The following article features insights from Cyndi Nyvall, a Curriculum Specialist at Region 7 ESC, who was highlighted in TAME's Voices of Innovation newsletter on November 15, 2023.
Cyndi Nyvall is an educator and an inspiring force in the East Texas educational landscape, particularly through her involvement with the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME).
Cyndi’s TAME journey began with a vision of an inclusive, welcoming space for students of all backgrounds to discover and explore their interest in engineering and other STEM fields. With that vision, Cyndi spearheaded the formation of TAME Clubs in middle schools throughout Birdville ISD, recruiting students from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances.
“I was working with Watauga and Halton middle schools, and we intentionally put together a diverse group of students, many of them from lower-income households and many of them from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with parents that wanted the very best for their kiddos. These parents worked multiple jobs for their children to have opportunities and yet they still would take any chance they could to attend their child’s TAME Competition.”
Cyndi built a space where students could dream beyond their immediate horizons. One of her most cherished memories was the transformation she witnessed in a middle school student named David, a bright young mind with dreams sometimes larger than his circumstances.
Because of his curious and sharp mind, Cyndi knew he would gain something critical by participating in the TAME State Competition. What Cyndi didn’t know is that this competition would be a pivotal moment for them both. Despite never having had a similar experience, David was determined to make it count and he dove straight into the competition.
By the end of the day, alongside his little sister and parents, who took off work to support their son, David stood, his smile beaming, proudly holding up his trophy as he had won first place for his grade level.
Cyndi recalls the moment David, dressed in a suit that reflected his achievement and all the effort he had put in, lifted his trophy, and the crowd cheers were a loud validation of his own potential and encouragement to keep challenging himself.
This was an unforgettable moment for Cyndi, highlighting the impact of the TAME program and affirming her own dedication to nurturing the potential in each of her students.
Knowing there was a dire need for TAME programming in her native East Texas, Cyndi jumped into action. There was a glaring gap and a total lack of support for students like David and other students from underrepresented communities aspiring to careers in engineering.
She founded the TAME East Texas Region, transforming it into the fastest-growing TAME Region in the state. In her every action, Cyndi works to embody and reflect TAME's commitment to fostering inclusive environments where students are supported and reminded of their great worth and incredible potential.
"As a teacher at heart, I love kids and I am invested in their success. I am invested in being part of the TAME family and part of an organization that intentionally and purposefully seeks equity for all kids and equal opportunity for all kids. That is something I am behind 100%. I want every child to hear that they can succeed, that they can be challenged, that they are worthy and that they are capable.”
Cyndi's selfless contributions to her students and to her mentorship through TAME were recognized with a nomination for the 2023 Educator Stand Up for STEM Award by the Texas Girls Collaborative Project. While Cyndi is deeply flattered by the nomination, she recognizes the commitment and collective effort of all the educators who work so hard to nurture the potential of every child and cultivate their interest in STEM.
The nomination is an honor for Cyndi and also a celebration of the shared commitment of the entire educational community that she represents—a community united by belief in their students and in the power of the opportunities that TAME provides.
Find out more about the ET chapter of TAME!