Congratulations to Christina Wilkinson of Groveland, who was honored with the 2026 Tuolumne County Woman of Distinction award today. A member of Senator Alvarado-Gil’s staff presented the award at the ceremony.
Christina Wilkinson, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1984 to 1994 in administrative services, information systems, and publications distribution at George Air Force Base and the 129th Rescue Group at Moffett Field, was a nationally recognized advocate for women veterans. As publisher, designer, article writer, and supervisor of her volunteer staff across the United States, she produced AVOW Magazine, a national lifestyle publication for women veterans by women veterans, twice a year. She also co-published Women Veterans Magazine for California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Her work garnered the attention of the Department of the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Locally, Wilkinson made significant contributions to her community. In 2021, she mentored a high school senior on Project Saluting Freedom, created the concept, designed the logo branding and event collateral, and guided fundraising efforts that raised over $125,000 for the 9/11 Memorial in Tuolumne City. She also designed custom military artwork for the three marble stones of the memorial. She created multiple brands and logos pro bono for veteran organizations, including Women Veterans Engage and the National Women Veterans Summit.
In her civilian career, Wilkinson served as Visitor Center and Interpretive Programs Manager for the U.S. Forest Service at the Groveland Ranger Station, where she was recognized for excellence in interpretive programming. She played a key role in the Rim Fire reforestation effort, helping plant more than seven million trees, and later earned three Associate of Science degrees while founding her college’s first Student Veterans of America Club.
“Each of the Women of Distinction represent the very best of our communities,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “Through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving others, they have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around them. I am proud to recognize Christina Wilkinson’s extraordinary service to women veterans, military families, and the entire Tuolumne County community.”
The Women of Distinction program recognized individuals nominated by their peers and community members for exceptional service, professional achievement, and dedication to improving the lives of others. Senator Alvarado-Gil and her team have presented these awards throughout the Spring and Summer throughout Senate District 4.