Empowering women in drone technology is key to encouraging inclusive innovation and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
April 8th, 2025
By Juliana Berbert, Brazil Flying Labs
On March 26, 2025, Flying Labs in the Latin American and Caribbean region hosted the “LAC Women & UAS: Women Piloting the Future with Drone Technology” webinar, in celebration of International Women’s Day. The virtual gathering brought together inspiring female professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean, reaffirming the critical role of women in driving technological innovation, education, and social transformation through the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones.
This event was part of Flying Labs' ongoing mission to promote inclusive innovation and increase diverse representation in STEM and technology sectors. Planned through collaborative efforts involving representatives from multiple LAC countries, including Brazil, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic, the webinar emphasized shared knowledge, multilingual engagement, and regional unity.
The central goal of the webinar was to amplify the voices of women who are actively shaping the drone industry in the LAC region, whether through research, entrepreneurship, policymaking, or technical leadership. It also aimed to inspire a new generation of women to engage with drone technologies and co-create impactful, locally adapted solutions.
Moderated by Mitzi Castillo of Panama Flying Labs and opened and closed by Dania Montenegro of WeRobotics, the session featured prominent panelists from various fields:
While the panelists came from diverse linguistic backgrounds, the entire session was conducted in Spanish. As a language widely understood throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, Spanish served as a natural bridge for dialogue, reinforcing cultural unity and inclusivity.
The panelists responded to curated questions about their personal journeys in the drone industry, the main challenges for women in the field, strategies to foster greater participation and competitiveness, and trends they foresee shaping the future of UAS applications. The discussion highlighted the need for mentorship opportunities, policy reform, and access to technical education, especially for women from underrepresented communities.
In her keynote, Eloisa Ríos captivated the audience by sharing her trajectory in the fast-paced world of drone logistics. As a leading figure at Speedbird Aero, she emphasized the importance of nurturing collaboration between private innovators, government regulators, and local communities. Her message was clear: technology alone is not enough; it must be coupled with responsibility, equity, and trust.
When we include diverse voices in innovation, we not only expand opportunities, we also improve the quality and impact of the solutions we create.
— Eloisa Ríos
Her words served both as a technical reflection and a motivational call for more women to lead the evolution of drone-related technologies in Latin America.
The conversation evolved into a shared moment of regional solidarity, where stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership resonated deeply with attendees. The panelists spoke openly about the systemic barriers they face—such as limited visibility and access to resources—but also celebrated the progress being made through grassroots initiatives and collective resilience.
We are not just flying drones. We are expanding possibilities, connecting regions, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Attendees from various countries, including university students, early-career professionals, and local leaders, actively participated through the chat, contributing to an engaging and collaborative atmosphere.
Flying Labs LAC extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event, including the panelists, moderators, organizers, and technical teams. Special recognition goes to WeRobotics for their support in communication and platform coordination.
As the Flying Labs network continues to grow, events like this serve as key milestones in the journey toward a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative technology ecosystem. By putting women at the center of drone innovation, the LAC region not only strengthens its technical capacity but also expands its social impact.
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of UAS with purpose, equity, and collaboration, and stay connected with Flying Labs by subscribing to our email newsletter and following us on social media.
