Dr. Nelson Akwari
Executive, The Boeing Company
![Kids play on the new LEGO mini-pitch in Albuquerque, NM](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NMAL824-1000x690.jpg")
Let soccer do what soccer does.
Together, we can give millions of kids from underserved communities safe places to grow, thrive and build confidence for life.
![Nelson Akwari headshot](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/nelson.png")
Dr. Nelson Akwari currently works at Boeing as Director for the Interiors Responsibility Center South Carolina (IRCSC). His primary role is to oversee all aspects of the fabrication, assembly, and delivery of a wide range of interiors products to the 787 Boeing Commercial Airplane Program and Boeing Global Services Aftermarket Customers.
Prior to his career at Boeing, Dr. Akwari represented US Soccer as a captain of the U-17, U-20, and U-23 national teams. Dr. Akwari played soccer professionally for 10 years in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League (USL), and he played collegiately at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Akwari graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Materials Science, Master’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering – Structural Materials, and Doctoral degree in Materials Science & Engineering.
Dr. Akwari serves on various Executive Boards focused on STEM based educational initiatives, health and wellness, and community development. Some of his community affiliations are the Low Country Food Bank, Metanoia, the Boeing Dreamlearner’s Program, First Lego League – Robotics, and the Summerville YMCA. He also serves on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and U.S. Soccer Athletes Council.
Dr. Akwari lives in Summerville, SC with his wife and three children (two boys and one girl). He enjoys family time, reading, volunteering, mentoring, community outreach, and coaching youth soccer.