GONZALES — Gonzales resident Liz Silva received a huge surprise last month when she was awarded the Ag Woman of the Year from the Grower-Shipper Foundation.
“When it was announced that I had received the Ag Woman of the Year, I was so happy and excited,” said Silva, who also serves as the city’s mayor pro tem. “I went to the event with my mom and it was a joy to be there with her. Even though I am retired, it is wonderful to be recognized by some great people that are in the ag industry. There were many there that I have worked with throughout the year. Even though I spent my career in ag, they also mentioned my community involvement as factors, especially my support of our youth, it was very humbling.”
The May 8 presentation took place at McIntyre Vineyards in Soledad. Also in attendance and offering support for Silva was her husband, Nathan Nash, and her brothers, Mike and David Silva.
Liz Silva began her longtime adventure in agriculture as a youngster when she would ride with her father, Charlie Silva, in his truck and he would teach her to identify the different types of crops that were growing out in the fields.
“I have been blessed to grow up in the Salinas Valley and learned at an early age how important agriculture was to our area and to the world,” she said. “As a teenager I would work in the fields with my cousins hoeing and thinning to make a little money. It was hard work, but it taught me about the importance of row crops.”
Silva’s first agricultural job was with Valley Farm Management as an account clerk, followed by positions with Gonzales Irrigation Service and then General Vineyard Services.
In 1983, Silva was hired at the personnel department at Bruce Church, where she worked for over seven years. She then worked out of the ag field for a short time before being hired to work with Fresh Express.
“I was fortunate to only have to leave Monterey County for a couple of seasons with Fresh Express,” Silva said. “I worked as a plant coordinator and was able to stay close to home.”
Silva completed her agricultural career with Ippolito International as a plant coordinator. Ippolito International is North America’s largest supplier of Brussels spouts.
“It was wonderful to see Liz receive the award,” said Lisa Dobbins, executive director of the Grower-Shipper Association. “She was very deserving of the honor. She received a resolution by the City of Gonzales from City Manager Carmen Gil. Liz was so surprised and we had a great turnout for the event and it was a beautiful day.”
