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In this "Day in the Life" series, we’re excited to provide a closer look at one of our incredible board members, Cynthia Wilson. Cynthia wears many hats: she's the Interim Executive Director of the Houston Public Library System, Special Advisor for Organizational Culture and Education for the City of Houston, an Educational Consultant, and a former Superintendent. But before all these impressive roles, there was Little Cynthia: a bright, bold, and "bossy" youngest sibling with a natural knack for leadership. Explore her journey and reflections with us: 

As a child, Cynthia was surrounded by strong role models. Her mother was both her kindergarten and first-grade teacher, while her father served as her elementary school principal. For Cynthia, school wasn’t just a place of learning, it was a second home. 

“My early life revolved around school activities, events, sports, and anything school-related,” she shares. However, in fourth grade, when she moved to a new school, she experienced a shift in her connection with the teachers and close-knit environment she once knew. Even so, Cynthia's love for learning and leadership never wavered. 

With a schedule that stretches from morning to night, Cynthia admits that no two days look the same. Her years in leadership have taught her to embrace the fluidity of problem-solving, adapt to challenges, and trust in the power of transferable skills. “I work a lot: days, nights, weekends, but I don’t mind because I love what I do,” she says. “I’ve never felt like my work wasn’t rewarding.” 

Cynthia starts her day with two essentials: coffee and an English muffin with crunchy peanut butter. But more important is the quiet she carves out for herself each morning. “I start my days in complete silence, with only my thoughts playing in my head.” It’s a simple but powerful way to set the tone for the day. 

For Cynthia, motivation comes from knowing that every challenge has a solution. “I always remind myself, ‘No one is asking me to walk on water’ and ‘Time waits for no man.’” She credits much of her leadership philosophy to her time in a Critical Friends group, a space where leaders exchanged and challenged ideas, confronted challenges, and learned from one another. “That experience was more than 20 years ago, but it profoundly shaped my leadership approach and remains with me today.” 

Cynthia’s belief in Out Teach’s approach to learning led her to join Out Teach’s Board. “As a first-year principal, I decided to add a garden to our school. My mother was a lifelong gardener, and I thought it would be great for my students in this low-income, urban setting. I also needed to attract community partners to our school, and I knew some of our parents were members of a garden club.” 

After meeting CEO Jeanne McCarty and seeing the impact of outdoor learning firsthand, Cynthia was drawn to Out Teach’s mission. “We all achieve more when we work together. I’m also inspired by ah-ha moments in children and adults,” she says. Out Teach creates so many of those moments for school communities, helping students connect with education in meaningful ways. “The organization has the power to paint the picture of why real-world, hands-on learning experiences with science and math can truly change the trajectory of success for students of color.” 

After decades in education, Cynthia faces a tough reality: many of the challenges students struggled with 30 years ago still exist today. “I retired because I found old articles with the same headlines we see now - ‘Achievement gaps for Black and Brown students in math, science, and reading.’ ‘Students of color need more support and continue to lag behind their White peers.’ It felt like no progress had been made.” 

But she hasn’t lost hope. Her dream, especially for students in Texas? That a child’s future won’t be decided by the time they reach third grade. 

When asked how allies can make a difference this Black History Month, Cynthia’s message is clear: push past discussions about achievement gaps and take action. “The most equitable thing we can do for Black students is to step up and make change happen. Time waits for no one.” 

Despite her packed schedule, Cynthia’s greatest joy comes from her granddaughters, ages 4 and 6. “They are curious, artistic, thoughtful, and inquisitive about everything. Being their Mimi is one of my greatest blessings.” 

For those looking for motivation, Cynthia recommends The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. “It’s beautifully written and spans decades of family, love, loss, and achievement against great odds. It left me hopeful.”