Arnulfo Solorio, FWF Board Vice President & Founder at Napa Rise.

Arnulfo Solorio, Farmworker Foundation Board Vice President speaking at Napa Rise

In Saint Helena, CA, on April 19th, 2023, Arnulfo Solorio represented the Farmworker Foundation at Napa Rise. The focus of the day was  social justice, diversity, and inclusion day. Changemakers gathered to learn how to make their spaces more inclusive. Solorio-  shared his dream of providing education opportunities for farmworkers that today has grown into the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation; providing numerous trainings and educational opportunities for farmworkers and their families. The programs have expanded to create opportunities not only for current farmworkers but for students who are considering the wine industry. Solorio called people in the room to action, encouraging them to send their employees to the training and to become mentors for the Fields of Opportunity Summer Program.
 
With hopes to continue building the workforce in Napa and making the vineyards a desired place to work, Solorio suggests that the best course of action companies can take is to ask their employees what is important to them. With this information, companies can focus on creating a strong culture that is valued by employees, reducing turnover and improving productivity. .
 
Education access is a form of social justice; when people are allowed to learn and grow, they can advance in their career and personal life to positions of influence. Theycan  occupy seats at the table where they otherwise might not have been invited. With the diversity of voices, we can continue to develop and improve the wine industry to make it a productive and prosperous place to work and visit.