Mike Thompson

Rep. Mike Thompson announced the Women of the Year for five counties in California’s 4th Congressional District, including Napa County, where Leslie Lew was selected.

According to a press release from Thompson’s office, the annual recognition honors women who have made significant contributions to their communities in areas such as community service, professional achievement, arts and culture, and innovation.

“Leslie has been a long-time defender of justice and quality of life for everyone in our community,” Thompson said in a statement. “Her passion, leadership and determination have profoundly impacted Napa County. I am proud to recognize Leslie as Napa County’s Woman of the Year.”

Lew, a landscape architect who earned her Bachelor of Science from UC Davis, has long been involved in advocacy and public service at both the local and state levels. She has held multiple leadership roles with Planned Parenthood organizations, including chair of the Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, vice chair of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, co-chair of its legislative workgroup, and chair of the Northern California audit committee.

In addition to her advocacy work, Lew has been active in local and statewide politics. She is a member of the Napa County Democratic Central Committee and an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party. Over the years, she has supported candidates through organizing efforts, including canvassing, phone-banking and coordinating volunteer outreach. She also organized Napa’s first postcard-writing group through RiseUpNapa in 2018 and has hosted and volunteered at numerous fundraisers.

Lew has also contributed to wildfire recovery and resilience efforts in the region. She helped create a shaded fuel break along a key ridgeline between Napa and Sonoma counties to improve fire safety and is involved with organizations such as the Napa County Prescribed Burn Association, the Good Fire Alliance and the Lake County Ecocultural Fire Crew.

The Woman of the Year recognition is held annually during Women’s History Month to honor women across the district for their service and impact. Women’s History Month itself has roots in Sonoma County, where it began as a local “Women’s History Week” in 1978 before gaining national recognition and later expanding into a month-long observance.

Lew lives in Napa with her husband, Tom Farella, and their children.