In a bold move to diversify the skies and the booming drone industry, Steffanie Rivers has launched TCB Drones, officially making history as the first Black woman-owned drone academy in Texas.
More than just a business, Rivers’ academy is a mission-driven platform to help people of color gain FAA certification, tap into high-paying tech jobs, and redefine who gets to profit in the drone economy.
Her message? “Black women fly, too — and it’s time we get paid for it.”
Turning Tech Curiosity Into Career Confidence
Through TCB Drones, Rivers offers a variety of programs including FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification, aerial mapping, inspection training, and search-and-rescue support. Her training options cater to everyone from high school students and military veterans to adults seeking nontraditional career paths.
“Most of the time when I walk into an industry event, I’m one of the only Black women in the room,” Rivers said. “That’s exactly why I’m here — to change that.”
To help open the door for others, Rivers hosted a free webinar for aspiring drone pilots titled From Hobby to Hustle: Master Drone Certification and Monetize Your Skills on June 23.
Webinar attendees were taken through how certified drone operators can earn $300–$500 per hour, and how they can join a fast-growing field where Black and Brown representation remains scarce.
Real-World Impact Through Drone Tech
Rivers isn’t just teaching flight; she’s changing lives. She’s already partnered with organizations like Black and Missing, Inc. and the Dock Ellis Foundation, using drones to assist in real-time efforts to locate missing persons and support public safety in underserved communities.
With plans to expand into summer camps, online self-paced programs, and community outreach, TCB Drones is positioning itself at the intersection of tech empowerment and social impact.
A Seat at the Table — and in the Sky
This fall, Rivers will moderate a panel at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, where global leaders in drone technology convene. But for Rivers, the mission begins at home: creating space for Black women and marginalized communities to thrive in industries that have historically excluded them.
“Don’t be afraid to be the only one,” Rivers said. “You belong in this industry. You belong in this conversation. Let’s make sure you’re also getting paid.”
As demand for drone services skyrockets across sectors like real estate, construction, disaster response, and agriculture, Rivers hopes her academy will inspire a new generation of tech professionals to aim high and earn higher.
