Who We Are
We are farmers who understand the impact of losing everything to extreme weather.
In a time of rising temperatures, wildfires, and floods, the conversation often focuses on adaptation. But our team believes we have a responsibility to do more than adapt.
We can moderate and, over time, reverse extremes.
We believe that farmers are the key - caring for 40 percent of Earth’s land, our potential impact to restore ecosystem vitality is greater than any other group. By using natural, simple methods, and working with nature instead of against it, we can mitigate extreme weather.
At Abuelitos, we show how this works. Partnering with farmers, residents, and scientists, we revitalize farmland ecosystems, stabilize local climates, and strengthen communities.
Farmers and generational stewards
Our Board
Ginna Beharry
Treasurer
Ginna Beharry brings extensive experience in public and private finance to her role as Treasurer. She holds a BA in Economics from Bryn Mawr College and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Ginna has worked for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve as well as in the banking industry. Today, Ginna serves as a Board member of Napa Vision 2050, which she helped found in 2013 to protect Napa's rich biodiversity and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
Nick Carson
Director
Nick Carson brings over 20 years of experience in the social impact sector. He holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola University in Maryland. A champion of educational equity, he excels at partnering with business, government, and non-profit leaders to achieve strong outcomes, equity, sustainability, growth, and accountability. Nick currently partners with school and district leadership to implement team-based staffing models as part of Arizona State University’s Next Education Workforce initiative.
Mimi Casteel
Director
Mimi Casteel is a leader in sustainable viticulture, known for her regenerative farming approach. She founded Hope Well in 2016, focusing on biodiversity and ecosystem health. With a background in forest science and ecology, Mimi integrates natural systems into agriculture to promote resilience and soil vitality. Her work emphasizes the importance of restoring natural cycles and creating nutrient-dense food and wine while advocating for a broader societal shift towards sustainable practices.
Vichheka Hang
Vichheka Hang brings decades of wine industry experience to her role. She earned a degree in American Studies from UC Davis before embarking on a publishing career in New York with Time-Warner. Vichheka returned to California to launch her career in wine and after 15 years as a Sales Representative at Ganau America, joined Scott Laboratories/Lallemand as a Sales Executive. Vichheka is an outgoing advocate for responsible and sustainable resource management practices.
Vice President
Tod Mostero
President
Tod Mostero founded Abuelitos with a vision to make every farm a vital ecosystem. He earned a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and a Diplome National d’Oenologue from Bordeaux University. Tod has worked as Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Dominus Estate in Yountville since 2007 where he advocates for dry farming and ecological balance. He seeks to empower farmers and land stewards to employ nature-based solutions to nourish farmlands and stabilize the climate for all generations.
Erik Olson
Erik Olson earned a BS in Biology and a Masters in Public Health from UCLA. He has worked in Clinical Development at Amgen since 1993 and currently oversees operations for Amgen’s clinical studies across the United States. Erik is a native Californian who is an avid swimmer and cyclist. He supports ecological efforts throughout California.
Secretary
Why Abuelitos?
Abuelitos, a tender term for grandparents, pays homage to our founder’s Spanish and Chilean heritage, and honors our forebears who cared for this land.
This name also highlights our responsibility as abuelitos, generational caretakers who pass down deep inherited knowledge of our land, held in trust for our children and grandchildren.
Our ancestors cared for this land, and so must we… for those to come.
