Reach New Heights: Exploring STEM and CTE with Drones

About the Presenters

Denise Hensley is beginning her 30th year in education and currently serves as the Director of all Career Tech Programs for Putnam City Schools. Four years ago, she launched the district’s Aviation Program in partnership with the Oklahoma State Career Tech STEM initiative. This groundbreaking effort became the first Aviation Academy in the state located at an airport—Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City—providing students with an authentic, hands-on learning environment.

Passionate about the transformative power of aviation, Denise has witnessed firsthand how the program opens doors to high-wage, high-demand careers and changes the trajectory of students’ lives. Outside of work, Denise and her husband, Bob, enjoy traveling and cherishing time with their five beautiful grandchildren. Whether at an airport hangar or exploring new destinations, Denise’s dedication to education and her love of aviation continue to inspire students to dream big and aim high.

Dr. JJ Ayers is the CTE Coordinator at Little Elm Independent School District in Texas. In that role, he has pioneered the use and development of artificial intelligence inside public K-12 education through district governance, curriculum development, and implementation of student instruction on AI agentic creation. His doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a strong minor in educational technology helped him in integrating the use of AI so effectively.

Dr. La’Quata Sumter is an engineering professor, technology enthusiast, and founder of STEAM Thru Drones, a program dedicated to reimagining STEM/STEAM education through drones, robotics, and AI. With more than 15 years of teaching and curriculum development experience, she has designed innovative drone programs for K–12 schools, higher education, and community organizations.

Dr. Sumter is the first African American woman in Southwest Georgia to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License and is a certified proctor for the NIST UAS Test Methods. She is also the CEO of Focusing On Me, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides pathways for underrepresented students to access STEM excellence and workforce opportunities. As a five-time author, professor, and national presenter, Dr. Sumter’s work centers on empowering educators and inspiring students to explore careers in aviation, engineering, and emerging technologies.

About the Moderator

Coding & Robotics Channel Manager Steff Forbes leads Pitsco’s efforts in providing and developing coding and robotics solutions designed to meet the needs of educators and their students. Steff is passionate about providing hands-on learning for all students. She has spent more than 28 years working alongside schools to assist them in bringing coding and robotics programs into their classrooms. Steff holds a master’s degree in education curriculum development with an emphasis in technology education. She is also a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association.