Steffanie Rivers opens Texas’ first Black woman-owned drone academy.

She’s reaching new heights.

Steffanie Rivers is no stranger to breaking barriers, and now she’s opening doors for others in one of the fastest-growing industries. As the first Black woman in Texas to launch a drone academy, she’s taking TCB Drones to new heights, offering training that helps people of color earn certifications, start careers, and land high-paying contracts in drone tech.

Her message is simple: Black women can soar, too — and it’s time we get paid for it.

Attendees will learn how FAA-certified drone pilots are earning $300–$500 per hour and how TCB Drones can help them become pioneers in their communities.

“Most of the time when I walk into an industry event, I’m one of the only Black women in the room. That’s exactly why I’m here — to change that,” said Rivers.

Her programs support high school students, military veterans, and adults seeking alternatives to traditional career paths. Through summer camps, self-paced online courses, and specialized training in aerial mapping, inspections, and search-and-rescue, TCB Drones is preparing the next generation to take flight.

Rivers has teamed up with national organizations like Black and Missing, Inc. and the Dock Ellis Foundation, using drone technology to make a real-world impact — from finding missing persons to boosting safety in at-risk communities.

This fall, she’ll be a featured panel moderator at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, but her work begins in her own community.

“Don’t be afraid to be the only one,” she said. “You belong in this industry. You belong in this conversation. Let’s make sure you’re getting paid too.”