Faces of CPS: Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye
Current Graduate Student | MS Project Management, Class of 2026
Tell us about your background. Where do you call home?
I call Nigeria home, a country rich in culture, warmth, and resilience. I was raised in a close-knit family where education, faith, and community values were deeply cherished.
What three words would you use to describe your Northeastern experience?
Curiosity | Growth | Impact
What drew you to pursue your degree in Project Management?
I chose to study Project Management because I have always enjoyed bringing ideas to life and helping people work together toward a shared goal. My experience as a teacher strengthened my ability to plan, organize, and communicate effectively, which naturally aligns with project management. I have also long envisioned starting an orphanage project back home in Nigeria, one that provides not just shelter but education and hope. I realized that to turn this dream into reality, I needed the right skills to manage people, resources, and complex initiatives effectively. Project Management gives me the foundation to transform that vision into meaningful impact.
What was your biggest challenge before enrolling at Northeastern?
Before enrolling at Northeastern, my biggest challenge was transitioning from a teaching career into a new academic path in Project Management. Teaching in Nigeria and South Korea shaped my passion for learning and people, but moving to the United States to pursue a new field came with uncertainty. I had to adapt to a different educational system, new expectations, and the reality of starting over. I overcame these challenges by embracing change with courage and curiosity, seeking support from mentors, and reminding myself that growth often requires stepping beyond the familiar. Each obstacle became an opportunity to rediscover my strengths and align my purpose with my goals.
I have also long envisioned starting an orphanage project back home in Nigeria, one that provides not just shelter but education and hope. I realized that to turn this dream into reality, I needed the right skills to manage people, resources, and complex initiatives effectively. Project Management gives me the foundation to transform that vision into meaningful impact.
Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye
What inspired you to choose Northeastern specifically?
I chose Northeastern because of its strong focus on experiential learning and its supportive environment for students pursuing professional growth. From the start, I was drawn to the opportunities to engage with real-world projects, collaborate with diverse peers, and learn from faculty who bring both expertise and mentorship. At Northeastern, I have experienced the excitement of tackling challenging coursework and collaborating on team projects that stretch my skills. While adapting to a fast-paced academic environment has sometimes been challenging, it has also pushed me to grow, stay organized, and develop resilience. These experiences continue to shape me both academically and personally.
Were there any ongoing challenges during your time at CPS?
One of the biggest challenges I faced at CPS was adjusting to a new academic system while balancing rigorous coursework and group projects. Coming from an international background, I had to quickly adapt to different expectations, communication styles, and ways of learning. I overcame these challenges by staying organized, seeking guidance from professors and peers, and approaching each obstacle as an opportunity to grow. By being proactive, asking questions, and embracing collaboration, I was able to navigate these challenges successfully and continue progressing toward my goals.
What has your journey at Northeastern revealed about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern has revealed to me that I am resilient, adaptable, and capable of stepping beyond my comfort zone.
Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye
My journey at Northeastern has revealed to me that I am resilient, adaptable, and capable of stepping beyond my comfort zone. Moving into a new field and a new country challenged me in ways I had not anticipated, but it also showed me that I can navigate uncertainty and thrive through persistence and curiosity. I have discovered a deeper sense of purpose in combining my skills, experiences, and passions to make a meaningful impact. This journey has reinforced my belief that growth often comes from embracing change and taking deliberate steps toward the goals that matter most.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at Northeastern?
The most valuable thing I have learned so far at Northeastern is the importance of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and effective communication in achieving meaningful results. While I have always been driven by ideas and purpose, my experiences here have shown me that turning vision into reality requires clear goals, careful organization, and working effectively with others. This insight has shaped my path by reinforcing my commitment to pursue Project Management not just as a career, but as a tool to bring impactful projects to life, including initiatives that create positive change.
How has Northeastern prepared you?
Northeastern is equipping me with the knowledge and skills to pursue my academic and career goals. Through coursework, collaborative projects, and hands-on co-op experiences, I have strengthened my planning, problem-solving, and communication skills. These experiences are helping me grow as a project manager and prepare to make meaningful impact in my community.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful impact in the lives of others. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or pursuing projects that help communities, I find purpose in turning ideas into action. Challenges that push me to learn, adapt, and grow also motivate me, as they strengthen my skills and prepare me to contribute effectively in any setting.
Whether through teaching, mentoring, or pursuing projects that help communities, I find purpose in turning ideas into action.
Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I imagine myself leading projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. Drawing from my teaching and mentoring experience, I hope to create opportunities that empower others and foster growth, both in professional settings and in my community. I also see myself advancing my vision of establishing an orphanage in Nigeria that provides care, education, and hope for children in need. My goal is to combine purpose, planning, and collaboration to turn ideas into meaningful impact that lasts.
What advice would you give to others considering higher education?
My advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and challenge yourself. CPS offers a supportive environment where curiosity, persistence, and open-mindedness go a long way. Stay organized, seek guidance when needed, and be ready to step out of your comfort zone — it’s all part of the growth journey.
What are some of your hobbies and other passions?
I enjoy expressing creativity through art, singing, dancing, designing flyers or cards, and taking photographs. I also love cooking and trying new recipes that remind me of home. Beyond that, I’m passionate about meeting new people, learning from diverse perspectives, and engaging in activities that promote community and connection. Each of these passions keeps me balanced, inspired, and open to new experiences.
Tell us your story in your own words.
From guiding students in classrooms across Nigeria and South Korea to pursuing Project Management in the United States, my journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. Teaching taught me the power of communication, organization, and mentorship, while showing me the value of adaptability, patience, and understanding different perspectives. Those experiences helped me appreciate that meaningful growth often happens outside one’s comfort zone.
Transitioning into Project Management was a bold step that challenged me to rethink my professional path and embrace new learning opportunities. Northeastern has provided an environment where I can develop both academically and personally, allowing me to strengthen my planning, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Through rigorous coursework, group projects, and hands-on co-op experiences, I have learned how to turn ideas into actionable plans and work effectively with diverse teams. These experiences have shown me the importance of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and effective communication in achieving meaningful results.
What drives me most is the opportunity to create impact that lasts. I am motivated by projects that empower others, foster growth, and solve real-world challenges. My journey at Northeastern has not only refined my technical and leadership skills but also reinforced my commitment to purpose-driven work, teaching me that success is measured not just by what you accomplish, but by how your efforts benefit others.
Looking back, I see a path defined by growth, resilience, and determination. Looking forward, I am excited to continue embracing challenges, learning from diverse experiences, and applying my skills to projects that make a difference both professionally and personally. My goal is to combine strategy, creativity, and impact to lead initiatives that create meaningful change in the communities I serve.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My story matters because it reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact. Moving from teaching in Nigeria and South Korea to pursuing Project Management in the United States was a bold transition that challenged me academically, culturally, and professionally. Through this journey, I have grown in planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, proving that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to real growth.
Some of my biggest accomplishments include mentoring and guiding students to achieve success in their studies, navigating a major career transition, and thriving in a rigorous academic environment while gaining hands-on experience through my co-op. Each of these milestones reflects my dedication to learning, leadership, and purpose-driven action.
If I were convincing a journalist to cover my story, I would highlight how my journey combines international teaching experience, academic achievement, and a commitment to projects that empower others. My story demonstrates how curiosity, perseverance, and intentional action can transform challenges into opportunities, and how one person’s vision can create impact across communities and borders.
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