THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 SONOMA COUNTY WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Sonoma County, CA - On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Maricarmen Reyes Larios was chosen as the 2026 Sonoma County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California's Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

"Maricarmen is a collaborative leader who uplifts others, builds strong relationships, and inspires collective action across Sonoma Valley," said Thompson. "Maricarmen is a great leader locally through her work with the Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Coalition. She's also dedicated her time to serve on the boards of KSVY Sonoma TV, RISK Sonoma, and the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. Maricarmen has contributed to Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster and the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, as well. Within our community, Maricarmen is known for her empathy, integrity, and deep commitment to community well-being. I am proud to recognize her as Sonoma County's Woman of the Year."

Click here to read Rep. Thompson's full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Maricarmen.

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women's History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women's History Month has its origin in California's Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a "Woman's History Week" during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women's Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women's History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women.

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women's History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women's History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women's History Month. Every year since, Women's History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

• Voris Brumfield Reed - Lake County Woman of the Year
• Leslie Lew - Napa County Woman of the Year
• Margi Stern - Solano County Woman of the Year
• Maricarmen Reyes Larios - Sonoma County Woman of the Year
• Marisa Alcorta - Yolo County Woman of the Year