Cindy Court’s Journey in Education and the Impact of the TGR Foundation
Introduction
In this exciting podcast episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Cindy Court, CEO of the TGR Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved communities through education. Cindy shares insights into her fascinating career journey and how her entrepreneurial spirit led her to the nonprofit world. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about her early career, her thoughts on failure, and how her experiences have shaped her current leadership role. But more importantly, Cindy highlights the profound work being done by the TGR Foundation and its mission to empower young people through education.
Cindy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the importance of mentorship. In this article, we’ll explore her story, delve into the significant work of the TGR Foundation, and discover how their innovative approach to education is changing the lives of young people across the country.
Cindy Court’s Journey: From Education to Nonprofit Leadership
Who Did You Want to Become When You Were Little?
Cindy begins by reflecting on the question that most of us have asked ourselves at one point or another: “Who did you want to become when you were little?” This question serves as a launching point for understanding how Cindy’s childhood and early influences shaped her path.
Her story is unique, as Cindy didn’t have a clear roadmap to follow, nor did she grow up with an abundance of mentors or access to a wide variety of career options. Raised in a first-generation immigrant family, she was the first to graduate from high school and attend college. Given that her exposure to different career paths was limited, Cindy didn’t have the opportunity to dream big or consider a wide range of professions.
“I didn’t have mentors, and I didn’t even know they existed,” Cindy shares. Instead of dreaming of becoming an astronaut or a doctor, she gravitated toward education. She pursued a degree in education at York University in Toronto, Canada, and was drawn to serving under-resourced communities, which would later form the foundation of her nonprofit work.
A Career Built on Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Cindy’s journey into education and nonprofit work was driven by her desire to serve young people and their families. She found that the nonprofit sector allowed her to think creatively and respond quickly to the needs of the communities she worked in. Her passion for entrepreneurship led her to take on roles in after-school programs, where she could design and implement creative programs without needing approval from committees.
“It appealed to my ability to serve the entire student and their families. I could provide wraparound services, create programs on the fly, and respond quickly to what communities needed,” Cindy says. This hands-on, entrepreneurial approach has been a hallmark of Cindy’s career and has served her well as she transitioned into a leadership role at the TGR Foundation.
The Role of the TGR Foundation: Empowering Students and Families
What Makes the TGR Foundation Unique?
The TGR Foundation, under Cindy’s leadership, is a hybrid of a classroom and community model, blending academic learning with after-school programs designed to provide holistic support to young people. Cindy explains that the combination of both educational spaces sets the foundation apart from other organizations.
“I love the creativity I have in the after-school space,” Cindy shares. The foundation’s model allows students to access state-of-the-art learning labs and a hands-on curriculum that they may not have in their schools. The goal is to bridge the opportunity gap and ensure that every child, no matter their background, has access to the resources and mentorship that will help them succeed.
Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities
One of the key aspects of Cindy’s work at the TGR Foundation is addressing the challenges that underserved communities face. Many students in these communities are not exposed to the kind of resources, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities that can help them make informed decisions about their futures. Cindy is passionate about changing this narrative.
“We’re empowering young people to pursue their passions through education,” she explains. By offering programs that introduce students to different fields, such as forensic science or robotics, the foundation exposes them to career options they may not have previously considered.
Overcoming Failure: Cindy’s Personal Approach
Throughout her career, Cindy has encountered many failures, as all successful people do. She offers a refreshing perspective on how to handle setbacks, especially when you’re unsure about the path ahead. For Cindy, the key to overcoming failure is reflection and resilience.
“Failing forward” is a concept that Cindy embraces. She encourages others to view failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. “I didn’t always succeed, but I learned from my mistakes, and I had mentors who helped me pick myself up,” she says. In her experience, failure isn’t something to fear, but rather an essential part of the journey toward success.
Cindy also acknowledges that women often face unique challenges when dealing with failure, particularly because society sometimes expects them to be more perfect or polished in their leadership roles. However, Cindy believes that being resilient and embracing failure is a universal experience—one that transcends gender and can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Impacting the Lives of Students: The TGR Foundation’s Vision for the Future
Bridging the Opportunity Gap
The TGR Foundation is committed to bridging the opportunity gap for students who lack access to resources. By providing state-of-the-art learning spaces, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the foundation helps young people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
“What we’re doing is changing the trajectory of these kids’ lives,” Cindy states. By giving them access to tools and experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise had, the foundation is opening doors to new opportunities.
New Initiatives: Expanding the Foundation’s Reach
Exciting things are on the horizon for the TGR Foundation. Under Cindy’s leadership, the foundation is expanding its reach to new communities across the country. In just a few months, a new learning lab will open in Philadelphia, with plans to expand to Los Angeles in the near future.
“I’m excited to take the model that has worked so well in Anaheim and bring it to more communities,” Cindy shares. The expansion is a significant step in the foundation’s mission to serve more young people and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Real-World Learning Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the TGR Foundation’s work is its emphasis on real-world learning. Whether through robotics clubs, e-gaming competitions, or career readiness programs, the foundation is helping students gain practical experience and exposure to industries they might never have considered.
“We’re giving them opportunities to explore careers, like gaming and cybersecurity, that weren’t on their radar before,” Cindy explains. This hands-on approach to learning helps students gain skills that are directly applicable to the job market, providing them with a competitive edge as they enter adulthood.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Ultimately, Cindy and the TGR Foundation are focused on creating the next generation of leaders. Through education, mentorship, and access to career opportunities, the foundation is shaping young minds and empowering them to pursue their passions, whether through higher education or direct entry into the workforce.
“Sometimes, it’s not about going to college—it’s about finding what you’re passionate about and using your talents to make a difference,” Cindy says. By equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, the TGR Foundation is ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.
About the podcast
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
About the hosts
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
Filippo Rustichini is a digital designer and creative director, co-creating human-centered and inclusive experiences, in order to foster cross-cultural dialogues. His multimedia works, including art installation Kyklos (2021), have been featured at digital arts festivals across Europe (UK, Spain and Italy) and in the US. He is currently working at the New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, a university-wide project that supports students’ ventures addressing social impact and innovation. Filippo also worked at various social service organizations supporting homeless and low-income communities in the US and in Spain.
About the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
About WERULE
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.