For Alison Patt, some of life’s biggest moments have started with a leap of faith.
“I've just found those moments where maybe it didn't make logical sense, but taking that leap of faith and betting on ourselves was a big part of why I ended up who I am and where I am.”
Today, Patt is President and CEO of Thomas Cuisine and President of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation Board. Her path to both roles has been shaped by personal experiences, her connection to the community and a willingness to take chances when the next step wasn’t always clear.
Patt’s career began in hospitality in San Diego. After her son, Joey, was diagnosed with autism at a young age, her family searched for ways to support him and discovered the role real food could play in their lives. That experience eventually became part of Patt’s professional mission.
In 2020, Patt and her family took another leap, moving to Boise. She joined Thomas Cuisine, where her personal experiences and professional work came together.
Her connection to CWI began a few years later.
Patt joined the CWI Foundation Board in 2022 after hearing President Gordon Jones share his vision for the College.
“I was all in four years ago,” Patt said. “I’ve since discovered my own why for CWI, and I’ve gotten a chance to really get engaged with students, with board members, and with the team.”
As an employer, Patt soon saw another reason to get involved. CWI’s approach to workforce development connects employers with the College, its students and curriculum.
“I realized that when it came to workforce development, CWI had a playbook that nobody else had,” Patt said. “I am lucky enough to employ many CWI grads, and as an employer, I need this place.”
For Patt, what happens at CWI extends beyond individual students. She sees the effects in families, employers and communities across the Treasure Valley.
“I just believe we are on a trajectory where CWI is shifting and changing this valley for good.”
Over the past four years, Patt has watched CWI grow and is looking ahead to what comes next. She hopes to see the College develop a stronger campus community and greater visibility across the region.
She also sees supporting CWI as an investment whose effects continue beyond a scholarship or credential.
“I can't think of an investment that has more ripple effects than education at CWI,” Patt said.
A CWI education can change what comes next for a student, create new opportunities for a family and help employers find the skilled workers they need.
For Patt, that connects back to the idea that has guided many of her own decisions: sometimes the next step requires taking a leap and betting on what is possible.
To learn more about the CWI Foundation, including ways to get involved, visit the CWI Foundation webpage.
