Elsa Klarich

Elsa Rebecca Klarich was born in Saint Louis, Missouri and educated at Liberty University, Virginia with a B.S. in Aeronautics with a specialization in Unmanned Aerial Systems and with a minor in Global Studies. She is a multi-engine commercial, instrument rated pilot with four years of experience as a bush pilot based in Tanzania, East Africa flying humanitarian missions throughout Tanzania and Kenya for Wings of Hope and Flying Medical Service. Elsa continued her career for an additional 3+ years in Tanzania as a wildlife conservationist working as a Projects Development Manager for PAMS Foundation.

In December 2019, Elsa returned to the United States to pursue a career as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Instructor, Operator, and maintainer on an Aerosonde drone platform. She completed her Instructor Operator, Maintenance Technician, and Flight Crew Chief certificates in 2020. From January to May 2021, Elsa deployed to Afghanistan performing reconnaissance and surveillance missions for OCONUS operations. She has experience teaching US citizens and East Africans on the Piccolo Command Center and Viewpoint software programs widely used throughout the UAV industry.

Beginning July 2021, Elsa started Light and Earth, LLC providing humanitarian and conservation consulting in the non-profit sector. She is working with Wings of Hope based in St. Louis, Missouri as an aviation STEM instructor and Global Humanitarian Network UAV project consultant. She recently completed a contract with LightHawk Conservation Flying to determine the feasibility of a UAV conservation project based in Colorado and Delaware. Elsa started a non-profit organization called Ashe Love Project in 2021, which will focus on nourishment programs and health and environmental education for women and children in EastAfrica. Ashe Love Project is currently in-process to register as a tax-exempt 501c3 organization.

Elsa’s extensive aviation and work experience includes her manned and unmanned aeronautical knowledge, and humanitarian, conservation, and civilian contractor employment. Such industry and philanthropic experiences have been recognized by professional, academic, and civic organizations. She currently lives in Tanzania and in St. Louis, MO, USA.