Nelson Akwari

Dr. Nelson Akwari joined the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and U.S. Soccer Athletes Council in December 2021. He represented U.S. Soccer as a captain of the U-17, U-20, and U-23 national teams, and he played soccer professionally for 10 years (Major League Soccer, United Soccer League). Dr. Akwari played collegiately at the University of California, Los Angeles where he earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering.

Dr. Akwari works at Boeing as the Site Leader and Operations Superintendent for the Interiors Responsibility Center South Carolina. He serves on various Executive Boards focused on STEM based educational initiatives, health and wellness, and economic community development. Dr. Akwari has experience as a youth soccer coach, mentor, and consultant.