Honoring Esther, Supporting Alberto

 

Last week, one of our scholars, Alberto, stepped onto the stage at the Sustainable Ag Expo.

Alberto graduated from high school with honors and earned a welding certificate from Cuesta College. He then used the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship to advance to Fresno State University, where he thrived in viticulture.

At the Sustainable Ag Expo, Alberto shared his master’s research on how sulfur application methods impact grape quality, offering practical insights to help growers make more informed decisions.

And this wasn’t just a proud moment for Alberto, it was a full-circle moment for one of his longtime supporters: Dana Merrill of Mesa Vineyard Management Inc.

Alberto has interned at Mesa for the past five years, gaining hands-on experience. Dana, a founding member of the Vineyard Team, helped launch our nonprofit in 1994 with a vision not just for sustainable farming, but for supporting the people who make it all possible.

That deep care for people defined the work of Esther Kosty (Angulo), who dedicated more than 30 years to Mesa and a lifetime to her family, friends, and community.

Esther was one of Mesa’s first employees and spent 27 years as the company’s Human Resources Manager. She was known for her compassion, fairness, and fierce dedication to the people she worked with, always making sure others were cared for and supported.

Beyond her career, Esther was the heart of King City. She volunteered at the Salinas Valley Fair, cheered on the Mustangs, and poured her energy into countless local causes. She gave fully of herself to everything she touched. Esther believed in hard work, kindness, and giving back. Those values continue to inspire everyone at Mesa Vineyard Management Inc.

In recognition of Esther’s extraordinary legacy, Mesa Vineyard Management has made a $10,000 donation to the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship in her name.

Through this generous contribution, Esther’s light continues to shine—encouraging the next generation to grow.

If you'd like to help more students like Alberto pursue their goals, you can make a gift here.

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