Steffanie Rivers is training the next wave of Black drone pilots
Steffanie Rivers has done something no other Black woman in Texas has—opened a drone pilot academy. Her business, TCB Drones, is the first of its kind in the state, and it’s opening doors for others to enter a fast-growing, high-paying industry.
Rivers is not just flying drones—she’s changing lives. Through her academy, people of color can now get trained, certified, and paid for skills that are in high demand. “Black women fly, too,” she says proudly. “And it’s time we get paid for it.”
TCB Drones offers tools to turn hobbies into income
TCB Drones teaches students how to fly drones, get FAA-certified, and find work that pays $300 to $500 per hour. The academy offers online courses, summer camps, and special training in areas like aerial mapping, inspections, and emergency search support.
Rivers welcomes everyone—high school students, veterans, or career changers looking to do something different. She wants them to know that drone tech is not just for the few. “Most of the time when I walk into an event, I’m the only Black woman there. That’s why I’m here—to change that.”
Free webinar offers a head start in drone careers
To spread the word, Rivers is hosting a free Zoom webinar titled “From Hobby to Hustle: Master Drone Certification and Monetize Your Skills”. It takes place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST.
During the session, Rivers will show how drone pilots are landing six-figure jobs and how her academy helps them stand out. Interested participants can register here.
Using drones to protect and uplift communities
TCB Drones isn’t just about money. Rivers also uses drone tech to support real causes. She has partnered with groups like Black and Missing, Inc. and the Dock Ellis Foundation to help search for missing people and improve public safety in vulnerable areas.
By mixing purpose and profit, Rivers proves that tech careers can be meaningful, especially for underserved communities.
Representation and leadership in tech industries
Rivers’ work is more than training—it’s representation. She’s showing that Black women belong in tech, not just as users, but as leaders and innovators. This fall, she will speak at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, a big stage for a big mission.
“Don’t be afraid to be the only one,” she tells students. “You belong in this industry. You belong in this conversation. And you deserve to get paid.”
