Changing Lives
The work of Napa Valley farmworkers is critical to the success of our industry. Their dedication and skill is highly valued in a community that sets the standard for world-class viticultural practices and produces world-renowned wines.
Through education and opportunity, the Farmworker Foundation, with the support of the grape growing community, works to open doors, encourage growth, and change lives. Here are a few examples of just that:
Through education and opportunity, the Farmworker Foundation, with the support of the grape growing community, works to open doors, encourage growth, and change lives. Here are a few examples of just that:
Celia PérezIn 2014 the Napa County Pruning Contest opened a Women’s Division. There were only 15 participants in the inaugural year and Celia Perez was the first to “win the gold.” After her success, Celia was inspired and encouraged to try different things. Winning provided her with a new sense of confidence and for the first time in her career, she felt empowered to grow professionally. Her scope of work expanded greatly, including the training and certificates necessary to operate a tractor. For Celia, she felt very encouraged, winning a county-wide contest showed that women have the skill to do anything they want in the vineyards.
|
|
|
|
Roberto JuarezWith the dream of being the best farmer he could possibly be, Roberto began to take viticulture classes hosted by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. However, he quickly realized that in order to achieve his dream, he needed to learn English. So, he enrolled in the Farmworker Foundation's English Literacy Program, which he successfully completed in 2017. Now fluent in English, he felt empowered and committed to continuing to learn and develop his craft taking every FWF course that he could in topics such as leadership and management, sustainability, and more. Through dedication, passion and hard work, Roberto has become a leader in the Napa Valley wine industry, often presenting in both English and Spanish at the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and Napa Valley Grapegrowers programs. Today, he is the vineyard manager for Moulds Family Vineyard and an active member of the Farmworker Foundation Education Committee.
|
Silvia OrtizWhen Silvia moved to Napa twenty years ago, one of her dreams was to learn English. Through dedication and hard work, her dream is now a reality. Through taking classes at the Napa Valley Adult School, she became fluent in English. Through education, she was able to be more confident at work. Silvia is the perfect example of what Farmworker Foundation is trying to accomplish, by taking ESL Classes and professional development, Silvia is not only taking on opportunities, but she is also achieving her life dreams.
|
|
