Celebrating Innovation and Vision

Published: December 13, 2024

Fall 2024 at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø'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 , 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 .

More from CWI

Save the Date | CWI Week | Oct. 19 - 23

The weeklong celebration will recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that strengthen the College and the communities it serves.

Read more about Save the Date for CWI Week
Group of students in front of CWI sign

Designed for elementary through high school students, the camp introduced participants to technology, networking, and cybersecurity through hands-on learning experiences.

Read more about Students Explore Technology Careers at CWI Tech Quest Summer Camp
Popcorn bucket, tickets, and clapperboard

Students and their guests are invited to join the Student Engagement team at Majestic Cinemas in Meridian all summer long for free movies and snacks.

Read more about CWI Summer 2026 Movie Series
Tables of people in a banquet hall

CWI honored student leaders, clubs, and advisors at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet, celebrating leadership, service, and campus impact.

Read more about Student Leaders, Clubs Recognized at 2026 Awards Banquet
People roaming around the Greenhouse

Proceeds from the sale directly support student learning in the Horticulture Technology program, helping fund courses and student learning.

Read more about Annual Plant Sale Raises 17K for Students
Person looking through library books

The Library helps students build those skills while providing access to research tools, study spaces, technology, and personalized support throughout their academic journey.

Read more about Learning Commons: Library
Winners with a giant check

Students, employees, and community members pitched business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through to win prize funding and audience support.

Read more about Spring 2026 OtterTank Showcases and Celebrates Entrepreneurs
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

News QR Code

URL: /news/celebrating-innovation-and-vision<br>