Thea Hensel Named 2025 Sonoma County Woman of the Year
By Jim McAdler
Thea Hensel, the longtime Chair of the Southeast Greenway Campaign, was chosen by United States Congressman Mike Thompson as the 2025 Sonoma County Woman of the Year. In honor of Women’s History Month, Congressman Thompson recognized Thea for her incredible contributions to our community.
In “the spirit of civic leadership and environmental advocacy” Congressman Thompson made special note of Thea’s guiding vision of the Southeast Greenway as a sustainable urban green space with pathways, community gardens, neighborhood parks, natural habitats and revitalized creeks. “I am proud to recognize her as Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year,” said Thompson at the recent awards event.
“It is humbling to stand with the women who have made such incredible contributions to Sonoma County,” she said about the award. “I can’t thank Congressman Thompson enough for this recognition and all the people who have helped me achieve the accomplishments of the Southeast Greenway.”
Thanks to Thea’s leadership of the Southeast Greenway Campaign, to our volunteers and supporters, and to our beautiful City of Santa Rosa, we have 49 acres of land soon to be planned as a vibrant public park. Thank you Thea, for your extraordinary service to our community!
Photos of U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson, Marakeshia Smith, Santa Rosa City Manager, and Thea Hensel, Chair of Southeast Greenway Campaign.