The Innovation Project Honors 5 Visionary NC Educators and a Leading National Innovator
The Innovation Project (TIP) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Innovation Awards for educational excellence, shining a spotlight on public school educators and national leaders who are driving innovation and shaping the future of learning.
“This year’s 6 honorees can inspire us all to continue to go beyond perceived limitations to create impactful change,” said Dr. Sharon L. Contreras, CEO of TIP. “They demonstrate what it is to move from commitment to action.”
➔ Ignite Awards:
◆ Dr. Kelly Withers, Superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Public Schools
◆ Dr. Aaron Woody, Superintendent of Asheboro City Schools
The Ignite Award honors superintendents for inspiring the
reimagining of teaching and learning within their community. They exhibit
creativity and tenacity in implementing bold ideas.
➔ Aspire Award:
◆ Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools
The Aspire Award honors a first year superintendent who demonstrates a great
sense of urgency, early success, and promising leadership in navigating
complex change.
➔ Catalyst Award:
◆ Dr. Andrew Bryan, Superintendent of Edgecombe County Schools.
The Catalyst Award celebrates a superintendent and district for courageously
leveraging TIP initiatives to drive impactful change and inspire transformation
throughout their district.
➔ Transcend Award:
◆ Dr. Nyah Hamlett, Superintendent of Chapel HIll-Carrboro City Schools
The Transcend Award recognizes individuals whose vision, character and
outstanding track record distinguish them among their peers.
➔ Vanguard Award
◆ Jackie Smalls, Senior Vice President, Transfr
The Vanguard Award recognizes an individual or organization that is pioneering new ideas, supporting educational change, and collaborating with TIP districts to reimagine education.
Awards were presented at TIP’s Membership Dinner where guests had the opportunity to test drive Transfr’s state of the art technology that facilitates immersive VR training in high demand careers for students. Superintendents became students, donned VR goggles and performed virtual knee surgery.
We celebrate these courageous and visionary leaders for their commitment to student success and their passion for innovation.
2025 Innovation Award recipients and TIP CEO. From left to right:
Dr Aaron Woody, Dr. Sharon Contreras, Dr. Kelly Withers, Dr. Andrew Bryan,
Dr. Nakia Hardy, Ms. Jackie Smalls.
