Launched in summer 2026, the AI State Advocacy Learning Cohorts, part of the AI Policy Hub from PIE Network and Bellwether, helps strengthen state advocates’ knowledge and understanding of AI practice and policies that affect education. Coalitions of state-based members come together with national innovators and experts to learn about AI and the use cases most affecting education, share emerging thinking, discuss critical topics in emerging AI technology and policy, and develop AI vision statements and guiding principles to help ensure AI policy in their states works for every student, in every community. Learn more about the leaders in Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 below.
Questions about this opportunity? Email [email protected].
Meet Cohort 1:
California
- Anya Grottel-Brown, Vice President of Communications & Media, Teach Plus, representing Teach Plus California
- KeAnne Williams, Advocacy Manager, Diversity in Leadership Institute
- Melissa Valenzuela Stookey, Director of P-16 Research, EdTrust-West
- Mark Heringer, Managing Director, East Bay, GO Public Schools
- Rashmeen Kaur, Director, Research and AI Strategy, Innovate for Action
Tennessee
- Amanda Glover, Director of AI Initiatives, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)
- Chelsea Crawford, Executive Director, TennesseeCAN
- Jenny Mills McFeron, Director of P-16 Policy & Research, EdTrust-Tennessee
- Meredith McGann, Director of Policy & Outreach, Tennesseans for Student Success
- Robert Vagi, Vice President of Research and Membership, Tennessee Charter School Center
Texas
- Gabe Grantham, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Philanthropy Advocates
- Jessica Shopoff, Vice President of Policy and Research, Texas Public Charter Schools Association
- Joanna Warren, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Educate Texas
- Katrina Fraser, Managing Director, Policy & Advocacy, The Commit Partnership
- Natalie Brown, Interim Executive Director, Teach Plus Texas
- Nathan Kriha, Policy Analyst, EdTrust in Texas
- Renzo Soto, Deputy Director, Education and Workforce Policy, Texas 2036
Meet Cohort 2:
Massachusetts
- Andrew Epifanio, MA State Director of Public Affairs, Educators for Excellence-Massachusetts
- Jennie Williamson, State Director, EdTrust-Massachusetts
- Kimmy Tremlett, MA Manager, Policy and Program, Teach Plus Massachusetts
- Manny Cruz, Senior Policy Fellow, Latinos for Education
- Danielle Pape, Chief of Public Affairs, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
- Erin Cooley, Deputy Executive Director, MassPotential
Washington
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Elizabeth Krajewski, Senior Director Policy and Partnerships, Washington State Charter Schools Association
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Jacob Vela, Chief Policy Officer, League of Education Voters
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Jordan Posamentier, VP, Policy and Advocacy, Committee for Children
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Sam Goessling, Executive in Residence, Excellent Schools Washington
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Brian Jeffries, Policy Director, Partnership for Learning
