This kind of question, "what first?" can still make sense if you think of all of the vaguely technical tasks that many non-programmer/engineer types will encounter. Then, what's a good language to server as a good enough tool if they go no further, and a good enough foundation if they do.

Python would serve that, especially given all the batteries that people can draw on. In fact "batteries" should be part of that introductory course, so that you know to look for a battery first instead of jumping to writing it.