[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING THEA HENSEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. 
Thea Hensel. I have named Ms. Hensel as the California 4th 
Congressional District's Woman of the Year for Sonoma County because of 
her excellent work in our community. This honor recognizes women who 
have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional 
District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, 
Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Born in the Bronx, New York, Ms. Hensel pursued her education at 
Oneonta State University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of 
Science degree and a Master's in Education from New York University. 
Beyond her professional and advocacy work, she enjoys traveling with 
her daughter, Riana Hensel, hiking and celebrating the arts, food and 
wine with her friends.
  In 2009, Ms. Hensel co-founded the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway and 
spearheaded a 15-year grassroots effort to secure 49 acres of former 
Caltrans property and convert it into a vibrant public park. After 60 
years of sitting empty, Ms. Hensel helped secure the transfer of the 
Caltrans property to the City of Santa Rosa in 2024. Her coalition of 
organizations, businesses, educators, families and public officials is 
now designing the Greenway which will serve the diverse needs of our 
community. 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. Thanks to her 
leadership, the Southeast Greenway will become the fourth-largest park 
in the City of Santa Rosa and provide invaluable recreational and 
ecological benefits to the region.
  Ms. Hensel's contributions to Sonoma County extend far beyond her 
work with the Greenway. She serves as Co-Chair of the Education 
Committee for Impact 100 Redwood Circle and as Program Co-Chair of the 
Sonoma County Forum. Her dedication to community service also includes 
her tenure as a board member of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and 
her participation as a 2011 fellow at the Leadership Institute for 
Ecology and the Economy. Additionally, she has supported various 
projects benefiting local schools, the Sonoma County Symphony and 
numerous nonprofit organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Thea Hensel exemplifies the spirit of civic 
leadership and environmental advocacy. Her vision and perseverance have 
ensured that future generations in our community will enjoy the 
benefits of a central urban open space. It is my privilege to recognize 
and honor her profound contributions to our community here today.

                          ____________________