16 Jul Press Release: RMHC Bay Area Board President Katty Coulson Named 2025 Woman of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal

Palo Alto, CA, July 16, 2025 — Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area (RMHC Bay Area) is proud to announce that Board President Katty Coulson has been named a 2025 Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. A seasoned technology executive, community advocate, and proud Latina leader, Katty was selected for her exceptional leadership, philanthropic commitment, and service to children and families in medical crisis. 

 Katty brings more than two decades of experience in business operations and strategic growth. Born and raised in Torreón, Mexico, she has defied cultural and professional barriers throughout her life, becoming a role model for women and people of color navigating careers in technology and leadership. 

Katty joined RMHC Bay Area’s board in 2021, and stepped into the role of president in 2024, becoming the first Latina to lead the organization’s board. She has guided the organization through a significant growth phase, supporting the expansion of the first Ronald McDonald House in Oakland, advancing RMHC Bay Area’s award-winning Feed the Love In-Hospital Meal Program, and championing culturally-responsive care for the nearly 40% of families served by the organization who identify as Latinx. 

“Katty is an incredible example of a woman of influence, leading the RMHC Bay Area board through its strategic plan goals and garnering the community support required to provide even more children and families with housing, meals, and comprehensive services,” said Laura Boudreau, CEO of RMHC Bay Area. “This recognition reflects her commitment to creating equitable access to healthcare for the thousands of families in need our services.” 

Outside her board service, Katty has been instrumental in founding mentorship and workforce development programs across the Bay Area and beyond. These include launching Program Escuela, which connects middle school students from underserved communities with career and education opportunities, and the Cristo Rey Work Study Program in San Jose, offering high school students hands-on experience in the tech industry. 

“Receiving the Women of Influence award is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects the values I hold dearest — service, equity, and family,” said Katty Coulson. “Serving as Board President for Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area is one of the greatest honors of my life. A family is the most important nucleus of society, and when a family is in crisis, we have a responsibility as a community to support and uplift them.” 

The Women of Influence awards recognize Silicon Valley’s most accomplished leaders whose work has made a lasting impact on their industries and communities. The 75 honorees were recently celebrated at a special event hosted by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.