Carrying the Torch: How Safeldean Elkheleefa Found His Calling in Aviation

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. As we celebrate a century of honoring Black achievement and culture, we also recognize the impact Black students, staff and faculty make every day across SJSU's campus. This series shines a light on their achievements and the ways they help make San José State a more vibrant, welcoming and empowering place to be.

Right before Safeldean Elkheleefa, '26 Aviation, entered his senior year in high school, he had a conversation that would change the course of his life.

It was summer; and he and his family had traveled from the United States to their home country of Sudan. In a conversation with one of his cousins, they spoke of the different career paths that Elkheleefa might consider.

"Then my cousin asked me if I ever thought about aviation," says Elkheleefa. "I told him I hadn't."

In 2004, one of Elkheleefa's uncles died in a plane crash - the same year Elkheleefa was born. The uncle, who had been extremely close with Elkheleefa's mom, had been working as a flight attendant in Sudan. At the time, Elkheleefa, his mom and siblings were also living in Sudan, while his father was in the United States, working to get his American citizenship.

Although Elkheleefa had never met his uncle, his connection to him had always been undeniable. His mom named Elkheleefa after his uncle.

"And growing up, all of my uncles, aunties and cousins always used to tell me how much I resembled my uncle - physically, the mannerisms, everything," says Elkheleefa.

After the conversation with his cousin, Elkheleefa boarded a plane to head back to the United States with his family. He couldn't get what his cousin had said out of his mind. He wondered if going into aviation might be a calling, like he was somehow meant to carry on the torch passed down from his uncle.

When he got home to San Mateo, he went online and started doing some research. As he learned more about aviation, he found himself fascinated by the topic and realized that it was the path meant for him. He discovered that San José State was the only public university in the California State University (CSU) system that offered a bachelor's degree in aviation. And when he came out to the campus for a tour, he knew that SJSU was the place for him. He became an SJSU student in 2022.

Now in his fourth and final year, Elkheleefa is close to graduating with a degree in aviation; and while balancing his coursework, he has also been putting his energy into making an impact on the community at SJSU and beyond.

"One of my biggest motivations is around how I can help kids do what they dream of doing," says Elkheleefa.

He's a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., where he also serves as secretary of the chapter. In addition to that, he's president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) , which is the coordinating body of all nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. The council centers its work around giving back to the community.

"I was elected as president two weeks after I became a member," says Elkheleefa. "My chapter encouraged me to apply. I had a lot of experience with leadership roles on campus. I had a vision and everyone agreed on my vision. I'm big on community service and being involved in the community."

For nearly two years, he has also worked at the Black Leadership Opportunity Center (BLOC) , where he is the lead peer mentor for the Black Alliance and Mentorship program. At the BLOC, he not only provides mentorship to first-year students, but he also guides and offers support to a team of mentors.

In addition to that, he works part-time, doing social media for Bay Area Urban Eagles, which gives underrepresented youth access to training in aviation and STEM careers.

"When I was growing up, I didn't think I could be a pilot. I didn't think that was possible," says Elkheleefa, who is used to being the only Black person in the room during his aviation courses. "And I just want every kid growing up to really believe that they can achieve their dream and do whatever they want."

Elkheleefa finds inspiration in looking at the ways in which his parents have led their lives.

Nearly three decades ago, his dad was able to leave Sudan for the United States after winning a visa lottery. He worked for 16 years to get his American citizenship, pay off his debts and make money to eventually bring Elkheleefa, his mom and siblings from Sudan.

"My biggest inspiration is definitely my parents. While my dad was working, my mom was taking care of several kids by herself. I don't think anybody can inspire me more than my parents do. They continuously do that to this day," says Elkheleefa.

After he graduates this May, Elkheleefa already has a position waiting for him; he recently accepted a job offer to work in operations at Southwest Airlines at the San José Mineta International Airport (SJC).

"I feel that if you're in a space where you're the only person who looks like you, that just means you belong there even more," says Elkheleefa. " I want to see more young Black people in industries where we're told we don't belong. I want to see us break those generational barriers. I want every young Black kid to believe they can do whatever they want to do."