Navegando Mentoring Program

Abisael Rodriguez is a first-generation college student and second year student at CWI. He is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science to on day become a physical therapist. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, and going out with friends and family.

Tizoc Lopez is a first-generation college student that was born in Seattle, Washington. For a majority of Tizoc’s life, he spent it at a restaurant because of his family. The restaurant life allowed Tizoc to learn the organization and skills necessary for navigating the real world. He attended Vallivue High school and graduated in 2020. This is Tizoc’s second year as a mentor and he is working on getting his degree in business. Tizoc is excited to help the incoming students and help them through college. During his free time, he likes to play soccer, volleyball, travel and watch anime.

Lizbeth Rodriguez is a second-year student at CWI. She is currently a health science major and is planning to pursue a degree in nursing. Lizbeth is a full-time student who likes spending her free time with friends and family. This is her first year as a mentor and is happy to work with other students and help them on their career journey.

Alexis Lopez was born in Emporia, Kansas. He is a first generation college student and has been attending the College of Western Idaho since fall of 2021. He is currently pursing a degree in finance as he has always loved economics. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Alexis likes trying new things as he believes in living life to its fullest.

Andrea Ruelas Leon is a second-year student here at CWI. She is pursuing a career in Nursing and is currently a Health science major. Andrea was born in Michoacán, Mexico and immigrated when she was two years old and has been living in Idaho since then. Andrea is excited to be a part of the Navegando program and to be able to serve her fellow students!

Isabel Dominguez was born in Morelos, Mexico. She is currently twenty years old and has been living in Boise, Idaho since she was three years old. She graduated from Centennial High School in 2020 and is currently in her second year at CWI. Last fall she was part of the Latinx Scholars’ program which allowed her to meet new people and feel more connected with others of the same culture that shared a lot of the same experiences she did while growing up.

Abraham Alonso has been living in Idaho for 12 years and graduated from Nampa High School. He hopes to finish up his Computer Science degree and move on to Boise State in the future. He went to Rutland Vermont to do some missionary work as a preacher and found a job working as an IT assistant. As an assistant, he found his love in the tech world and decided to return to school to expand his knowledge and continue his higher education. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching a good movie.

Martin Gonzalez was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He graduated high school in 2021 and entered CWI the following fall semester. He is majoring in computer science and wants to complete an associate degree at CWI. He later wants to continue his education and get a bachelor's degree at a four-year university. During his free time he enjoys playing a variety of sports, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.

Vanessa Herrera was born and raised in Caldwell Idaho. She is a first generation student attending CWI to pursue an elementary education major. Being a teacher has been a dream of hers since her first day of kindergarten. She has always admired teachers because of the great responsibilities they have to mold students into successful individuals. Some of her hobbies include reading, hiking, camping, and playing tennis.

Emily was born in Yuma Arizona and moved to Boise Idaho when she was one years old. She is currently working full time for a bank and attends the College of Western Idaho to ge her degree business/Law. She strives to gain connections around her community to help others understand the great opportunities an education holds. She was a Presidential Ambassador in 2021-2022 which gave her the opportunity to help people and guide them to success in their education here at CWI. During her free time she loves spending time with her family, being in nature, and traveling.

Nereida Alonzo was born and raised in Caldwell, Idaho, and is a first-generation student at CWI. She is currently working to earn her associate degree in Health Science and plans to move forward into Occupational Therapy. She loves to help others and is always willing to keep an open mind. You’ll often find her spending some time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sewing, crocheting, and reading.

Daniela Gonzalez is a first-generation college student, who was born and raised in Idaho. Her strongest academic subject throughout her childhood has always been math. With mathematics being involved and the opportunity to assist in finding solutions to other people’s issues, this motivated her to pursue a career as an accountant. This will be her second year as a student at CWI, majoring in business with an emphasis in accounting. She intends to graduate from CWI a semester early and transfer to BSU in the spring while attending school full-time and working a part-time job. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and going to the gym. She is here to support and assist first-year students as a new Navegando Mentor in hopes of making their first year enjoyable and successful.

Jose Pacheco was born in Oakland, California. He is a first-generation college student at the College of Western Idaho and has been attending since 2021. He is currently majoring in drafting and plans on pursuing a career as an engineer or an architect in the future. During his free time he likes hanging out with friends, listening to music, cracking jokes, and having fun in general.

Dustin Cureton is starting his second year at CWI and his first year as a Navegando Mentor. Dustin was born and raisedin Idaho. He is currently pursuing a degree in the Drafting program and would like to transfer to University of Idaho for the Architecture program. He currently has a part time job during the school and works full time during the summer. Dustin chose his major because he enjoys being able to help others and the community. In his free time he likes to hang out with my friends, play sports, and work on his car.

Brianna Villalobos is a first-generation college student. This will be her fourth semester at CWI. Brianna is a health and science major, pursuing a degree in Nursing. After obtaining a nursing degree, she hopes to work in labor and delivery or neonatal and possibly later on as a travel nurse. She loves to travel, stay active, and spend time with her family and friends.

Angey Marie Hernandez was born in Nampa, Idaho. Her parents are from Michoacan, Mexico. Angey graduated from Vallivue High. In her free time, she loves watching Netflix, spending time in nature, working out, and having family time. She is proud to be the first person in her family to go to college. As the big sister, her role has always been to take care of others and set examples. She is excited to be a mentor and find her calling. She values helping others and is excited to help others with similar backgrounds and interests. She hopes to guide students, just how the people from this program have helped her navigate her first year in college.

Nora is a second-year student at CWI. She is a business major. Nora was born in Michoacán, MX and moved to Idaho when she was 3. Nora loves to go on adventures with her friends, loves the gym & loves to go on hikes. She hopes to open her own business some day and give back to her community.