January 6, 2022 – Chicago, IL Women and Drones is honored to announce that its milestone 5th Anniversary Women To Watch (WTW) in UAS Global Awards 2021 happened at CES 2022 in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! CES®, the world’s most influential technology event, gives a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the industry’s most influential leaders and advocates.
The WTW program elevates the entire UAS/UAM/AAM industry by recognizing those who are making a positive difference in it. Nominations representing 8 countries, were gathered from March 8th (International Women’s Day), at the program’s official launch, until May 14th. Here are the honorees in the following individual categories:
- Bronwyn Morgan, Xeo Air – Recipient of the Iris Automation Entrepreneurship Award – Bronwyn Morgan is a Part 107 certified pilot, FAA Safety Representative and FAA Drone Pro, and is the Founder of Xeo Air, an AI based drones on demand, data analytics and autonomy platform for mission management that connects clients in telecom, catastrophic response, oil and gas, energy, construction, civil infrastructure.
- Madison Jeffery, Swoop Aero – Recipient of the Skydio Public Safety/Service Award – Madison Jeffery of Australia is based in Southern Malawi, where she manages Swoop Aero’s flagship medical drone logistics network, which connects over 1.5 million people with essential medical supplies.
- Karen DiMeo, AERODiMEO LLC – Recipient of the Sabrewing Aircraft Leadership Award – As CEO, Karen DiMeo advises her clients on issues related to unmanned and advanced emerging technologies in the commercial aerospace ecosystem. Karen has 30 years of experience in the aviation industry from both government and industry leadership positions.
- April Lanotte, STEM lead for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate – Recipient of the Unmanned Safety Institute Education Award – In her current position with NASA, April Lanotte works on making aerospace science more accessible to all teachers and students and works with engineers and subject matter experts on ways to add more STEM opportunities into their missions.
The initiative also recognized outstanding teams:
- Toni Drummond, CEO of Global Aerial Management Group – Recipient of the Volatus Aerospace Innovation Team Award – Global Aerial Management Group, which operates a multitude of turboprop and jet aircraft, is 100% Women owned and operated. The UAS vertical is expanding and specializes in drone sanitizing, disinfecting of both indoor and outdoor arenas, stadiums, schools and other large spaces.
- Pharns Genece, CEO of USOG – Recipient of the FoxFury Team Spotlight Award – Unmanned Systems Operations Goup (USOG) is a leading-edge provider of medical logistics solutions utilizing UAS. The diverse and inclusive team of employees is led by Genece, who has 18 years of experience as a highly trained flight nurse with US Air Force Medevac.
- Michael Healander, CEO Airspace Link, Inc – Recipient of the Women and Drones Diversity Exemplar Award – Airspace Link, Inc. builds the digital infrastructure required to support drone use of all types, ensuring they are safe, legal and fully benefitting the community. 60% of the company’s leadership team is female.
“Every year at CES, tech leaders and promising entrepreneurs convene to share ideas, launch products and forge relationships – all paving the way for our future,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, CTA. “We are excited to host the Women to Watch awards at CES 2022 and recognize the trailblazers, innovators, mentors and business leaders making significant contributions to the industry.”
This year, thanks to the program’s generous sponsors and other donors, Women and Drones provided honoree women and teams with a $500.00 micro-grant for the first time.
More information on Women To Watch Global Awards:
Women To Watch Individual Honorees
Women To Watch Diversity Exemplar Honoree
About Women and Drones Women And Drones is the leading membership organization dedicated to driving excellence in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry by advocating for female participation in this dynamic segment of the global economy. We partner with companies committed to an inclusive culture where women can thrive. Our female-focused educational programs range from kindergarten to career in efforts to balance the gender equation in the industry now, as well as for the future of flight. Find out more by visiting www.WomenandDrones.com.
