Growing up in the small town of Bloomfield, California, Laura Colgate kept busy by riding horses, playing sports and farming with her family.
She also began fostering a spirit for philanthropy and community leadership, which propelled her career working with such local organizations as the Family Justice Center, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission and the Council on Aging. Today, she works as program manager for electronics developer Keysight Technologies and is board president of the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation, which serves the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home in Santa Rosa. Laura’s commitment to the foundation began in 1983, marking this year as her 40th supporting vulnerable children.
Laura lives on a ranch in Sonoma County where she spends her free moments caring for animals, tending to her garden and making memories with her grandchildren, Kayden, 9, and Kinlee, 6.
What animals live on your ranch?
We have three dogs: Hawk, a red heeler; Bungee, a chocolate lab; and Daisy, a white West Highland terrier. Three hogs: Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato––yes, those are their names––19 chickens, and two horses named Chico and Naughty.
How do you balance ranch work with your busy schedule?
Keysight feeds my brain, my home feeds my soul. Ranch life is my peaceful place––animals, growing, chores, working with the earth. Having a work life in technology of the future, and blending this with family and ranch life, allows me the perfect balance.
Do you have a favorite memory with your horses?
In the mid-late ‘70s I used to ride my horse Snoop to Tomales—eight miles—pick up my friends, then we all rode 16 miles to Point Reyes, which took two days—[all] horseback with sleeping bags tied to the back of the saddle and a pack mule with food. We rode down Highway 1 to the Point Reyes National Seashore where we camped for a week riding all over the hills, beaches and into the surf. Our last stop was Nick’s Cove for a “last meal” before heading down the road. Imagine no phone, no parents. We called home from the Point Reyes General Store to let our parents know we made it.
Any other favorite activities?
My husband Ty and I love to fish and boat on the ocean. We have a small fishing boat in Sausalito where we go out under the “gate” and fish off Stinson Beach, Point Reyes and the Tomales/Bodega Bay coast, [which] is so beautiful. Our catch—salmon, crab, rock fish—is then shared with friends. Spending the day on the ocean is probably my most favorite activity. We spend time in Costa Rica fishing, as well. Ty is a billfish-tournament fishing competitor.
Do you have any advice for those hoping to start a nonprofit?
Be thoughtful, do your research, look at gaps in service, do not duplicate something that is already working.
What is your favorite Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation event?
Every year I get a “wish list” from the children at the home for Christmas-gift wishes. I personally shop for every gift and wrap [them] for each child, plus stockings/stuffers. We have a big Christmas party and Santa comes. It is simply the best thing I do each year.
If not in Sonoma County, where in the world would you choose to live?
Sonoma County is my chosen place on earth. I travel, I visit, I embrace, I come home.
