Elevating Women in Technology and Sports: The DRL and U.S. Air Force’s Pioneering Initiative
In a groundbreaking move to advance gender equity in technology and sports, the Drone Racing League (DRL), in collaboration with its long-standing partner, the U.S. Air Force, announced the launch of “DRL’s Women Taking Flight.” This initiative aims to recruit and spotlight women in drone racing, esports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly in fields where women are underrepresented.
The initiative seeks to attract top female drone pilots to participate in DRL and the U.S. Air Force, encouraging women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated areas. It will feature drone racing competitions, esports tournaments, and a STEM curriculum designed to inspire women and girls to achieve their career aspirations in technology, sports, and aviation.
“DRL’s Women Taking Flight platform will inspire women and girls to pursue their dream careers as drone pilots, athletes, and engineers while helping them develop their skills so they can compete on the highest stages,” said DRL President Rachel Jacobson. She emphasized the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and expressed excitement over the partnership with the U.S. Air Force in leveling the playing field in sports and technology.
The program will provide top female drone racers with the opportunity to train with DRL Champion Pilots and compete in an esports tournament on the DRL SIM, a realistic drone racing video game. The winner will receive a professional contract in the league, becoming a DRL Pilot and participating in DRL races. Additionally, the program aims to support the upcoming “Girls Taking Flight” STEM course, which encourages girls to pursue careers in tech, sports, and aviation.
Barry Dickey, Air Force Recruiting Service’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the shared values between the DRL and the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing the importance of connecting with a talented group of drone pilots and tech innovators. “DRL, and this partnership, helps us inform women of opportunities in the Air Force and Space Force, so we’re thrilled to help these women pilots soar to new heights and Aim High,” Dickey remarked.
The initiative not only aims to address the gender gap in the workplace but also seeks to shift the narrative around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sports and technology. Despite women participating in nearly half of all sports competitions, they receive only 15% of the U.S. sports media coverage. Similarly, women make up a small fraction of pilots and hold less than 27% of tech-related jobs. The DRL’s Women Taking Flight initiative represents a significant step towards achieving gender equity in these fields, fostering an environment where women can excel and redefine industry standards.
With the support of new media partners like ReachTV, the initiative is poised to reach a wide audience, further amplifying its impact. As the DRL and the U.S. Air Force continue to push boundaries, the Women Taking Flight program is a meaningful and active step towards improving diversity in drone related fields.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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