A Scholarship Rooted in Compassion and Service


Sabrina Robinson and Jenna Scherer are two passionate students making strides in the veterinary field with the help of Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. Both women share a deep commitment to caring for animals and a desire to give back to their communities, embodying the spirit of Dr. Bachman’s…

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A Determined Path: Ana Ortega’s Journey in Viticulture


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…

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From Handyman to RN: Jason Pofi’s Inspiring Journey in Healthcare


Lifelong Bay Area resident, Jason Pofi, 53, has worn many hats in the healthcare field. From roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Jason's dedication to the field is evident. Now, he's embarking on a new chapter by returning to school to become…

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Julieta Carrillo: Charting a Path in Healthcare


Julieta Carrillo marked her 11th birthday aboard a bus, traveling with her family from Jalisco, Mexico to Los Angeles, in pursuit of a new life in the United States. Her parents were determined to seek a bright future for their children, and Julieta is working hard to live up to those dreams today. Now 22,…

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A Journey from El Salvador to CSU Chico: Mariela’s Dream to Become a Nurse


Mariela Rivera-Moreno, an 18-year-old pre-nursing student heading to California State University, Chico, has always dreamed of going places. Born in Pennsylvania, raised for some time in El Salvador, and finally settling in Napa, Mariela has developed a passion for travel, learning, and giving back to her community. Her journey is now receiving a significant boost,…

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From Michoacán to UC Davis: Abril Martinez’s Pursuit of the American Dream


Abril Martinez, fueled by a profound sense of purpose and a close bond to her family, vividly recalls her move from Michoacán, Mexico to Napa Valley at age 8. Faced with learning English in a school where she couldn’t converse with her teachers or classmates, Abril harnessed her inner strength. “I used to tell myself,…

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From Napa to Stanford: Victor Chen’s Journey Fueled by the Dave Smith Scholarship


Stanford University’s admit weekend was in full swing, and Victor Chen was soaking up the college experience when he got the exciting news: he’d been awarded a scholarship from one of Napa Valley Community Foundation’s scholarship funds. The news turned his exciting weekend—one where he got to immerse himself in the potential of his future…

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