CINDY QIAO

Skittles Room Coordinator

Cindy Qiao has always loved problem-solving. She fell for chess back when she was introduced to it at 9 years old. Two years later, she earned her Women’s FIDE Master title from winning the U12 Girls section at the North American Youth Chess Championships in Mexico.

Cindy is currently in her fourth year at the University of Toronto (UofT), studying computer science and completing her internship at AMD. Cindy finds herself in male-dominated fields, both in chess and her studies, but she embraces the environment where she is constantly challenged and inspired to think differently. She wishes for a future generation of chess players in which girls confidently engage with the chess community—she hopes to lead by example and through coaching younger players.

If you ask Cindy about her favorite chess memories, they would come from the team tournaments she has represented her school in, such as the Pan American Collegiate Chess Championships and the Canadian Universities Chess Championships.

Alongside the excitement Cindy has for the game, there also lies the feeling of immense pressure, especially after inevitable, heartbreaking losses. However, it is through the friends Cindy has made amidst her ongoing chess journey that draws her back to the game continuously. She aspires to spread this same joy for chess to everyone she meets in the community.

Cindy was first introduced to the Toronto Chess Centre through the adult blitz and rapid tournaments it hosted, both of which she has won the top women prize in. Soon after, she joined the team to help out in the Skittles room for the junior events, ensuring kids are engaged in entertaining chess activities in between tournament rounds.