Assemblymember Diane Papan Names Burlingame Councilmember Donna Colson as the 2025 Assembly District 21 Woman of the Year

SAN MATEO, CA – Today, Assemblymember Diane Papan proudly announces the selection of Burlingame City Councilmember Donna Colson as the 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 21. Colson was honored on the floor of the California State Assembly in recognition of her decades of leadership in public service, investment management, and community advocacy. 

To mark Women’s History Month each member of the California Legislature elevates a woman in their district for her ‘herstory making’ activities.

“Councilmember Colson’s visionary leadership in Burlingame, her tireless work in housing and climate resilience, and her commitment to preserving local history and cultural institutions have made a lasting impact on our region,” said Assemblymember Papan. “Her contributions to both public and nonprofit sectors have strengthened our communities and improved the lives of countless residents.”

A Sacramento native, Colson moved to the Bay Area to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She began her career as an analyst supporting affordable housing research and the institutional investment management industry before earning her MBA at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. She spent 25 years in investment management, serving as a partner at Callan Associates and later as a Senior Vice President and Director of Client Service, where she provided strategic and financial advice to pension funds, foundations, and endowments.

After a distinguished career in finance, Colson turned her focus to community enrichment, opening a youth soccer and futsal facility in Burlingame that continues to serve thousands of children annually. Her public service journey began as a Trustee for the San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association before her appointment as a Burlingame Parks and Recreation Commissioner. In 2015, she was elected to the Burlingame City Council, where she has been reelected twice and has twice served as Mayor.

In her current role, Colson chairs several key committees, including the Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors, the San Mateo County Housing and Community Development Committee, and the C/CAG Resource Management and Climate Protection Committee. She also plays a pivotal role on the board of OneShoreline where she helps develop climate adaptation strategies to address flood and sea level rise challenges. Her leadership in Burlingame has been instrumental in the development of a net-zero energy community center, a new Town Square, and a master plan that has bolstered housing and economic development in the city.

Beyond her governmental roles, Colson has been deeply engaged in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. She has served as past president of Filoli Estate and Garden where she has worked to expand public access. Her contributions extend to the San Mateo County Historical Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and advisory roles at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and the University of Wisconsin. Locally, she has supported numerous organizations, including the Burlingame Parks Forever Foundation, Peninsula Family Services, StarVista, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula.

“I believe in the power of public service and community engagement to create meaningful change,” said Colson. “Working alongside so many dedicated individuals to enhance our cities, protect our environment, and support future generations has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It is an honor to be recognized for what I truly enjoy most – serving our communities and improving the lives of our residents.”

In her personal time, Colson enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their daughters, Clare and Grace. She is an avid supporter of local arts and has been exploring creative projects while traveling with friends.