Photo from left to right: Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalaki, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, SD 40 Woman of the Year Maggie T. Watkins, Senator Monique Limón, and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire.
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) has named Maggie T. Watkins as the 2025 “Woman of the Year” for Senate District 40.
"Maggie's unwavering dedication to philanthropy and community service has left a lasting impact on East County and beyond," said Leader Jones. "From her leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards to her extensive work supporting vital community initiatives, Maggie's commitment to service is truly inspiring. Congratulations to Maggie for her outstanding contributions to our district."
Maggie T. Watkins, “Woman of the Year for Senate District 40,” has played a pivotal role in enhancing the philanthropic landscape of San Diego’s East County. She was an integral member of the Alpine Community Center Board during the fundraising campaign to build the Community Center and chaired multiple annual holiday galas to support this initiative. Currently, she serves on the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Foundation Board, where she has chaired both the annual Hospice Regatta and the hospital’s annual gala. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a member of the Asset and Trust Committee and the Finance Committee. Her leadership extends to Sharp HealthCare Foundation, where she sits on the Executive Committee and chairs the Stewardship Committee.
Maggie also serves on the Salvation Army Metropolitan Advisory Board as Chair of the Nominating Committee. She has been recognized as a past Salvation Army Woman of Dedication and chaired their annual fundraising event. Furthermore, she is a dedicated member of the Girl Scouts San Diego Board Development Committee. Over the years, she has served on more than 40 nonprofit boards, often in leadership roles. Her impact was recently acknowledged when she received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for nonprofit service from the Corporate Directors Forum. In 2024, the San Diego Business Journal named her one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego.
Beyond her extensive volunteer work, Maggie has had a distinguished career as Chief Marketing Officer for four large law firms and CEO of a global law firm association. She now leads her own professional services consultancy, helping law firms and professional services firms develop marketing and business development strategies. She is a sought-after speaker at industry and nonprofit conferences, always eager to mentor and support young professionals, particularly women, in their career advancement.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from Senator Jones,” said Maggie T. Watkins. “Serving our community has been a lifelong passion, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference.”
Since 1987, the Legislative Women’s Caucus has encouraged all legislators to recognize a special woman in their district each year in honor of “Women’s History Month,” which occurs in March.