Sunday, May 17, 2026
CVTC alumna follows passion to earn HR degree
When Cali Berg first came to Chippewa Valley Technical College in 2011, she wasn’t chasing a specific career path. She was trying to figure out what came next.
More than a decade later, Berg has her answer.
Through balancing work, family and school, the Eau Claire mother of three discovered a passion for leadership, mentoring others and helping create positive workplace cultures.
On Thursday, May 21, she will graduate from CVTC with an associate degree in Human Resource Management.
While working as a custodian in the Eau Claire Area School District, Berg realized she enjoyed problem-solving and helping others succeed. She eventually stepped into a lead custodian role, mentoring coworkers and discovering an interest in management and human resources.
Berg previously earned an associate degree in Business Management, but the journey was not without challenges.
“There were a lot of barriers,” she said. “I was off work for three months at one point due to my disease. I had a cane, I was bedridden, but I still maintained my GPA and made the President’s List.”
Even during major health setbacks, Berg continued her coursework remotely.
“I love the virtual program here,” she said. “The instructors make sure you really feel a part of the whole experience.”
Now, just days after turning 40, Berg says attending CVTC has helped her discover her purpose.
“I realized that HR isn’t only about paperwork… it’s about the people behind the stories,” she said.
Her message to fellow graduates is simple:
“There is no ‘right’ timeline. There is only the decision to keep going, and we proved that we can.”
