FireFlight's AI journey began at the unexpected intersection of software development, wildland firefighting, and environmental science. Founder Ariel Strong's unique background—spanning a decade as a software developer, five years as a wildland firefighter and EMT, with further time in data analytics—created the perfect foundation for understanding both technical systems and real-world applications.
The pivotal moment came during her training at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, where she experienced firsthand the transformative power of AI. What had been several hours of tedious counting of albatross nests from drone footage became a task of remarkable speed and accuracy with AI assistance.
This experience fundamentally reshaped FireFlight's vision. What began as a wildfire risk management company evolved to embrace AI's potential across multiple domains—applying these tools not just to environmental challenges but to the everyday hurdles faced by individuals and small businesses.
Today, Ariel's passion for making technology accessible has led to the creation of the "AI for Everyone" course and the Northern Arizona AI Meetup, both born from her belief that AI literacy is the key to thriving in our rapidly changing world.