I met Nkiru when my company, General Dynamics, started working with Boeing on a program that is still ongoing. That was in 2009. When we learned in May that Nkiru was leaving Boeing, we were truly bummed out. But, we knew that she was starting a new chapter in her life.
I don’t know why God allows such wonderful people to leave this world. But, I do know that we need our angels to protect us and shine down on us. For those that knew her, Nkiru is that angel.
I feel terrible for Nkiru’s family. Know that Nkiru was well liked, both personally and professionally.
Nkiru liked to start off some conversations with, “OK, so . . . . . . . .”, and you just couldn’t wait to hear what was coming next.
While visiting my company several times over the last few years, Nkiru had acquired a fond affection for a chicken casserole that was occasionally on the menu for our luncheons. Well, the word got out. So, when Nkiru visited this past May with her Boeing teammates for a week-long event, I ordered the casserole for lunch one day. But, I didn’t tell Nkiru. I let it be a surprise. You should have seen her face when she saw the casserole.
Who would have ever imagined that a woman born in Nigeria would end up in the United States, and that I would end up meeting and working with her. I got to meet a charming person, a breath of fresh air, and I am truly grateful that our lives crossed paths.