Danielle Warner’s journey to becoming a UAS pilot for Verizon Frontline is a testament to seizing opportunities and the power of mentorship. Her career path was winding and included jobs in a number of fields, but one critical role was her time in government sales where, as always, she found a way to set herself apart and succeed. As a government sales rep, she recognized the value of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team and what their capabilities meant to customers, so she began inviting the team lead, Jason Mitchell, to meet these customers.
“No one else was leveraging the team, so I would bring in the team lead to meet with our public safety partners,” Warner explained. “That’s how I met Jason Mitchell.”
This connection proved pivotal. Mitchell, formerly the senior director of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, became a key mentor, offering invaluable career advice..
In 2020, Warner joined the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, where she was tasked with providing mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies during emergency response operations.
“Having observed Danielle’s success in her previous roles, I was confident she would be an excellent candidate for the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team,” said Mitchell. “Since joining the team, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and embodies the Verizon Frontline motto of ‘Your mission is our purpose’.”
This role opened the door to an exciting opportunity: becoming a drone pilot.
“Flying [Unmanned Aerial Systems] wasn’t a mandatory task when I joined. The team was just looking for volunteers to become pilots,” said Warner. She volunteered and began her UAS training.
Warner now utilizes her drone skills in real-world responses and training exercises, providing first responders with vital situational awareness and communications support. Warner finds this work extremely rewarding, knowing she’s giving first responders an extra edge.
Over the last five years as an FAA-certified UAS pilot, she has been involved in multiple search and rescue missions, including the successful rescue of an eight-year-old child. She has assisted first responders during numerous response operations by providing dedicated communications and UAS situational awareness and overwatch support.
Warner and her team have received accolades from many agencies for their work using UAS solutions to support first responders. Her team also actively trains and researches innovative solutions that will help support critical public safety operations.
Beyond her operational work, Warner is passionate about showcasing UAS technology to younger generations. She sets up demonstrations at career fairs in Michigan, encouraging young women to explore all available options.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Warner emphasizes the importance of mentorship.
“My biggest piece of advice for women is to find a mentor,” she advises. “Find someone, man or woman, that you can learn from, that’s willing to impart their knowledge, that’s willing to help you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. But most of all, take the chance.”
