Trish Burroughs is the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) District Coordinator and a Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist for Vance County Schools, bringing 19 years of experience in education and leading the development of K–12 STEM learning environments while coaching educators in engineering design and innovative instructional practices. Passionate about creating engaging, equitable learning experiences, she collaborates with Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teams to empower educators and prepare students with the skills needed for future success.

Alicia LaDow is a third grade teacher in Transylvania County Schools, which sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, with over 15 years of experience in education. She previously served as an instructional technology coach and is passionate about helping elementary students explore artificial intelligence through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Alease Carrick is a 3rd Grade STEM teacher with Stanly County Schools who has 10 years of experience in elementary education and specializes in STEM integration, project-based learning, and bringing artificial intelligence concepts into engaging lessons. As an AI By 8 Fellow, she is passionate about preparing students to become curious problem-solvers and critical thinkers by creating innovative, hands-on learning experiences that make STEM and AI accessible to all learners.

Brandi Reams is a Kindergarten Master Team Reach Teacher in Nash County, North Carolina. She has been in education for over ten years and has spent the majority of her career in Eastern North Carolina. 

Alicia Billups is a 1st Grade Teacher at Central Elementary School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, where she is dedicated to helping every child achieve academic and personal success. With 19 years of experience in elementary education, she specializes in early literacy, mathematics, instructional leadership, and innovative AI integration for young learners. Her work focuses on creating engaging, equitable learning experiences while mentoring teachers and building strong school culture. Alicia is the 2025–2026 Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, an ECU Principal Fellow, and an AI by 8 Fellow, and is committed to leading schools where students, teachers, and communities thrive together.

Ashley Priem is an ISTE-certified Digital Integration Facilitator in Moore County Schools, with over 20 years of experience advancing STEM, Computer Science (CTE), and AI in education. A former International Baccalaureate educator with a Master’s in Educational Technology (Design Education) from Michigan State University and international studies in France and England, she empowers those around her to become collaborative, curious digital learners prepared in a rapidly changing world.

Tammy Campbell, a kindergarten teacher with 29 years of experience, working at Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools- Northside Elementary School, is part of the School Improvement Team, MTSS Team, and a member of the District Emerging Leaders cohort, specializes in phonics/ reading instruction and integration of STEM, focusing on building student confidence, with a passion for utilizing “Play-based Learning,” believing students can gain a strong base in reading and math, as well as important societal skills including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking beginning in Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Tammy has been a member of the NC Portrait of a Graduate Team, K-5 STEM Leaders, and also NC NASA Teacher Ambassador, chosen with the first cohort, and is committed to continuing to impact young learners with the latest instructional needs to become active in the world that “will be theirs,” including having an understanding of AI.