field. I’m planning on pursing a Masters in aviation management.

doreen.umutesi@newtimes.co.rw