Southwest Airlines is proud to recognize Women’s History Month. This month we’ve highlighted Southwest’s many community partnerships that focus on women, and the incredible talents of our female Employees. We’re excited to share with you the story of one of our many valued Customers, Amelia Moran Ceja, President & Owner of Ceja Vineyards in Napa Valley. Amelia’s favorite thing about Southwest? The great work we do in the communities!
I was born in a small village called Las Flores in Jalisco, Mexico. My childhood was spent gardening and cooking alongside my maternal grandmother Mama Chepa. It was idyllic!
My father Felipe Moran was a vineyard worker in the Napa Valley, and he fell madly in love with the area. In 1967, he brought my mother, sister, and me to Napa from Mexico. The day I left my village in Mexico in September 1967, my grandmother, Mama Chepa, told me, "Find something that you love to do regardless of what that may be—a street sweeper or the president of Mexico. You'll be successful and happy if you do what you love." I did not speak English, yet I knew I would have a vineyard of my own someday.
My mentors were my maternal grandmother, Mama Chepa, and my mother, Mama Francisca. Although my grandmother never visited the United States, she influenced me from the time I was born to be confident and independent. My mother gave me the unconditional love and support I needed to thrive in school—both of these things inspired me to do something bigger than myself. My family nurtured me and gave me the confidence that I would need later on to succeed in the wine industry in the Napa Valley.
In 1983, we purchased our first property in Carneros. We planted our first vineyard in 1986, and we had our first harvest in 1988. In 2001, we launched Ceja Vineyards—our wine production company. We released 750 cases, and today we make around 10,000 cases! We will be constructing our mission-style winery in Carneros in the Napa Valley soon.
I'm now the president of Ceja Vineyards, and I believe that in order to be successful, a female entrepreneur must have a business plan and be an expert in her field. She must surround herself with the best team: bankers, investors, and mentors who will help her achieve her goals, and she must be willing to work 24/7.
I've been a frequent Southwest Customer since June 2002. Southwest Airlines shares my vision and passion to be the best while doing great things with our communities! Southwest Airlines' efforts in the community are always about "doing the right thing." The proof is in the pudding—Southwest has done a fantastic job!
Baby Amelia with her older sister
Amelia harvesting in 1972
