Washington State Legislature, State Senator for the 28th Legislative District | Tacoma Urban League, President and CEO
Residence: Fircrest
Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama
First job: Car detailer
Hobbies: Developing and leading camps and experiences for girls, co-organizing bike rides and hiking trips, blogging at ladies1storg.com, and reading
Currently reading: Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts, Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones, and A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Before age 50 I want to … “(Travel to the) United Kingdom, Hawaii, and South America.”
“Revolutionist, phenomenal, moral force, go-getter, change-maker, outstanding superstar, exemplary, tireless advocate, the go-to person for the Black community in Tacoma.” These are just some of the superlatives written by 60 of Sen. T’wina Nobles’ friends, family members, co-workers, mentors, and admirers in nominating her for this award. Many nominators, from Nobles’ own son to Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, recounted Nobles’ childhood — which included a period experiencing homelessness and foster care — through her successful career as an educator, up to her present positions as state senator of the 28th Legislative District and outgoing president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League. “T’wina Nobles represents the epitome of what it means to turn your trials into triumph,” wrote Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards in her nomination. Outside of her day jobs and family activities, the Fircrest resident also hosts environmental justice camps for young girls, serves on several boards — including the Black Education Strategy Roundtable and Building Changes — is a director of the University Place School Board, and is active in her church community. — JK
Ladies First 