Uncovering Talent

Published: July 22, 2019

Hometown: Boise, Idaho

Major: Communication

Graduation: 2014

“CWI empowered me to know my voice matters – that I matter,” said 2014 alumna, Hawley Williams. “CWI gave me a chance to better myself and realize all I was capable of.”

Following high school, Hawley struggled to find a college that was the right fit for her. Attempting her education first at a university, then online, she was left feeling overwhelmed, unsatisfied, and not knowing where she belonged. She came to ĢƵ (CWI) to find what was missing.

“I wanted to do something meaningful with my life and do something for ME and only me. I wanted my degree so bad! I knew I needed to be back in an actual classroom and around people.”

At CWI, Hawley chose to study Communication.

“I wanted a degree I could use in a variety of ways both in my career and personal life. I fell in love with the way we communicate as humans and how communication is different all over the world and in different families, relationships, and aspects of life.” 

As a member of the College’s Speech and Debate team, she found a home away from home.

“Our team was more than a team, they were family to me. Speech and Debate did something for me that I will never be able to repay. It helped uncover a talent and light in me I didn’t fully know was there.”

Following her time at CWI, Hawley transferred to Boise State University graduating in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. She is currently the Office Coordinator and Swag Manager for , a software company based in Eagle, Idaho, that helps grow businesses online.

“Because of CWI, I was able to grow educationally and personally. My instructors pushed me to be who I am today. I have friends and memories I will have forever and experiences I will never forget. Thank you, CWI, from every inch of my heart!”

More from CWI

Alex Nava on a staircase

Refusing to give up, Alex Nava overcame extraordinary challenges to earn his degree and start a new chapter in accounting.

Read more about Getting Back Up
Faculty and student with a certificate

Nominated by faculty, students were selected based on their commitment to learning, perseverance, innovative thinking, leadership, and professionalism in and outside of the classroom.

Read more about 2027 Emerging Scholars
Autumn Harvey celebrating her win
Courtesy: SkillsUSA

Competing against some of the nation's top career and technical education students, CWI earned national recognition with two medal-winning entries.

Read more about CWI Students Earn National Recognition at 2026 SkillsUSA Championships
Khye Montoya leans on fire truck

Firefighters often talk about trust. For Khye Montoya, that feeling of trust was familiar long before he stepped onto a fire engine.

Read more about Montoya Finds His Place in the Fire Service
Marquez Arredondo poses in front of firefighter gear

Marquez Arredondo turned a life-changing experience into a career dedicated to helping others through CWI's Fire Service Technology program.

Read more about Arredondo Answers the Call
Fire student at a fire truck with a hose

After stepping away from firefighting, Hunter Stephenson rediscovered his passion for the profession and found his way back through CWI.

Read more about Reigniting a Passion
Student speaks in front of audience

Students put classroom skills into action at the Spring 2026 Rookie Speech and Debate Tournament, reviving a beloved tradition.

Read more about Rookie Tournament Gives Students a Chance to Put Skills Into Action
Confetti falls on the crowd at commencement

The event marked the largest graduating class in school history and the College’s first commencement ceremony held at the Ford Idaho Center on CWI’s Nampa Campus.

Read more about More than 1,800 Honored at 17th Commencement
Graduate with candle walking across stage

The Registered Nursing Class of 2026 was celebrated at the Nampa Civic Center as graduates marked the transition into nursing through pinning, speeches, awards, and a candle lighting...

Read more about 2026 Registered Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Gracie Young holding a weighted ball

Gracie Young is preparing to begin her healthcare career after gaining real-world experience through the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Read more about Young Finds Her Calling to Help Others
LeAndra Onys

CWI student LeAndra Onys connects classroom learning to real-world experience through technical training and exploring global cybersecurity issues.

Read more about Connecting Cybersecurity to Real-World Impact
Bronwyn Hitchcock sitting on stool in art classroom

Bronwyn Hitchcock credits CWI’s Studio Art program with helping her build confidence, explore new mediums, and pursue a future in art.

Read more about The Art of Finding a Direction

News QR Code

URL: /news/uncovering-talent<br>