102 SheDrones

We talk with Leslie Bates regarding her efforts to get young women and girls involved in the growing field of unmanned aerial systems.Guest Leslie Bates is the founder of SheDrones, an emerging non-profit which is being created to engage, educate, and train girls in unmanned aerial systems and related technologies. SheDrones will also support and collaborate with existing drone-specific STEM programs and organizations dedicated to women in related tech fields.Leslie is a 15-year energy industry veteran and became interested in drones after researching their application in energy infrastructure development and maintenance. As the mother of two daughters, Leslie felt compelled to not only explore the future potential of the UAS industry, but also an expanded role for women within it.Leslie is currently learning to fly various drones and obtaining her private pilot ground school license. She’s also continuing to develop and manage the SheDrones organization and partnerships, and expand its social media presence.Visit the SheDrones website, follow @SheDrones on Twitter, and be sure to check out SheDrones on Facebook.NewsNo Drone ZoneThe FAA is offering a “digital toolkit“ to federal, state, and other partners to help educate unmanned aircraft operators that flying in certain areas is prohibited. Materials for the public outreach program includes downloadable “No Drone Zone” signage in a variety of formats.Videos of the WeekIt’s a bird! it’s a plane! it’s a… Snoopy drone? Inventor builds quadcopter shaped like beloved Peanuts characterThey’ve turned almost anything into a drone, why not Snoopy too?DJI Stories – The Elephants of TanzaniaDJI is working with farmers and rangers in Tanzania to use a Phantom to prevent conflict between farmers and elephants and protect crops. Read more at: http://bit.ly/DJITanzania.MentionedMeet the women shaping the future of the drone businessFortune takes a look at four female leaders in the industry: Helen Greiner, CEO and founder of CyPhy Works; Dyan Gibbens, CEO and founder of Trumbull Unmanned; Lisa Ellman, law partner at Hogan Lovells; and Sally French, social media editor at MarketWatch and creator of TheDroneGirl.com.Flying GroundsHelping schools, governments, and organizations implement innovative UAV/Drone programs.Drone NationalsThe Fatshark US National Drone Racing Championships at the California State Fair July 15-17, 2015.