We caught up with the brilliant and insightful La’quata Sumter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
La’Quata, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business started with a personal realization and a passion to make a difference. Growing up, I wasn’t handed technology on a silver platter—I had to dig in and figure things out for myself. My journey began when I started learning how to make a computer work using parts from Goodwill stores. I was fortunate to have an aunt and a grand uncle who encouraged me to explore technology and helped me see the potential it had to change lives.
When I got to college, I found myself struggling to understand programming concepts because my instructors’ teaching methods didn’t resonate with me. Instead of giving up, I taught myself how to program, determined to make it work. Along the way, I started helping my classmates understand the material too. Seeing their lightbulb moments and realizing how much impact clear and relatable teaching could have sparked something in me—it showed me that I had a gift for breaking down complex ideas and making them accessible.
The Logic Behind It
This experience laid the foundation for my business. I realized there was a gap—not just in access to technology education, but in how it was being taught. Too many students were being left behind because they didn’t see themselves reflected in the material or didn’t connect with traditional teaching methods. I wanted to create something different—a program that made technology exciting, hands-on, and accessible, while also fostering confidence and curiosity.
Drones became the perfect centerpiece for this mission. They’re fascinating, interactive, and packed with opportunities to teach engineering, programming, and problem-solving. What’s more, drones connect STEM concepts to real-world applications, making them both fun and meaningful for students. By focusing on drones, I could offer a unique, engaging way for students to explore STEM while addressing the broader problem of underrepresentation and lack of access.
The Emotional Spark
The emotional drive came from my own journey—learning technology piece by piece, overcoming challenges, and eventually finding my place in the field. I know what it’s like to feel out of place in STEM, and I wanted to change that narrative for the next generation. Every time I see a student light up while building or coding a drone, I’m reminded of why I started this journey. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about empowering students to believe in themselves and their ability to innovate.
Why I Knew It Would Work
I knew this idea was worthwhile because the demand was clear. Educators were searching for innovative ways to engage students, and parents wanted their kids to be prepared for the future. Yet, there were few resources that combined hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology like drones. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap with a program that wasn’t just about teaching skills—it was about creating an experience.
What excites me the most is the potential to transform lives. Whether it’s a student discovering a love for programming or an underrepresented young person realizing they belong in STEM, the impact of this work goes far beyond the classroom. This vision keeps me energized and focused every day.
La’Quata, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Dr. La’Quata Sumter, a technology enthusiast, educator, and entrepreneur who is passionate about making STEM accessible and exciting for everyone, especially underrepresented communities. My journey into the world of technology started with humble beginnings. I grew up learning how to build computers from parts I found at Goodwill, guided by the encouragement of my aunt and grand uncle. Those experiences sparked my curiosity and fueled my determination to dive deeper into technology.
In college, I faced challenges understanding programming because my instructors’ teaching styles didn’t align with how I learned. Instead of giving up, I taught myself how to program and started helping my classmates grasp the concepts too. That moment of realizing I could not only teach myself but also empower others laid the foundation for my career and businesses.
My Businesses and What I Do
I’m the CEO and Founder of Focusing on Me, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that supports organizations in achieving STEM excellence. Within this framework, I lead two brands:
STEAM thru Drones: A program dedicated to teaching STEM through drone technology, offering educational workshops, curricula, and professional development courses for teachers. We use drones to introduce concepts like programming, engineering, and problem-solving in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
Young Financial Freedom: An initiative focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship for young adults, helping them develop life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
I also own Sumters Webdesign, which focuses on web development and design, and Focusing On Me Droneworks, where we provide drone training, UAV course development, and commercial aerial services.
What Problems I Solve
My work addresses several key challenges:
Educational Gaps: I create innovative STEM curricula and resources to help educators and students engage with emerging technologies like drones.
Representation in STEM: Through my workshops and programs, I aim to inspire underrepresented students—especially young girls and African Americans—to see themselves in STEM fields.
Access to Knowledge: I develop tools, resources, and programs to make cutting-edge technology and financial literacy accessible to underserved communities.
Professional Development: I help educators confidently bring drones and STEM into their classrooms, ensuring they have the tools to teach these concepts effectively.
What Sets Me Apart
I believe what sets me apart is my hands-on, inclusive approach to technology education. Having walked the path of self-teaching and breaking barriers myself, I bring empathy and practicality to everything I create. I don’t just teach technology—I focus on how it can transform lives and open doors.
My unique ability to make technology approachable, engaging, and relevant for diverse learners has been the hallmark of my work. I combine technical expertise with real-world applications and emphasize the importance of representation, so students see role models who look like them achieving great things in STEM.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact my programs have had on students and educators alike. Seeing kids build and code drones, watching their confidence grow, and knowing they’re gaining skills for the future is deeply rewarding. I’m also honored to have been recognized as a Rising Star in Engineering by SAE Media Group and to have received the Community Impact Award at the 2023 Emerging Aviation Technologies Awards by Women and Drones. These accolades affirm the importance of my work in education and technology. Additionally, I’ve authored five books, two of which became #1 Releases on Amazon. But what I’m most proud of is creating pathways for students who might not have had access to these opportunities otherwise.
What I Want You to Know
At the heart of my work is a commitment to empowerment, representation, and innovation. My goal is to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by providing them with the tools and confidence to thrive in STEM fields. Whether it’s through drone education, financial literacy programs, or professional development for educators, everything I do is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance to explore their potential. My motto is simple: “Technology can become the wings that allow education to fly farther and faster than ever before.”
If you’re an educator, parent, student, or organization looking to bridge the gap in STEM education, I invite you to join me in this journey of discovery and empowerment. Together, we can inspire the future!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
1. Authenticity and Personal Connection
My journey into technology was not traditional—it was hands-on, self-taught, and fueled by determination. Sharing my story of building computers from Goodwill parts and teaching myself programming resonates with educators, parents, and students alike. People connect with the authenticity of my experiences and see the genuine passion I have for creating opportunities for others.
2. Filling a Critical Gap
I identified a clear gap in STEM education—particularly in introducing emerging technologies like drones to underrepresented and underserved communities—and built programs that address it. My focus on making STEM accessible, exciting, and inclusive through practical, hands-on learning has positioned me as a leader in this space.
3. Expertise and Innovation
With over 15 years of experience in technology education and a solid academic foundation (including five degrees), I bring both credibility and a forward-thinking approach. I continuously integrate emerging trends like drones, AI, and GIS into my programs to ensure they are cutting-edge and industry-relevant.
4. Impactful Partnerships and Recognition
Collaborating with organizations like Women and Drones, and being recognized with honors such as the Community Impact Award at the 2023 Emerging Aviation Technologies Awards by Women and Drones and the Rising Star in Engineering by SAE Media Group, have strengthened my reputation. These accolades validate the impact of my work and align me with respected names in the industry.
5. Practical Solutions for Real-World Needs
What sets my programs apart is their practicality. Educators and parents trust me because I don’t just teach technology concepts; I show how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. For example, my drone curricula incorporate missions like medical supply delivery simulations and environmental monitoring, connecting students’ learning to tangible outcomes.
6. A Commitment to Inclusivity and Representation
As an African American woman in STEM, I am deeply committed to creating spaces where underrepresented students see themselves reflected. Representation matters, and my programs emphasize diversity and inclusion, which resonates with educators and communities looking to inspire the next generation.
7. Consistent Value and Engagement
Through workshops, professional development courses, books, and curricula, I consistently deliver high-quality, engaging, and impactful resources. My ability to break down complex concepts into accessible lessons builds trust and loyalty among my audience.
By staying authentic, addressing unmet needs, and consistently providing value, I’ve been able to establish a reputation as a trusted innovator and advocate for STEM education. It’s this combination of expertise, passion, and impact that has made my work stand out in the market.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that truly illustrates my resilience happened during my college years when I was studying computer science. At the time, I was eager to learn programming, but I quickly realized that the teaching methods of my instructors didn’t resonate with me. Their explanations felt inaccessible, and I often found myself more confused than inspired after lectures. For many, this would have been a roadblock—but for me, it became a challenge to overcome.
Determined not to let this experience derail my goals, I took matters into my own hands. I spent hours in the computer lab, teaching myself programming languages like Java through trial and error. It was a lonely and often frustrating process. I made mistakes, but every time I figured something out on my own, I felt empowered. What fueled me even more was the realization that many of my classmates were struggling just like I was, but unlike me, they didn’t have the confidence to tackle the material on their own.
Recognizing this, I started helping my classmates, breaking down the programming concepts in ways that were easier to understand. It was an incredible experience to see their confidence grow as they grasped ideas they had been struggling with for weeks. Through this, I discovered not just my resilience but also my passion for teaching and making technology accessible.
This moment taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges for yourself—it’s about using what you’ve learned to help others. That same mindset carries through to my work today. Whether I’m teaching students to build drones, empowering educators through professional development, or inspiring underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers, I approach every challenge with the same determination to overcome and uplift others along the way.
It wasn’t just about learning to code—it was about realizing that setbacks can become stepping stones if you’re willing to adapt, persevere, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steamthrudrones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steamthrudrones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steamthrudrones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-quata-sumter-ph-d-b1705928/
