Growing up in Napa, Ana Ortega’s family roots run deep in agriculture and the wine industry. As the child of Mexican immigrants who worked in hospitality and in the vineyards, Ana felt a natural pull towards studying viticulture and enology.
After a formative summer mentorship experience through the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Field of Opportunity program, Ana’s interest in the field blossomed. She began exploring various internships, from winemaking to vineyard management, ultimately finding her passion in the latter. “I just liked it, it interests me how much you can find when you are paying attention.” Ana says.
Now working as a field scout for a vineyard management company, Ana meticulously monitors the grapes, looking for any signs of pests, disease, or water issues. She takes great pride in this hands-on role, appreciating the opportunity to be an active part of the grape-growing process.
As a first-generation college student, Ana has had to navigate the path to higher education largely on her own. ‘My dad didn’t finish third grade, and my mom only finished up to fifth grade,” she recalls. “They had to stop their education and work with their parents to bring in money and also help take care of their other siblings.”
Despite their own limited schooling, Ana’s parents have always encouraged her academic pursuits. “When I completed my Associate of Sciences degree they were like, ‘don’t just stop there, continue!’” With their unwavering support, Ana is determined to transfer to a four-year university, with UC Davis and Fresno State topping her list.
Ana recently earned an award from our El Futuro Educational Scholarship. The scholarship was established by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation through a generous partnership with the Moulds Family. This prestigious scholarship, created in memory of the NVFF’s beloved past president, Steve Moulds, honors his legacy by fostering educational opportunities for future leaders in Napa’s wine industry.
El Futuro Educational Scholarship supports Napa County residents pursuing an associate degree in viticulture and/or enology at Napa Valley College or Santa Rosa Junior College. It recognizes students who demonstrate remarkable drive and ambition in their community, academics, or work.
Receiving the scholarship has been a game-changer for Ana, providing crucial financial assistance at a time when her family is facing economic challenges. “It’s been hard for my dad and myself to keep up with bills and the rent,” she shares, “It was a huge relief to know that I’ll be getting help to pay for my school.”
Ana expresses deep gratitude to the donors who made this opportunity possible, “Since I’m an only child sometimes I feel like I have no one to teach me or share about these resources. It’s nice to know there’s people who care and are there as a support system.”
With her sights set on a future in the wine industry, multiple internships under her belt, and support from our scholarship, we know Ana is well on her way to a bright future.