Our Mission

At First Flight Drones, we believe flight should inspire the next generation. Our mission is to make aerial technology accessible, exciting, and educational—paving the way for kids and students to discover the power of STEM. Through hands-on drone experiences, we aim to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop the skills that will shape tomorrow's innovators.

Our Story

First Flight began with a simple idea: learning is more fun when it takes off. We saw the potential of drones not just as tools for professionals, but as a way for young people to engage with science, math, and technology in a real-world, interactive way. What started as a passion project has grown into a movement to bring drones into classrooms, camps, and community programs across the country.

What We Do

STEM Drone Kits

Easy-to-build, kid-friendly drone kits designed for hands-on learning

Classroom Experiences

Tools and resources for teachers to integrate drones into STEM lessons

Community Programs

Workshops and partnerships with schools, scouts, and youth organizations

Next-Level Skills

Teaching flight basics, coding, engineering concepts, and creative problem solving

Why It Matters

We're not just teaching kids how to fly drones—we're preparing them for the future. From critical thinking and teamwork to creativity and innovation, the skills developed through drone education help pave pathways to careers in science, technology, and engineering.

Meet Our Team

Our team brings passion, expertise, and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Lora Ivanaj

As a Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, I bring a mix of technical expertise and leadership experience to First Flight Drones. Before joining the team, I held engineering and strategic roles in the energy and consulting industries. Outside of work, I’m an active member of my local community and a proud mother of four. My passion lies in inspiring curiosity in STEM and empowering the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Steve Reichel

With a background in music and law enforcement, and years of experience as a military veteran and executive producer, I’ve built my career around tackling challenges and helping others grow. At First Flight Drones, I draw on decades of work in business development and media production to support new initiatives and partnerships. A husband, father, and grandfather, I’m passionate about mentoring kids and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.

Sheryl Wolberg

As Chief of Staff at First Flight, Sheryl Wolberg draws on her background in marketing and operations to bring the program’s mission to life. She focuses on building partnerships, creating structure, and ensuring each initiative runs seamlessly—from concept to classroom.

Join the Flight

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a student, we invite you to take part in the First Flight journey. Together, we can inspire curiosity, unlock potential, and create opportunities for the next generation to soar.