Black Woman Who Launched Texas Drone Academy Announces National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative

Steffanie Rivers, founder of TCB Drones Academy and the first Black woman to launch a drone academy in Texas, has launched the National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative, aimed at connecting HBCU students and graduates with careers in aviation, drone technology, and entrepreneurship.

Rivers is a Tennessee State University graduate who says her HBCU experience shaped her leadership philosophy of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

The initiative targets awareness gaps among Black and minority students about drone-industry careers, which span public safety, construction, agriculture, logistics, energy, real estate, and engineering.

It will include workshops, keynote talks, career events, mentorship, and workforce development discussions, building on Rivers’ existing work with Alcorn State University and Arkansas Baptist College.

Rivers frames the effort around a chain of impact, representation builds awareness, awareness builds confidence, and confidence creates opportunity, positioning the program as preparation for future business owners, engineers, and tech leaders, not just drone pilots.

The initiative plans to expand through 2026 by partnering with more HBCUs, institutions, and organizations, with interested parties directed to contact TCB Drones Academy via TCBDrones.com.