Born on December 21, 1947 in San Mateo, California

Married to John Marshall Collins

Mother of two children, Sheila and John Collins

Education

K-12 public schools, Palo Alto, California

B.A., Political Science, Stanford University, 1970

J.D., cum laude, University of Santa Clara School of Law, 1975

Professional Career

Served as Staff Assistant to her predecessor, Congressman Don Edwards, 1970-1978; Worked on impeachment proceedings, the Equal Rights Amendment, and creation of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge in the South San Francisco Bay

Practiced immigration law as a partner in the firm of Webber & Lofgren, 1978-1980

Taught immigration law at University of Santa Clara School of Law, 1977-1980

Served on Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, 1981-1994

U.S. Congress

Elected in 1994 as only freshman Democrat from west of the Rocky Mountains

Serves as Chair of the 34 Member California Democratic Congressional Delegation