THE HABITAT ORGANIZATION

Board Advisor

Glennon attended DeAnza College and U.C. Berkeley and completed the Naval Science Program.

He completed the National Executive Development Program for the YMCA and served in several positions in California and Hawaii including Aquatics and SCUBA Instructor- Trainer, Program Director and YMCA Executive Director. Glennon spent many years working with youth. His staff and volunteer team developed many unique and definitive programs focused on youth becoming ambassadors of the environment.

In his quest to further explore the aquatic environment, co-founded the U.S. Freediving Team Apnea USA. He competed worldwide in Freediving and managed the U.S Team from 1998-2002.

His love of the outdoors including hunting and fishing, has guided him in his endeavors to encourage new hunters and fishers to appreciate an outdoor lifestyle. Glennon is very active in shooting sports and holds several national certifications for instructing firearm safety courses. 

He continues to help build non-profit organizations with his expertise in board development and community engagement and serves in many volunteer roles. We are pleased he has pledged to help Women on the Wing and Pheasants Forever continue to build their organization.

PRESIDENT

Karina is a Psychotherapist, behavioral health consultant, and equine-assisted Psychotherapist with a passion for outdoor adventure and a global perspective on wildlife conservation. She embraces shooting sports, upland and waterfowl hunting, gun dogs, and big game hunting, both in the United States and internationally, guided by a deep connection with Africa and a commitment to integrating outdoor experiences with mental health and well-being. Karina founded the Wine Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and leads Women on the Wing, an initiative focused on empowering Women and youth through hunting, conservation, and outdoor activities. Her work centers on expanding access to outdoor pursuits, advancing sustainable hunting, environmental education, and fostering community through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and inclusive programming. Karina's multidisciplinary background in behavioral health informs a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to leadership, outreach, and program development, with a deep commitment to creating welcoming, sustainable, and impactful opportunities for diverse communities both in the United States and internationally.

Director of Habitat & Conservation Development

Mollie Powell, DVM, is a veterinarian with a lifelong passion for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. Originally from Virginia, she moved to Northern California in 2021. She studied biology and minored in wildlife ecology and conservation through the Smithsonian Institution, reflecting her deep curiosity about the natural world. Mollie’s background includes wildlife research and education at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, as well as experience in emergency, general, and exotic animal medicine. A former member of George Mason University’s trap and skeet team, she has long enjoyed shooting sports. After adopting her Cocker Spaniel, Bonnie, in 2022, she discovered a love for upland hunting and the bond between hunters and their dogs. Mollie is excited to bring her veterinary and conservation experience to the Women on the Wing, Wine Country Chapter board.

Director of Shooting & Hunting Sports.

Blake Fahmie, MBA, is a gifted competitive shooter, esteemed instructor, and strategic leader based in Lafayette, California. From a young age, Blake grew up at the Martinez Gun Club, the oldest gun club in the United States, where he first developed a deep appreciation for firearm safety, sport shooting culture, and event logistics. His early talent on the range earned him a shooting team scholarship for both his bachelor's degree and his MBA at Lindenwood University in Missouri.  

He contributed to three national collegiate championship teams as a dedicated member and team captain. As a shooting instructor, Blake works with athletes and shooters across all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors, sharing his expertise in technique, safety, and competitive strategy. His reputation extends beyond the range, as he coaches Bay Area celebrities, professional athletes, and leaders in the country music industry, earning recognition for his ability to translate high-performance principles into practical, actionable coaching. Blake's leadership and vision are complemented by the experience he gained through his father, Greg Fahmie, who has managed the Martinez Gun Club for over 40 years, providing Blake with deep exposure to shooting club operations, sport shooting culture, event planning and logistics. This unique background informs Blake's approach to governance, risk management, and community engagement, making him a thoughtful, disciplined contributor to any board.  Outside of his professional pursuits, Blake remains actively engaged in supporting charitable initiatives and advancing youth participation in shooting sports, leveraging his network and expertise to foster safety, education, and opportunity.

Treasurer

Judi grew up hunting deer and elk with her dad on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.  She learned to shoot beside her older brothers, and she now enjoys shooting with her husband. She wants to protect our second amendment rights, the wildlife habitats, and promote hunting safety and survival skills. 

Judi has focused on nonprofit book keeping for several decades, with companies like Hawaii Island United Way, Full Life, an agency who provides services for people with developmental disabilities, and a DV/SA program in Washington state.  She is excited to volunteer her financial expertise to the Chapter, as the treasurer. 

Director of Youth Development | Social Media & Event Photographer

Jennifer Johnston  Mesones of Martinez, California, is a dynamic leader in youth development, social media, and event photography. A former junior tennis standout, she earned a scholarship to the University of Hawaii, a testament to her dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit. Jennifer has long combined her passion for tennis with a commitment to mentoring youth, serving as the tennis coach for both boys and girls at Alhambra High School. Beyond the court, she drives youth development initiatives-creating meaningful opportunities for children to participate, learn, and thrive

As a photographer and storyteller, Jennifer captures sporting events and social gatherings with a focus on athletes, communities, and moments of growth. She recently joined Women on the Wing as a board member and serves as a social media and event photographer, playing a vital role in planning, coordinating, and showcasing youth-focused initiatives. Her two decades of experience coordinating fundraisers and school auctions highlights  her expertise.  Jennifer captures sporting events and social gatherings with a focus on athletes, communities, and moments of growth.

Jennifer's approach blends visual storytelling with strategic outreach, audience engagement, and program development. Her holistic view of youth development emphasizes leadership, resilience, education, and equitable access to sports and enrichment activities. She remains committed to empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders through hands-on coaching, community partnerships.

Secretary

Emily grew up in Cordelia, California, with hunting instilled in her from both sides of her family. Her father, Pete Smith, got her into hunting as soon as she was old enough to hold a rifle. Some of her earliest childhood memories are shooting rabbits on their ranch and spending time outdoors with her family. As Emily got older, she developed a real passion for duck hunting, upland bird hunting, and big game hunting. She has also been fortunate enough to hunt in Africa twice, where she harvested her favorite animal, an ostrich, along with other plains game. She attended her first Safari Club International convention when she was less than two months old and has been involved in the hunting community ever since.

Growing up on the Suisun Marsh also gave her a deep appreciation for conservation and habitat. Emily has been actively involved with California Waterfowl and Mzuri Club and is passionate about protecting California’s wildlife and outdoor heritage for future generations. She is enthusiastic to share her knowledge of hunting and seize any opportunity to discuss the many benefits of hunting—not only as a hobby, but as an important part of conservation—with her friends and peers.

Emily graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance and a minor in Fruit Science. She now lives and works in San Francisco at an accounting firm, where she specializes in Private Wealth Management and Family Office Services. While her career keeps her busy, she always makes time to get back home, spend time with her family, hunting Lab,Tule, and spend time outdoors whenever she can.

Emily is excited to be involved with Women on the Wing and looks forward to sharing her hunting and conservation background. She is enthusiastic about contributing to help build the wonderful community Pheasants & Quail Forever- Women on the Wing, Wine Country Chapter has created.

Volunteer - Event Support

Esther Schmidt was raised in Astoria, Oregon, where she spent much of her childhood immersed in outdoor sports and nature-based activities. Her path eventually led her to a career in professional logging, where she worked across all facets of the industry—from setting chokes and cutting trees to loading trucks.

Today, Esther lives in Annapolis, Sonoma County, California. She has set aside the professional saw to focus on raising her daughter while continuing to pursue her passion for hunting ducks, bucks, and pheasants, all while serving as a dedicated steward of the land.

For Esther, hunting is about far more than the harvest—it is about passing on the values of self-sufficiency and respect for the natural world. She is deeply committed to teaching her daughter and future generations the importance of biodiversity, wildlife habitat management, healthy forests, and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Her mission is to preserve the traditions of sustainable hunting and to emphasize the responsibility of becoming a true “Guardian of the Wild.”

Esther’s involvement with Women on the Wing is driven by her desire to build meaningful connections with like-minded women and youth who share a passion for outdoor lifestyles and ethical hunting. Through this work, she aims to inspire women and youth to confidently pursue sustainable hunting practices and outdoor traditions with knowledge, integrity, and boldness.

Photographer, Volunteer

Laura is a photographer whose images capture the heartbeat of wildlife in the field and on the savannah, from birds in flight to intimate habitat behaviour.

A former real estate broker/developer and environmental lawyer, she now dedicates her focus to wildlife photography for conservation. Laura volunteers with Women on the Wing to support habitat restoration, field-based education, and ethical responsible hunting and outdoor lifestyle heritage.

Laura's photographic storytelling emphasizes the connection between healthy habitats and responsible hunting traditions, inviting broader community involvement and opportunities to learn and protect the places we cherish.

Laura grew up in Southern California in an equestrian community, surrounded by orchards, beehives, and horses. She always felt a deep connection to her environment. This grew as she travelled the world during university to go on safari and dive in tropical waters in the Indo Pacific and Caribbean. 

In The Wake of Magellan, Laura's first book, traces her scuba diving adventures from the Philippines through Indonesia's spice islands. She also contributed to the book commemorating San Francisco Bay Aquarium's Sea Lions: 30 Years at Pier 39.

Laura's passion for wildlife and habitat conservation drew her to the Women on the Wing Wine Country chapter, where she contributes images to inspire women's engagement in the outdoor hunting lifestyle.

Shooting Instructor

Aaron has been actively shooting and hunting with his father since he was 6 years old. At age 9, he obtained a junior hunting license and expanded his hunting opportunities by hunting with his family and friends. His hunting experience includes pheasants, upland birds, waterfowl, and big game throughout California and in multiple states across the Midwest.

Having been active in all disciplines of shooting sports throughout his life, Aaron actively trains and has experience with most types and calibers of guns. As an active, long-standing member of Martinez Gun Club, he enjoys participating in competitive events, assisting as a shooting instructor, and volunteering at shooting events.

Two years ago, he had the opportunity to meet board members and participants at a Pheasants Forever Women on the Wing Learn to Shoot event at Martinez Gun Club. The fun and enthusiasm the women shared were contagious. Embracing the philosophy of volunteerism and wanting to pass on the traditions of shooting sports and conservation, he began volunteering at Learn to Shoot, Learn to Hunt, and Conservation Habitat events.

His mother has always been a big supporter of his shooting, hunting, and outdoor lifestyle. Assisting women and youth in learning to shoot and enjoy outdoor sports is his contribution to the development of outdoor sports education, skills, and the values that support conservation and wildlife stewardship.

Volunteer Shooting Instructor & Hunting Coach

Ray Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Moraga, Ray started shooting at the Martinez Gun Club at the age of nine.

His first experience with shooting and hunting began with his Oakland neighbors, Norman Martinson and his wife, Erin. They took Ray under their wing, bought him his first shotgun, and enrolled him in the Hunter Safety Course at Sassoon Marsh Pheasant Club.

Norman Martinson was a Seabee in World War II and designed the memorial over the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Norman and Erin bred Labradors and had the greatest impact on Ray’s life as a hunter, as well as on his dedication to the development of the gentleman’s gun dog—the Labrador Retriever.

If it weren’t for his neighbors, who became like family to him, Ray may never have been exposed to hunting. They provided him with his first Labrador, and over time, Ray became well known for his highly trained retrieving Labradors.

As a teenager, Ray ventured out on his own, hunting with friends at local refuges in the Sacramento area. He later expanded his hunts to Tule Lake and Lower Klamath. Over time, he began hunting on private property.

As he gained access to better hunting opportunities on private land, Ray also realized the importance of hunting on the public refuge system. It taught him proper hunting etiquette, helped him gain valuable experience, and gave him a true understanding of the hard work and preparation involved in hiking, setting up a duck spread, and learning to hunt properly and safely.

Ray is a dedicated volunteer who teaches shooting sports, hunting, and dog handling to youth and women.

He has great success working with new shooters who may initially struggle to hit a target, helping them break as many as 10 to 15 clays during their first one-on-one hour-long lesson.

Some of Ray’s greatest enjoyment comes from seeing the excitement youth and women experience when “breaking clays” and learning to hunt, while developing a strong focus on safety and proper shooting techniques.

We are blessed to have Ray as a dedicated volunteer and co-sponsor of our annual Ray Beyda Pheasant Hunt and Lunch at Birds Landing.