Increasing Girls’ Involvement With Drones

August 3, 2021 | AUVSI News

Educational programs are increasingly making efforts to close gender gaps in STEM, the drone community is no exception.

An aviation industry professional, mother, and involved member of her community, Lorie Grabham is also leader in advancing drone education and opportunities for girls. Throughout her career  in aviation, Grabham has seen how more inclusive and diverse groups result in more innovative outcomes:

“Talking with people who aren’t like us creates new ideas, energy, and excitement with everyone involved – everyone should want that.”

Grabham sees UAVs as a ripe opportunity for girls to get involved in STEM and grow as future workforce trailblazers. For several years, she has been involved with Moxie Girls, an organization that educates middle school-aged girls in Glendale, AZ about drones and encourages them to pursue STEM careers. Participants have opportunities to learn about drones and meet with mentors and role models in the UAV industry. While the club has been on hiatus with in-person schooling closed due to the COVID-19 health situation, Grabham is planning for Moxie Girls to reconvene when possible.

Grabham shared that while hearing from women in aviation is helpful, anyone involved in a technology career can make a difference in expanding a young person’s vision for their future. Professionals who have inspired Moxie Girls include Ocean Alliance CEO Iain Kerr, where researchers use consumer drones to collect valuable biological information about whales, and local public safety officials, who use drones in search and rescue, firefighting, and other safety operations.

For those looking to get involved, Grabham recommended reaching out to local high school clubs. High school students are age-eligible to get their Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and are likely thinking about their options for higher education, internships, and workforce training. “Getting into schools and just talking to girls can open new paths for them,” she said.

Grabham also recommended getting involved with AUVSI’s local chapters, where many professionals are eager to mentor and invest time into growing the future workforce.