Nationwide — Meet Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor of a devastating plane crash in Nigeria, who years later, successfully earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction. Despite enduring severe burns covering much of her body, she defied the odds and pursued her education with determination.On December 10, 2005, a tragic plane crash caused the death of 107 out of 109 passengers. Okwuchi, only 16 at the time, sustained third-degree burns over 65% of her body and had only a 30% chance of survival.
Okwuchi was airlifted to Milpark Hospital in South Africa for urgent medical care, and later to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Texas, where she underwent more than 100 surgeries to reconstruct her injuries.
Despite her challenges, Okwuchi returned to college in 2009 and went on to graduate with top honors in Economics from the University of St. Thomas in 2015.
Recognized for her academic excellence, Kechi was invited to join several prestigious honor societies, including the International Economics Honor Society.
Beyond her academic achievements, Okwuchi is a multi-talented individual, excelling as a singer, songwriter, business consultant, and inspirational speaker. Her book, ‘More Than My Scars,’ further emphasizes her message of strength and self-acceptance.
In 2019, Okwuchi and her story captured the hearts of many on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, earning a spot as a finalist through Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer.
In 2023, Okwuchi reached another milestone as she graduated with distinction, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Economics from the University of St. Thomas in Texas.
“Look who finally walked!! Meet Kechi Okwuchi, official MBA graduate,” she posted on X, where a lot of people celebrated her success with her. “thank God and thank you, @stthomashouston”
Reflecting on her journey, Kechi emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
“I don’t hide behind anything. I don’t hide how I am, how I look from the world. I want people to feel like they can be their genuine selves in any given situation because that’s the way that they’re supposed to be. That’s the way to be really happy in this world,” Okwuchi told Essence.