Victoria Lasch, President
I am from the Seattle area and have worked harvests in both California and Washington state. While I originally got my undergraduate degree in biochemistry, I realized after working in biotech that wine aligns better with my interests and I am now enrolled in the UCD master's in viticulture and enology! In my first year, I really appreciated how the Women+ in Wine organization helped to connect members with industry professionals and created a supportive community among students. I am now the president of W+iW because I value the mission of this organization and want to give back! When I'm not sharing wine with my friends I love to hike, cook, and have dabbled in fencing.
Gianna Smoot, Vice President
I’m a fourth year viticulture and Enology student. I’m interested in viticulture and how it will progress with a changing climate, industry, and its intersection with wine production. I’ve been a member of women in wine for the past three years and it’s brought me so many opportunities to connect with wonderful women in the industry. During my time in WIW+ I’ve grown to appreciate the importance of having strong relationships with women in the industry and the beautiful community that it forms. I am eager to be VP and for all the amazing events to come this year!
Megan Hill, Treasurer
Megan received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Health from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in 2022. She completed two harvest seasons at Balletto Vineyards in Santa Rosa, California, as a laboratory and vineyard intern, followed by a third harvest as a cellar intern at Greystone Wines in North Canterbury, New Zealand. She then worked a harvest as a winemaking intern at E. & J. Gallo in Alexander Valley, California. Megan is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, while completing another harvest season at Lewis Cellars in Napa, California. At UC Davis, she serves as an officer for the Women in Wine club and is an active member of the Davis Enology and Viticulture Organization (DEVO).
Alexandra Leite, Co-Social Media Coordinator
I was initially interested in Viticulture and Enology because I grew up with parents who were super into food and wine culture. Since being at Davis I’ve become completely immersed in the program and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I joined Women+ in Wine initially to meet more women within the program and I feel very lucky to serve as an officer this year. I believe in the importance of community, especially when you're so far from home, and I love the community we’ve built here with Women+ in Wine. A fun fact about me is that I raised 13 rabbits as a kid!
Andrea Villaseñor, Co-Social Media Coordinator
I was introduced to Viticulture & Enology through my family. I come from a farming background in Mexico, and when my parents immigrated to the United States, they settled in Napa Valley. Because of this, V&E has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors in the industry who have supported me, strengthened my passion for V&E, and inspired me to give back by helping others the way I was helped. That is why I am involved in Women in Wine. Just as past officers have empowered me, I hope to do the same for others. I’m also a baking and cooking fanatic—I love being in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes from around the world, especially when they pair perfectly with a glass of wine.
Angela Jooste, Historian
Hi! I’m a second-year Viticulture and Enology major. I was born in South Africa but grew up in San Diego. Between working in a tasting room during high school, studying abroad in Dijon, and working a harvest in Virginia, I’ve realized just how much the wine world relies on making good connections. I joined Women+ in Wine because I think having a community where women genuinely support each other is crucial, and I love being part of such a great group here. Outside of V&E, I’m either playing tennis, on a hike, or in the kitchen trying (and hopefully succeeding) to get better at cooking.