Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammi Kornegay.
Hi Tammi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
BrainyBuilders was born out of a simple idea and a desire to give young people something different, engaging, and meaningful during the summer.
In August 2023, while collaborating with Kingdom Life Church, we began discussing ways to create opportunities for youth beyond the “normal” summer activities. We wanted something hands-on, creative, educational, and exciting — an experience where children could explore, build, think critically, and discover new possibilities through STEM.
What started as a small “STEM Fun Friday” initiative with just 9 students quickly became something much bigger. By the third Friday, attendance had grown to 23 students, and the excitement from both children and families was undeniable. Students were eager to learn, experiment, and return each week for more. Parents began sharing how much their children looked forward to the experience and how they were being exposed to opportunities they had never had before.
That momentum revealed a deeper need in the community — especially in rural and underserved areas — for accessible, high-quality STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and career awareness in young learners.
In 2024, BrainyBuilders expanded from that original idea into offering three summer camps, laying the foundation for what would become a growing STEM movement in Eastern North Carolina.
By 2025, the organization continued to grow rapidly — operating four summer camps across three locations, launching mini camps, hiring its first paid instructor, and reaching an important milestone by moving into its own STEM Hub location. This marked a major turning point, creating a dedicated space where students and families could consistently engage in hands-on STEM learning experiences year-round.
Now in 2026, BrainyBuilders has expanded even further with six summer camps, a growing drone technology cohort, Saturday STEM mini camps, and a new robotics cohort designed specifically for homeschool families. The organization now supports three paid instructors and continues building programs that expose students to coding, robotics, engineering, aviation, and emerging technologies in engaging and accessible ways.
In addition to program growth, 2026 has also been a year of strengthening community partnerships and collaboration. BrainyBuilders has continued building relationships with schools, libraries, churches, homeschool communities, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand access to STEM opportunities for children and families across Eastern North Carolina. These partnerships have allowed the organization to broaden its reach, create more impactful programming, and connect students with mentors, industry professionals, and real-world STEM experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. What we do has its challenges. One major struggle has been funding and financial sustainability. As a newer nonprofit organization, balancing the cost of technology, equipment, curriculum, staffing, insurance, transportation, rent, and operational expenses while still serving underserved and rural communities has required constant creativity and persistence. STEM programs can be expensive to operate, especially hands-on programs involving drones, robotics, coding, and engineering tools.
Staffing and capacity have also been ongoing hurdles. Finding qualified instructors who are passionate about STEM, skilled in working with youth, and aligned with the mission can be difficult — especially as programs continue to grow. Like many community-based organizations, growth has often outpaced available manpower and resources.
Another significant challenge for BrainyBuilders has been increasing engagement and sustained participation among Black and Brown students in STEM programming. While there is tremendous talent, creativity, and potential within these communities, many students have historically lacked consistent exposure to STEM opportunities, role models, and pathways that help them see themselves reflected in technology, engineering, aviation, robotics, and innovation spaces.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As founder and board chair, I bring 20 years of experience in education, youth development, and STEM advocacy. As an experienced educator and entrepreneur, I have worked extensively with all types of communities (rural, urban, suburban) as a K-12 public school math and science educator, instructional coach, and administrator of Title I elementary and secondary schools. I focus on creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning opportunities in STEM for children of all backgrounds. I hold a Master’s degree in School Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction from East Carolina University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Winston-Salem State University. As a passionate advocate for educational equity and inclusion, I lead BrainyBuilders by partnering with community organizations, businesses, and other nonprofits to deliver hands-on STEM learning experiences to students in both rural and urban settings.
I am most proud of building something sustainable and community-centered from the ground up — creating partnerships, hiring instructors, securing a physical location, and developing programs that families continue returning to and supporting. That kind of grassroots growth takes vision, resilience, sacrifice, and consistency. Most importantly, I am proud that BrainyBuilders is not just teaching STEM skills — it is building confidence, exposure, leadership, and possibility.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would say, if you are just starting out, my biggest advice would be: start with what you have, where you are, and serve well. Also, grow your business with integrity.
BrainyBuilders did not begin with a large building, major funding, or a big team. It started with one idea, one partnership, and a willingness to create something meaningful for children in the community. Sometimes people wait until everything is “perfect” before they begin, but impact often starts small. Focus on solving a real need and building authentic relationships within your community. Another lesson I’ve learned is to grow intentionally, not just quickly. Every new program, partnership, or opportunity may sound exciting, but sustainable growth requires structure, planning, and capacity. Learn how to pace yourself, create systems early, and protect the quality of your programs as you expand. Take your time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brainybuilders.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainybuilders_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brainybuilders.org/
