Karen Collins Honored as Woman of the Year

SONOMA, CA – Local resident Karen Collins has been honored as Sonoma County Woman of the Year for the Third Senate District. In honor of Women’s History Month, Senator Dodd recognizes outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their communities.

“I want to thank Senator Dodd for recognizing the incredible and selfless work of the women of Sonoma County whose efforts have made this such a wonderful place to live,” said Karen Collins. “I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of it.”

Karen has long been active in local civic and community service. She helped establish Sonoma’s Overlook Trail, co-chairing the task force that created the trail to the north of the city. Karen currently chairs the Sonoma County Regional Parks and Recreation Commission, which oversees the County’s outdoor recreation programs. She is also on the Board of Jack London Park Partners, the nonprofit group that operates Jack London State Historical Park. In 2014 she was named the Sonoma Valley “Conservationist of the Year.”

“Karen Collins embodies the spirit that makes this community so special, and we’re extremely lucky to have caring and dedicated people like her,” said Senator Bill Dodd. “Karen’s tireless support for our environment, outdoor recreation, and women’s healthcare is truly heartening. Generations of residents from Sonoma Valley and beyond will benefit from her community involvement.”

Karen has served on the City of Sonoma’s Environmental Advisory Commission, the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission Sonoma Ecology Center board, and was a founding member of the Red and White Ball Committee. Her community engagement also extends to supporting the arts, health access and other community causes. She chaired the prestigious Salute to the Arts three times and volunteered on the boards of the Sonoma Community Center and Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation.

She is a former recipient of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation’s “Pulse” award, which is given to women who have been the “pulse” of the community through their volunteerism. A cancer survivor herself, Karen has been active in women’s health issues, chairing the committee that helped establish a women’s health program at the hospital. Always interested in what’s going on politically, she has participated in every campaign in support of the hospital, as well as the campaign to fund Sonoma County’s Open Space and Agricultural District.

Additionally, Karen has donated her time to numerous state and regional efforts. As a former Deputy Director for California State Parks, Karen created and implemented WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS, a hands-on outdoor education program for women of all ages. She has chaired the California Recreational Trails Committee and served on the boards of the Yosemite National Institutes, the Headlands Institute, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. In 1998, she formed Going Places!, an adventure travel company specializing in outdoor experiences for women in North and South America, Asia and Europe. While she collapsed the company in 2010, she still organizes and leads occasional trips.

Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.