Our
Mission & Values

To speak on behalf of agriculture in an intelligent, informative, direct, and truthful manner: to keep our members and the public informed about legislative activities pertaining to agriculture; to maintain the public image of agriculturalists and to raise agriculture awareness through educational programs. 

California Women for Agriculture (CWA) was formed in 1975, in the Coachella Valley. The Salinas Valley Chapter was formed in 1977. The name was chosen to develop a cross section of members. In fact, the nucleus of the first chapter was made up of consumers, as well as farmers and ranchers. Today our membership is as diverse as the industry we represent; bankers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, consumers, AND farmers and ranchers. There's strength in numbers with 21 chapters and more than 1,700 members across the state, CWA is the most active, all volunteer agricultural in the state, and members are actively engaged in public relations, education, and legislative advocacy on behalf of agriculture.

Our Board & Committees

The members of our 100% Volunteer Board of Directors and Committees Chairs are thought leaders who have made a significant contribution to our society. Each and every one of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.

2026 Board Members

President - Miranda Sampson

Miranda is a young professional who currently works as an ERP Support Analyst at Tanimura & Antle. She graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2022 and joined Salinas Valley CWA (SVCWA) in 2023. She served as SVCWA Secretary in 2024, and President in 2025.

Her goal in SVCWA leadership is to bring the women of the Salinas Valley together at more events and farm tours, uniting women and highlighting the variety of Salinas Valley agriculture. This is something she hopes to continue in 2026 with the support of her board.

Vice President - Cheryl Penrose

Cheryl works for Visionary Vegetables in finance and accounting

Secretary - Mary Ann Hooker

I am a farm kid…Born in Oxnard and grew up on my grandfather’s farm. My mom bought the farm in Gonzales 55 year ago when urban sprawl headed westward. I moved to San Jose for college and remained in the area for over 3 decades, working for a small non-profit as well as at a software publisher and mainframe manufacturer. I manage the family farm and have been involved in ag organizations since graduating from college. I love the chapter’s involvement with promoting ag education within the community through Farm Days, scholarships, and supporting local youth.

Treasurer - Amy Rianda

Amy is a retired accounting professional.

Assistant Treasurer - Helen Dunston

Helen works for Pacific Valley Bank (PVB).

Membership Director - Dana Hart

Dana works for Pacific Valley Bank (PVB).

Committees

Our committees serve in an effort to support our goals as an organization.

Email SalinasValleyCWA@gmail.com if you would like to know more about each committee or would like to join

Bus Trip

Chair - Cheryl Penrose

Media Relations

Chair - Miranda Sampson

Photo Contest

Searching for a Chair

Scholarship

Chair - Miranda Sampson

Committees seeking resurrection!

Chairs and Members are needed to bring these committees back to life! Email salinasvalleycwa@gmail.com to get involved!

Action and Response Team

Looking for Chair Member

Shall monitor current events impacting agriculture and respond

appropriately on behalf of SVCWA.

Central Coast Ag Task Force

Looking for Chair Member

Shall report back to the SVCWA chapter on current issues addressed at CCATF meetings.

Community Outreach

Responsible for seeking and coordinating volunteers for the community events held in the tri county areas, and in planning booth theme and activities.

Education

Serves as SVCWA’s liaison to the local educational community and works closely in coordinating efforts and activities in the tri-county area.