Hello, I'm Cindy Anh Thu Nguyen.
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​I am a second-generation Vietnamese-American, daughter of refugees, artist, environmentalist, educator, and peer mentor.
My work stems from a personal journey of attempting to reclaim my connections to land, history, and my cultural heritage.
I am invested in making nature and the outdoors feel more accessible to youth by building safe spaces, convening community, and illustrating sustainable futures.
Through my art, writing, teaching, and advocacy, I aim to communicate how connecting to our environment can be healing and grounding in who we are and where we live.
My Journey
born and raised near the water
became obsessed about wildlife and drawing animals
interest in sustainability and environmental issues
were sparked in high school
my first outdoor adventures to national parks and engagement in environmental advocacy in college
used art as a tool for processing my learning around my cultural heritage, social identities, and climate change
worked with animals for the first time at a wildlife rehabilitation center
in the role of education specialist
moved away from home to pursue a fellowship focusing on increasing diversity in the conservation workforce and met amazing Black, Indigenous, and people of color leading the field
participated in field research in Vietnam which further motivated my desire to connect my environmental work with understanding my cultural heritage
made intentional efforts to be in community with loved ones, find joy despite difficult times, and create art around storytelling and healing
returned home to engage with the environmental community of Houston
and learn about efforts to create equitable access to nature for youth
pursued a teaching residency to further my skills in environmental education and equip myself with tools in increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
currently finishing my Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction at University of Washington and studying Vietnamese!