In honor of Women’s History Month, state Rep. Mike Thompson has announced three residents to be designated Woman of the Year 2024 from several counties he represents — including Sonoma, Napa and Solano.
Karen Collins, a leader in environmental and women’s health issues, was chosen Woman of the Year in Sonoma County.
Thompson chose Collins because of her active involvement in the county on “countless” commissions, such as the City of Sonoma’s Environmental Advisory Commission, Sonoma County Regional Parks Advisory Commission and the City of Sonoma Parks and Recreation Task Force, he said.
“As a chair and member of various other community organizations, Ms. Collins’ dedication as a public servant is clear,” said Thompson in a statement released Sunday. “I am proud to recognize her as Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year.”
In nearby Napa County, Thompson has designated education advocate Maria Cisneros.
Cisneros has worked for the Napa Valley Unified School District for over 29 years and has been a strong supporter of first-generation college-bound students, Thompson said.
“It is a combination of her wisdom, compassion, and strength that makes her such a great leader,” said Thompson. “I am proud to recognize her as Napa County’s Woman of the Year.”
Businesswoman Jill Orr has gotten to nod for Solano County. Orr has been the president of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and is the current president of the Downtown Dixon Business Association. She also recently served as the president of Native Daughters of the Golden West, a nonprofit for women born in the state that promotes California history.
“Jill Orr has worked throughout her career to develop our local economy, support small businesses, and build a bright future for Solano County residents,” said Thompson. “Her dedicated involvement in our community is commendable.”
Thompson’s office said that these annual designations began in honor of Women’s History Month, which he said has its origin in his district.
According to Thompson, in 1978, the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Women’s History Week” to correspond with International Women’s Day.
Then in 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project in Santa Rosa. This group then lobbied President Jimmy Carter to declare the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress passed legislation declaring the entire month in honor of women’s history.
Women from other counties were also honored as Woman of the Year 2024 by Thompson on Sunday, with Ana Santana in Lake County and Karen Urbano in Yolo County.