Isatou Ceesay

Story: For 12 years, Musukebba Sallah has been soaring above the clouds, living a dream first nurtured as a young girl in The Gambia. Now 36, she proudly serves as a flight attendant and international purser with United Airlines, traveling the world, connecting cultures, and ensuring the safety and comfort of thousands of passengers. But behind her polished uniform lies a journey defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her dreams. Her path to the skies was anything but easy. Musukebba applied to United Airlines seven times before she was finally offered a chance. Each rejection could have been the end of her dream, but instead, she chose perseverance over surrender. When her opportunity finally came, it brought with it months of waiting and a rigorous training program that tested her strength, discipline, and determination. Through every challenge, she held firm to her conviction that persistence always pays off. Yet, her story is also one of personal sacrifice. With her two children in The Gambia and her husband based in the UK, Musukebba’s career often demands long stretches away from family. Still, she has mastered the art of love across distance, making every moment with her children count and staying deeply connected with her husband through constant communication and shared commitment. Musukebba’s journey is a reminder that dreams may take time, effort, and sacrifice, but with determination and faith, they remain within reach. She is not only flying planes, she is flying the flag of inspiration for countless young Gambians who dare to dream beyond borders.

Published in: October 28, 2025