About

Who we are & what we do

The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of beginners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our goal is to demystify artificial intelligence and no-code technologies, making them accessible to individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels through no or low cost networking events, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects. By creating an inclusive environment where ideas flourish and knowledge is freely shared, we aim to empower our members to harness these transformative technologies, driving personal growth and regional economic development. We strive to position Hampton Roads as a hub for AI and no-code innovation, inspiring our community to solve real-world problems, launch innovative startups, and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, ultimately contributing to the technological advancement and prosperity of our region.

Our numbers

35+ events

As of January 2026, our team has hosted or assisted 35+ events throughout the Hampton Roads area

300+ volunteer hours

We believe in giving back! We’ve dedicated over 216 hours to volunteering—whether it’s supporting local charities, mentoring future professionals, or making a difference in our communities. And we’re just getting started!

750+ people served

From month to month, we have served anywhere from 20 to 50 people at our in-person events and distributed insights and resources to around 500+ active users in the Hampton Roads area via LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Bluesky.

Join the cause

We’re passionate about making an impact beyond the workplace, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Whether it’s volunteering your time, supporting a local initiative, or spreading awareness, every effort counts. Join us in giving back and making a difference—because together, we can do more!

Expectations

Contribute a minimum of 10 volunteer hours per month to approved initiatives.
Attend a monthly check-in to share updates, plan events, and collaborate on upcoming opportunities.
Take part in at least 6 volunteer events per year to stay engaged and make a real difference.

Every hour counts, and together, we can create lasting change. Interested in getting involved? Shoot us an email at erin@aicollective.com. (New email coming soon)

The team

Chapter leadership

Ted Patterson

Director of Strategy & Community

Erin Marie

Director of Operations

Andrew Stafford

Director of Tech & Global Alliances

Pratik Kothari

Director of Partnerships

Our volunteers

Our chapter volunteers are the heartbeat of this community. Their energy, curiosity, and lived experience shape everything we do, from the conversations in the room to the momentum that carries our work forward between events. They assist the directors in setting up, breaking down, and running events, and they regularly volunteer their time and skills to support the broader partnership efforts the AICHR team leads each month. They show up with generosity, insight, and a real desire to help others learn, build, and connect, often behind the scenes and always without seeking the spotlight. Simply put, this community does not function without them, and what we are able to create on a regular basis is a direct result of their commitment, care, and belief that building something meaningful together is worth the effort.

Benilda Cipcon

Director of Application Development & AI @ Avanade

Jimmy Wilson

Founder, CEO @ Trellow Inc.

Luis Hernandez-Gorozpe

Maintanence Planner @ Q.E.D. Systems, Inc.

Lauren Krailo

Founder @ Krailo Socials

Our fellows

Our Community Fellow Program members play a vital role in extending the reach and impact of our chapter. They bring fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and a strong sense of ownership to the work, helping translate big ideas into real momentum across events, partnerships, and ongoing initiatives. Fellows act as connectors and catalysts in the community, contributing thoughtful insights, elevating conversations, and often stepping into leadership moments when it matters most. Their commitment to learning, sharing, and giving back strengthens the entire ecosystem, and the growth and resilience of this community would not be the same without their sustained involvement and belief in what we are building together.