About Us

Our Voice for California Agriculture

California Women for Agriculture (CWA) was founded in 1975, in the Coachella Valley. The name was chosen to welcome a cross section of members. In fact, the nucleus of the first chapter was made up of consumers, as well as farmers and ranchers.

CWA is the most active, all volunteer agricultural organization in the state. The 1,300 members represent farmers, ranchers, bankers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, support services, consumers, and the vast stakeholders of the agriculture industry. The 20 chapters, from Butte County to California’s southern border, make up our Ag team.

The CWA promotes leadership within local communities, advocacy on key local, state and federal issues, public service and outreach, agriculture literacy in our schools and promotional initiatives to preserve and educate those living in our increasingly urbanized California landscape. United, we advocate today for the economic sustainability of the diverse California agriculture community so future generations can continue to produce a healthy diverse food supply.

Our Mission

Promote and develop the interest of California women involved in or interested in agriculture and to promote a strong agriculture industry in California. CWA’s efforts are guided by 5 principles:

Speak on behalf of agriculture in an intelligent, informative, direct and truthful manner.
Keep CWA members informed on legislative activities pertaining to agriculture.
Join forces when the need arises to deal with agricultural issues and challenges in the agriculture community.
Improve the public image of farmers by educating the public about farming.
Develop a rapport with consumers, educators, and governmental & business leaders in communities throughout the State of California.

State Executive Board

Debra Stroschein

(Palo Verde Chapter)

President

Lora Daniels

(San Joaquin Chapter)

President – Elect

Nanette Simonian

(Central Valley Chapter)

VP External

Leslie Avansino

(San Joaquin Chapter)

VP External

Paige Gillian

(Central Valley Chapter)

Treasurer

Dawn Williams

(Palo Verde Chapter)

Secretary

Susie Sorenson

(North Valley Chapter)

Asst. Treasurer

Sharron Zoller

(Lake County Chapter)

Past – President

District Directors

Cheryl Lambert

Northern District Director

Brandi LoForti

(North Central District Director Chapter)

Janie Sustaita De Raadt

Central District Director

Tulare/Kings Chapter

Jill Ireland

Central Coast District Director

(Ventura Chapter)

Summer Scroggins

Southern District Director

Marit Arana

Parliamentarian

(San Joaquin Chapter)

The Foundation

The Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation (AAL) is our a 501c (3) foundation

“AAL” is dedicated to ensuring that generations of consumers will have access to farm facts and educational materials and experiences through its FARMOLOGY program and other efforts.

More information can be found by contacting AAL, 1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95824 or 916-441-1064.