Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) this week honored three women from counties in his district with his Woman of the Year designation, his office announced.
Thea Hensel of Sonoma County, Norma Ferriz de Massaro of Napa County, and Lisa Hilas of Solano County were all bestowed with 2025’s Woman of the Year honors in Thompson’s office in St. Helena.
Hensel was recognized for her work developing a park in Santa Rosa. According to Thompson’s office, she spent 15 years securing 49 acres of former Caltrans property to convert it into a public park.
“The City of Santa Rosa will soon break ground on Ms. Hensel’s vision, a sustainable urban green space with community gardens, neighborhood parks, restored natural habitats, and revitalized creeks,” said Thompson. “I am proud to recognize her as Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year.”
Ferriz de Massaro has been a long-time volunteer in St. Helena with organizations such as the Soroptimist International St. Helena Sunrise, the St. Helena Star Editorial Board, the St. Helena Library Committee, the St. Helena Library Foundation, and the St. Helena Multicultural Committee. She also works in Napa County as the Finance and Operations Director for the Up Valley Family Centers, which assist families, and with the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Community Programs and Grants Committee.
“Norma Ferriz de Massaro has been a pillar of the Napa Valley community for nearly two decades,” said Thompson. “Her leadership in these organizations has helped make our community a more inclusive place.”
Hilas serves as president of On Stage Vacaville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering artistic expression and enriching her community through the performing arts, Thompson’s office said. She is also the executive director and founder of Saving Gracie, a nonprofit that supports families facing emergency veterinary care and enduring financial hardship.
“Lisa Hilas’ passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our community,” said Thompson. “Her hard work and leadership better the lives of many in our community. I am proud to recognize her as Solano County’s Woman of the Year.”
Thompson makes his Woman of the Year announcements in March in honor of Women’s History Month.