North Bay Dairy Women
Supporting our local ag community since 1965

Welcome to North Bay Dairy Women, a dedicated community for dairy women in the North Bay area. Established in 1965, our organization has been a cornerstone of support and empowerment for women in the dairy industry for over half a century. We are committed to advancing agricultural education, promoting the dairy industry, fostering social networking, empowering women within this vital sector, and supporting local youth through education and scholarships.

PO Box 750155
Petaluma CA 94975
[email protected]North Bay Dairy Women is a 501(c) (5); TID#94-2408340
About
Welcome to North Bay Dairy Women, a dedicated community for dairy women in the North Bay area. Established in 1965, our organization has been a cornerstone of support and empowerment for women in the dairy industry for over half a century. We are committed to advancing agricultural education, promoting the dairy industry, fostering social networking, empowering women within this vital sector, and supporting local youth through education and scholarships.Founded on the principles of knowledge sharing and mutual support, North Bay Dairy Women serves as a longstanding hub where dairy women come together to learn, connect, and grow.Networking at North Bay Dairy Women isn't just about making connections; it's about building lasting relationships which support personal and professional development. Whether you're a seasoned dairy professional or new to the industry, our events and gatherings provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge alliances.Empowerment lies at the heart of our mission. We believe in celebrating the contributions of women in agriculture and nurturing their leadership potential. We strive to empower women to take on influential roles within the dairy community and beyond.Additionally, North Bay Dairy Women is dedicated to supporting the future of agriculture by engaging with local youth programs focused on agricultural education. We actively participate in outreach to schools and community groups, offering educational resources and inspiring the next generation of dairy industry leaders.Furthermore, we are proud to offer scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing studies or careers in agriculture. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and encourage talented individuals to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the dairy industry.Join us at North Bay Dairy Women and be part of a vibrant community with a rich history of over 50 years, championing education, networking, empowerment for dairy women in the North Bay, and investing in the future of agriculture through youth engagement and scholarships.


Membership Meetings are 6 times a year. Attendance is not required to participate in our organization.


We love to serve local dairy products. If you have a public event coming up and need help serving, please reach out.
ROSE GROSSI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - $750Rose Grossi was a dedicated member of North Bay Dairy Women, serving as president from 1980–1982. Her passion for the dairy industry was evident even earlier, notably when she led a protest rally in the mid-70s at a Sacramento milk price hearing—complete with fellow members and two dairy cows in sandwich boards—which helped push for higher milk prices during a severe drought.The memorial scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior, pursuing their education and career in the field of Agriculture.
BERNICE HADERMANN SCHOLARSHIP - $750Bernice Hadermann served as North Bay Dairy Women President in 1972 and remained a dedicated, hands-on advocate for the dairy industry throughout her life. Known for her grit and determination, she traveled to Sacramento to testify on behalf of struggling dairy farmers and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty—building fences, pouring concrete, and feeding calves on the family dairy. In 1978, she was honored as NBDW’s Woman of the Year. Bernice passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and fierce advocacy.The memorial scholarship is awarded to a college student from Sonoma or Marin County. Must be currently enrolled in Agriculture classes at any community college, trade school or 4-yr university and enrolling in agriculture classes the following semester.Check back in December 2025 for next years applications.
Scholarship & Fundraising
Our organization honors the legacies of three of our founding members who were passionate advocates for the agriculture industry. Rose Grossi, Bernice Hadermann and Florence Gilardoni. In their memory, we offer three scholarships valued at $750 each to students who are dedicated to advancing their education and pursuing careers in agriculture.These memorial scholarships not only provide financial support but also commemorate the contributions and values of our founding members. By investing in the education of promising students in the agricultural field, we aim to uphold their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership within the industry.

2025 Florence Gilardoni Scholarship Recipient - Audrey Clark of Sonoma Valley High School
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISERBuy a T-Shirt today to show your love for local Agriculture. All proceeds go to our Scholarship Program. Shirts are $25 each, shipping charges extra. Please click on the link below to place your order.

Contact
Mailing Address:
PO Box 750155 - Petaluma CA 94975For more information about our organization including how to join, donate and apply for our scholarships, please email us.
thank you for visting us
North Bay Dairy Women is a 501(C) (5);
TID# 94-2408340North Bay Dairy Women
PO Box 750155
Petaluma, CA 94975[email protected]
DAIRY PRINCESS PROGRAM

2025 District 2 Dairy Princess Participants
From Left to Right: Audrey Clark (Sonoma Valley High), Isabelle Janson (Sonoma Valley High), Macy Arntz (Petaluma High), Lia Jerry (Santa Rosa Community College), Karlee Ramirez (Retiring Dairy Princess), Yesenia Rivas (Santa Rosa Community College), Jamie Jensen (Petaluma High), Anna Graham (Retiring Dairy Princess Alternate), Shane Renati (Tomales High School), Lily Cromwell (Petaluma High), Mari Suazo (Sonoma Valley High)2025 District 2 Dairy Princess - Yesenia Rivas (center)2025 District 2 Dairy Princess Alternate - Jamie Jensen (center right)2025 Miss Vitality - Shane Renati

Dancing after the contest

2025 Milk Maids

1964 Dairy Princess Contest
BetteJo (Garzelli) Reich, Dolores (Grossi) Evans, Nancy Leiss, Susan (Mickelsen) Nowacki (was crowned as princess), Jeanne (Silva) Hurtgen-1963 Princess, Connie Mahoney, Carol (Corda) Siebe, Sandy (Giacomelli) Soldate, Donna (Ielmorini) Dator.

1972 Dairy Princess Contest
Seated Antoinette Brazil-crowned Dairy Princess.
Anne (Dolcini) Starr, Louise (Silacci) Draxler, Pamela Allen, Terri (Brazil) Hoerner-1st Alternate, Sharon (Vondrak) Stoneburner, Gerry (Brazil) Maffei, Sue (Touchstone) McIsaac, Camilla (Gray) Nelson-2nd Alternate, Jean (Dolcini) Chapman, LaDonna (Cheda) Swallow, Joanne (Moreda) Milne.

North Bay Dairy Women co-sponsor the Dairy Princess Program along with the California Milk Advisory Board.The California Dairy Princess program provides young female dairy leaders an opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the California dairy industry. The yearlong commitment to the program provides valuable professional development and communication skills which will benefit young ladies for many years.North Bay Dairy Women award one contestant a scholarship in memoriam of Florence Gilardoni. Florence Gilardoni was the first president of North Bay Dairy Women, elected in October 1965, upon the creation of the organization. With her leadership and guidance, the organization began on firm footing in major part due to the role. She had a genuine enthusiasm for the preservation of the agricultural community. She was well informed about legislation at the local, state and national level.Young ladies from Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties are eligible to run. Ladies must be at least a Junior in High School up to 21 years of age.We hope to see you at next year's Annual Dairy Princess Contest & Ball in the SpringDairy Princesses are available for Ag in the Classroom and Agricultural Educational & Promotional Events. Contact Us Below.
North Bay Dairy Women Events
Santa Rosa Rose Parade "Growing Together" - Saturday, May 17
Luther Burbank Center
Arrival time @8:00 am - Start time is @10amHealdsburg Future Farmer Country Fair Parade - Thursday, May 22
Arrival time @4:30 pm - Parade starts @6pmMALT Ag Happy Hour & Succession Planning: Thursday, June 12, from 4 – 6 PM
RSVP RequiredSonoma-Marin Fair June 19th-22nd, PetalumaMarin County Fair July 2nd - 6th, San RafaelSonoma County Junior Dairy Cattle Livestock Show - Heifers Only
Judging: Sunday, July 13th, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
Entries Due: Monday, June 30thSonoma County Farm Fest Sunday, July 20
Olympia's Estate, Petaluma
More Details SoonSonoma County Fair Aug 1st -10th, Santa Rosa