Women should not be afraid to Take Risks, says Drones and Data Consultant, Kat James

This is a part of blog series featuring Women Leaders on the occasion of International Women's Day 2022, and adds to our project Drones for Daughters - that inspires young girls for playing leadership roles in emerging technologies, aviation technologies and future of aerial mobility and bridging the gender gap in these industries.

Kat James

Drone and Data Consultant, Four Hundred Feet

United States

Tell us About You! What do you do and where are you from?

I am a drone and data consultant that works with researchers, NGOs, and governmental organizations who want to leverage drone technology for spatial data collection, supply chain management, and visual storytelling. I am a fierce supporter of #dronesforgood and I believe that drones have the ability to amplify the impact of social good organizations.

What inspired you to do what you have been doing?

I began my career working in global health tech almost a decade ago. I fundamentally believe that health is a human right, and I want to do my part to help ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. I heard about the use of drones in the global health space a couple of years ago and wrote them off as just another ‘innovative' gimmick. Years later, I was working in a rural health facility in eastern Ghana when I witnessed my first medical drone delivery. I realized that medical drone deliveries are not some far-off fantasy, but in some parts of the world, they are fully operational. At that moment, I realized that drones are the future. Drones are how we are going to transform last-mile healthcare delivery.

As a leader, what is the most important task that you have taken on your shoulders?

I am still in the very early stages of building my company Four Hundred Feet, but part of my mission going forward is to help more individuals from underrepresented groups enter the drone industry and to use my platform to help amplify the learning, perspectives, and insights of diverse voices in the field.

What kind of ecosystem reforms do you see happening in the next few years that will favour a gender-balanced world?

I believe that representation matters. I really appreciate the Women and Drones slogan, ‘If you can see her, you can be her.’ We need to continue to highlight the work of women and create educational resources tailored toward women and girls.

This year's theme for International Women's Day is Break the Bias. So what is the most awkward, most uncomfortable bias that you faced and what do we do to change that?

Many people (especially men) assume that I’ve never flown a drone (I’m an FAA certified pilot and own three drones) and people always ask me who took my photos - assuming that they must have been taken by someone else.

What's your message for millions of daughters out there who are waiting to get inspired by you?

Don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new. Everyone starts as a beginner. Taking alternative paths through life can be scary, but it’s also so worth it.

Kat James

Watch our Video from Women Leaders in Aviation Meeting:

https://youtu.be/duHrv_Fpits

Join our Social Group on Drones for Daughters: https://www.dronesindevelopment.com//group/drones-for-daughters

Looking at bringing drone projects to your communities? Contact us at office@caerobotics.org