Residents show off their talents at CCWF’s ‘Got Talent’ show

The Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) held its third annual “CCWF’s Got Talent” show. Anyone wishing to perform had to first audition on their facility yard and for the facility captain. The top five acts advanced to perform for the institution’s administration.

Once all the participants were chosen the talent show was held in late February. The Community Resource Manager’s (CRM) Decorating Committee decorated the room with handmade banners, stars, and balloons. The Decorating Committee spent hours making the items and their efforts were evident in how amazing the decorations looked.

A variety of acts performed ranging from spoken word poetry with art being created simultaneously in the background — including original songs and dances. As each performer concluded their act, everyone in attendance applauded and cheered for them. There was a tremendous amount of support and positivity in the room for those showcasing their talents.

“I loved it,” said My Nguyen, a first time talent show attendee. “It was so nice to see the community come out to share their talent.”

After all of the acts had performed, the judges tallied their scores and the winners were announced. In first place was April Pitts who performed an original song. In second place was Faalele Patea who performed a cultural dance. And in third place was Asia Kinslow who also performed an original song. Everyone in attendance cheered for the winners, who will receive a prize and a certificate for winning.

“It was my first time going and I was really impressed by all the talent,” said Coleen Torres, who is also a member of the CRM’s Decorating Committee and helped set up the space.

At the conclusion of the day’s festivities, CRM M.D. Williams complimented the Decorating Committee on a job well done.

The Secretary of Corrections Jeff Macomber was touring the prison that day and arrived with Warden Anissa De La Cruz to enjoy the show.

The “CCWF’s Got Talent” talent show event started several years ago, when the Inmate Advisory Council (IAC) sponsored the first showcase with the various talents of the residents.

Then the covid pandemic hit and everything stopped. Things that had been normal became impossible. In 2022, a scaled down talent show occurred, but the event had to be outside and anyone viewing the festivities had to wear masks.

In late 2023, Warden De La Cruz asked the IAC Executive Body to organize a talent show given that the institution was back to normal operations. She enjoyed viewing the array of acts the residents put on. Chief Deputy Warden Cynthia Rojas, who is new to CCWF, was also excited to be able to participate.

“In my 31 years with the Department, I’ve never seen a talent show,” Rojas said. “I can’t wait to see it!”

Now that CCWF is back to normal operations, residents of CCWF are eager to see what events will be held next.

CCWF is the largest women’s institution in the world. It currently houses over 2,200 residents across four different facilities in Chowchilla, California. Three of the facilities house general population residents while one facility is a reception center.

Given all of the individuals sharing this space and all of the different backgrounds they have, one thing is certain: there is a great deal of talent within these walls.