Celebrating Innovation and Vision

Published: December 13, 2024

Fall 2024 at College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab has been a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the year comes to a close, we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible participants who have enriched our cohorts and events, turning their visions into reality.

Meet Our Featured Entrepreneurs

  • Maegan Rupe and Seth Hoover: Inspired by their personal journey, Rupe and Hoover designed functional and fashionable sweaters for women undergoing chemotherapy. Their innovative garments feature arm openings for convenient treatment access—a thoughtful solution addressing an often-overlooked need.

  • Estrellita Gonzalez: Starting with a hot chocolate booth in downtown Caldwell, Gonzalez plans to expand her venture into a family-friendly buffet dining concept.

  • Uriel Ornelas: Ornelas introduced his unique candy creations, specifically designed for teenagers. Having achieved success in the experimental phase, he’s ready to scale up!

  • Patrick Fry-Al Thwani: Our first-ever attendee and prize winner, Fry-Al Thwani is now developing an online side hustle—PRE-assembling circuit board Christmas tree ornaments to save customers time.

  • Daniella Jensen: Jensen is launching a business aimed at helping young people plan gap year adventures. She’s starting with a blog and social media platform to share travel expertise.

  • Dion Saldivar: Saldivar is pursuing his dream of launching a modern and experimental Mexican food and drink truck. He attended our Idea, Set, Go workshop to bring his vision to life.

  • Oscar Perales: Through the Next Level Accelerator program, Perales is taking his business, Take It Easy, to new heights. This app-based junk removal service promises convenience at your fingertips.

  • John Carl Granados: A proud partner of the Entrepreneur Lab, Granados is the owner of 1866 Creations LLC, a screen-printing business based in Nampa. He was a grant winner while attending one of the Entrepreneur Lab's Business Basics events.

A Collaborative Spirit

This semester’s participants have not only showcased incredible innovations but also demonstrated the collaborative energy that makes the Entrepreneur Lab thrive. Their journeys are inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.

Stay Connected

Stay in the loop on the latest entrepreneurial news and updates. Subscribe to the Entrepreneur Lab's newsletter.

More from CWI

Barrel marked with Boise Rescue Mission signs

Student Nurses Association is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries to collect hygiene products for local community members in need.

Read more about Spring Into the Spirit of Giving Back
Two people holding plates of pancakes

The CWI Learning Commons team is hosting a series of events designed to help students prepare, relax, and find motivation as they head into the final stretch of the semester.

Read more about Spring 2026 Crunch Week
People sitting on a bench at the Student Arboretum

A year later after its open, the Student Arboretum has become an outdoor classroom, sustainability project, and growing community resource.

Read more about Student Arboretum Grows into Hands-On Learning Space
Two people working on an assignment

The Writing and AI Literacy Center is available to help students strengthen their writing, develop confidence, and learn how to use emerging AI tools responsibly.

Read more about Learning Commons: Writing and AI Literacy Center
PTK Cohort at Induction ceremony

CWI's Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, inducted 24 new members, bringing another group of student leaders into the College’s honor society community.

Read more about PTK Welcomes 24 New Inductees
Declaration of Independence

CWI will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a public panel discussion featuring History faculty.

Read more about 250th Declaration of Independence Panel
Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

College of Western Idaho will host its 11th annual Connections Conference on April 23, inviting students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate student achievement. 

Read more about Connections Conference 2026
Tutor working with students in front of a whiteboard

At CWI, Tutoring Services is available to help students stay on track, strengthen their understanding of course material, and build the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Read more about Learning Commons: Tutoring Services
Grad Fest 2026 logo

Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to graduation with Grad Fest on Friday, May 8.

Read more about 2026 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Art painting

Join CWI Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Christine Atkinson, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on March 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Christine Atkinson
Two students holding kestrel boxes

Raptor Day at CWI gave students hands-on experience building kestrel nest boxes and learning about the valley’s amazing birds of prey.

Read more about Raptor Day Highlights Birds of Prey on Campus
Person behind a set of books

Ada Community Library Bookmobile will visit CWI on Feb. 24, offering library cards, book checkout, and free resources for students and the community.

Read more about Library Bookmobile to Visit Ada County Center

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/celebrating-innovation-and-vision<br>