Dr. Lisa Rathje is the Executive Director of Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education, where she directs educational programs and develops curricula for different learning environments. She is a specialist in professional development for educators and teaching artists, and consults internationally. Her work also includes co-editing the Journal of Folklore and Education and publishing on topics ranging from arts education to community partnerships.

McArthur Freeman II is a visual artist and designer exploring hybridity and identity construction through a range of media, from painting and drawing to digital sculpture and animation. His recent work integrates digital sculpting, 3D scanning, and 3D printing, and has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows like "Strange Figurations." Freeman, a McKnight Junior Faculty Fellow, has also presented his work and research at conferences like SIGGRAPH Asia and NCECA.

Breai Mason-Campbell is a teacher and dancer from Baltimore. A Harvard graduate, her research has examined Hip-Hop's influence on youth and the impact of popular culture on young women.

Alexandra Oliva is the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement at the School of Arts and Enterprise in Pomona, CA, where she also serves as Experiential Learning and Internship Program Manager, and Adjunct Professor of Education. She creates spaces that respond to the needs of the school community and amplify student voices. Oliva holds a B.A. and M.A. from Whittier College.

Dallas C. Jackson is an Occupational Specialist for Pinellas County Schools in Largo, Florida, and a professional artist. His art draws inspiration from historical artistic forms. Jackson is also a researcher, with studies focusing on instructional practices in STEM and Chinese language learning, as well as programs designed to improve student academic performance.

Dr. Guedye St. Jean is the Senior Professional Development Coordinator at Pinellas County Schools, following a career as a high school English teacher and instructional staff developer. A trained musician, she holds degrees from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and the Chicago College of Performing Arts, as well as a Ph.D. in educational administration and leadership from Barry University.

Thomas Schulteis designs engaging learning environments that foster connection, reflection, and individual expression, serving as a teaching artist for various academies, festivals, and workshops, including his own "Creativity & Inspiration Workshop." With a background in performance, including Broadway's Grease!, and 15 years at The Walt Disney Company developing educational programs, he now leads The Educators Collective, producing virtual summits and collaborating with organizations like Musical Theatre Competitions of America and Susan Blackwell + Co. Schulteis holds degrees from James Madison University and National University.