Changing Lives
The work of Napa Valley farmworkers is fundamental to the industry's success. Farmworkers bring a high level of skill and dedication to a community that leads in world-class viticultural practices and produces globally recognized wines.
With support from the grape-growing community, the Farmworker Foundation is committed to opening doors, fostering growth, and transforming lives through education and opportunity. Here are a few examples of this impact:
In 2014, the Napa County Pruning Contest introduced a Women’s Division, attracting 15 participants in its first year. Celia Perez became the inaugural champion. Her win inspired her to take on new challenges, providing a renewed confidence that led to significant professional growth.
With an expanded scope of work, she pursued training and earned certifications to operate a tractor. For Celia, winning a county-wide contest was a milestone, underscoring that women can excel in all aspects of vineyard work.
Celia Pérez
Driven to become the best farmer he could be, Roberto began taking viticulture classes offered by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. He soon realized that achieving this goal required learning English, so he enrolled in the Foundation's English Literacy Program, which he completed in 2017. Now fluent, Roberto embraced ongoing education, taking every course available through the Foundation in areas like leadership, management, and sustainability.
His dedication and hard work have established him as a Napa Valley wine industry leader, where he often presents in both English and Spanish at Farmworker Foundation and Napa Valley Grapegrowers programs. Today, he serves as the vineyard manager for Moulds Family Vineyard and is an active Farmworker Foundation Education Committee member.
Roberto Juarez
Silvia Ortiz
When Silvia moved to Napa twenty years ago, she aimed to learn English. She made that goal a reality through dedication and hard work, becoming fluent by attending classes at the Napa Valley Adult School. This education helped her build confidence at work and pursue new opportunities. Silvia exemplifies the mission of the Farmworker Foundation; by engaging in ESL classes and professional development, she is not only seizing opportunities but also achieving her lifelong dreams.