About the founder
Erin Alyssa Stokes, PhD. was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She joined the military at 23 years of age. Dr. Stokes is currently an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer, flying UH-60A/L/M Black Hawk helicopters, and serving as the Brigade Medical Operations Officer for the Indiana National Guard. Dr. Stokes is the first black female Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot for the state of Indiana. She has served in various leadership positions ranging from Executive Officer, Program Manager, Company Commander of HQ Company, and as a Company Commander of 38th Military Police Company. Dr. Stokes has supervised and mentored more than 500 Soldiers, either under her direct leadership, or at various inner-city mentoring events.
Dr. Stokes has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Criminal Justice; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialization in Human Resources Management; a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice and English. Dr. Stokes enjoys all sports, working out, and has a passion for mentoring the youth to aspire to greater heights. Due to her love of mentoring, she founded ABOVE THE DRONE, Inc. A NFP organization to bring aviation awareness to inner-city youth.