UAS and AAM Industry Expresses Concern Over a Lack of Diversity, Seeks Change

[Kathleen Martin]

Women and other minority identity groups remain underrepresented in the uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) and advanced air mobility industry, particularly in leadership positions, according to research from a triad of women-owned businesses, Women And Drones, P3 Tech Consulting and the Diversity Development Network of Canada (DDNC).
Data collected through the Women and Drones – DDNC – P3 Tech 2021 UAS/AAM Industry DEI Survey conducted between August 6 and September 17, 2021, shows that when asked “Please indicate the percentage ranges of leadership positions among the following diverse groups you employ in your UAS/AAM or UAS/AAM-related Business or Organization” the following results were noted:

1. The highest rankings of diverse groups of leadership positions representing under 20% of senior management positions within respondent organizations were the Asian Racial Category at 57.53% followed by Native American or Alaska Native Racial Category at 56.8% and Black or African Racial Category at 55.88%.
2. The highest rankings of diverse groups of leadership positions representing 21% to 50% of senior management positions within respondent organizations were the Female Gender at 31.51% followed by Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin Ethnic at 31.38% and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 29.72%.
3. The highest rankings of diverse groups of leadership positions representing 71% to 85% of senior management positions within respondent organizations were the White Racial Category at 9.98% followed by LBTGQ Community at 8.37% and Female Gender at 8.23%.
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   Meanwhile, almost 75% of respondents said they also felt moderate to extreme concern about the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the UAS/AAM industry in general.
   More than 80% of respondents expressed concern, ranging from moderate to extreme, about the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their own UAS/AAM or UAS/AAM-related Business or Organization.
   A slightly higher percentage (81%) expressed moderate to extreme interest in increasing DEI in their companies.
   Read more: https://womenanddrones.com/uas-and-aam-industry-expresses-concern-over-a-lack-of-diversity-seeks-change/