At just 17, Kamora Freeland made history as the youngest African American female to earn a private pilot’s license. Now, she’s continuing to soar—this time in the classroom—as she starts her sophomore year at Spelman College, skipping freshman year after earning college credits in high school.
Kamora first grabbed headlines after acing her check ride at Republic Airport in Long Island, securing her pilot’s license.
“I love flying, and I have a passion for it. Plus, pilots can make up to $700,000, so that caught my attention, too,” she said. “The next step is to become a commercial airline pilot.”
Her academic journey is just as remarkable. She skipped a year of high school while attending Kingsborough Early College Secondary School and Kingsborough Community College, earning enough credits to start college as a sophomore. Along the way, she also became a certified birthing doula and lifeguard. Her dedication paid off with a Presidential Scholarship to Spelman and a place in the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.
Though once focused on aviation—she even received a NASA internship offer—Kamora is now majoring in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship.
“Starting college as a sophomore has been a whirlwind of emotions—exciting, overwhelming, and liberating all at once,” she told SI Live. “It’s like stepping into a whole new world where you’re figuring out who you are, balancing independence, and navigating friendships, academics, and late-night study sessions.”
For her mother, Lakema Freeland, watching Kamora take this step is both exciting and emotional. “I’m so proud of her for taking that big step, but my heart aches knowing the house is a little quieter without her laughter,” she said.
With the sky as her limit, Kamora’s journey is just beginning. Follow her on Instagram @Kamora_Freeland to keep up with her inspiring story.
