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 goals to recruit and highlight women in drone racing, esports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly in fields where women are underrepresented.
The initiative seeks to draw top female drone pilots to take part in DRL and the U.S. Air Force, encouraging women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated areas. It’ll feature drone racing competitions, esports tournaments, and a STEM curriculum designed to encourage women and girls to realize their profession aspirations in technology, sports, and aviation.
“DRL’s Women Taking Flight platform will encourage women and girls to pursue their dream careers as drone pilots, athletes, and engineers while helping them develop their skills in order that they can compete on the best 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.
This system will provide top female drone racers with the chance to coach with DRL Champion Pilots and compete in an esports tournament on the DRL SIM, a sensible drone racing video game. The winner will receive an expert contract within the league, becoming a DRL Pilot and participating in DRL races. Moreover, this system goals to support the upcoming “Girls Taking Flight” STEM course, which inspires 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 within the Air Force and Space Force, so we’re thrilled to assist these women pilots soar to latest heights and Aim High,” Dickey remarked.
The initiative not only goals to deal with the gender gap within the workplace but additionally 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 lower than 27% of tech-related jobs. The DRL’s Women Taking Flight initiative represents a major step towards achieving gender equity in these fields, fostering an environment where women can excel and redefine industry standards.
With the support of latest media partners like ReachTV, the initiative is poised to succeed in a large audience, further amplifying its impact. Because the DRL and the U.S. Air Force proceed to push boundaries, the Women Taking Flight program is a meaningful and lively step towards improving diversity in drone related fields.
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