Nimmi Arunachalam

My CSTA Story

Nimmi joined CSTA as a new computer science educator in 2014, and she credits her growth in the art and science of computing education to the outstanding support she received from CSTA and its members. She is deeply invested in broadening participation in computing in the K–12 and post-secondary environments. Nimmi serves as the president of CSTA PBC/Broward, where she continues to learn and grow through her association with computing educators across the country.

My Story

Nimmi Arunachalam is the program director of Break Through Tech at Florida International University, where she works to increase diversity and gender equity in Miami’s tech ecosystem. Prior to holding this position, Nimmi worked for the School District of Palm Beach County, where she served as the CTE specialist (cybersecurity), and she was previously a CS teacher at Olympic Heights High School. Nimmi has taught AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A and was a master teacher for Project Lead The Way engineering and CS courses. She has industry experience as a business analyst in the software industry in Chennai, India.

Nimmi holds Florida professional certifications in Educational Leadership, Mathematics (6–12), Technology Education (6–12), and Computer Science (K–12). She has won numerous awards and praise for her work in computer science education. She is the current president of the CSTA PBC/Broward, as well as the at-large representative of the national CSTA Board of Directors. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in business administration from Pondicherry Central University, India, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani, India. Nimmi is currently pursuing a PhD in computer science education through FIU’s SUCCEED graduate program.