ABOUT US

THE HABITAT ORGANIZATION

BACKGROUND & MISSION

In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters recognized the connection between upland habitat loss and the declining populations of pheasants and quail. They saw the need for an organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation, leading to the formation of Pheasants Forever as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Pheasants Forever's mission work quickly developed its reputation as "The Habitat Organization," a tagline the nonprofit conservation group proudly uses to this day.

In 2005, in response to continuing declines in quail populations and suitable wildlife habitat, Pheasants Forever established a Quail Division. The mission of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy. As a recognizable leader in wildlife habitat projects, Pheasants Forever has become a leading advocate for wildlife habitat conservation.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Women on the Wing initiative inspires and provides opportunities for women to become engaged, dynamic conservationists.

WOMEN ON THE WING INITIATIVE

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Women on the Wing initiative inspires and provides opportunities for women to become engaged, dynamic conservationists. Women on the Wing draws from its members' experiences and passion for the outdoor lifestyle to cultivate and connect female landowners, farmers, ranchers, hunters, and bird dog enthusiasts. We are dedicated to carrying on our hunting traditions and advancing the missions of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

ACTIVITIES

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, our Wine Country Chapter of Women on the Wing is dedicated to introducing women and youth to outdoor sports and conservation. We host a range of engaging activities that celebrate responsible, ethical stewardship of our natural resources. Events offered include learn-to-shoot clinics, women's hunting events, habitat development projects, a youth conservation and education program, field dog training sessions, and an annual luncheon and silent auction. Offering outdoor opportunities that honor and support the community, while strengthening the bonds of mentorship, education, and conservation within our chapter.

PARTNERS & OPPORTUNITIES

The chapter's partnerships with the California Waterfowl Association and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) will enhance opportunities to co-host many exciting events.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE INITIATIVE

  • Karina von Middendorf, Ph.D.

    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 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.

  • Danielle Duran

    SECRETARY

    Danielle joins the Women on the Wing, Wine Country Chapter Board, driven by her passion for community and strengthening connections to food, nature, and each other. Inspired by her Green Beret father, she discovered a love for shooting and wing hunting to engage more deeply with food sources. She enjoys sharing her hunts through storytelling, meals, and "food hikes" that reconnect her with nature. Outside her work advancing Quality Culture in Biotech/Pharma, Danielle spends time outdoors with her nature-loving child, exploring, fishing, and cooking together. She’s excited to inspire other women and girls to appreciate the outdoors and hunting through meaningful experiences.

  • Carla Wytmar

    TREASURER

    Carla, a lifelong city and country girl with a deep love for the outdoors and a need to be near water, is passionate about experiences, taking risks, and building genuine connections. With over 30 years in the food and wine industry, she's also a certified sommelier, relationship coach, and Equus Coach®, guiding others to reconnect with their inner wisdom through interactions with horses. Carla’s adventurous spirit extends to her love of dogs, golf, shooting, tennis, sailing, fitness, live music, and photography. An athlete and explorer, she's climbed, run, sailed, and even skydived, always eager to learn and grow.

  • Blake Fahmie, M.B.A.

    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.

  • Mollie Powell

    Mollie Powell, D.V.M.

    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.

  • Esther Schmidt

    Esther Schmidt

    Ticketing and Marketing 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 who share a passion for outdoor lifestyles and ethical hunting. Through this work, she aims to inspire women to confidently pursue sustainable hunting practices and outdoor traditions with knowledge, integrity, and boldness.

  • Jennifer Johnston Mesones

    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.

CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED*

CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED*

Want to connect with nature and like-minded women? Reach out to us for details on our events, from learn-to-hunt sessions to field-to-table gatherings.