Feature: T’wina Nobles – Community Leader
In the month of February, Seattle Reign FC continues to celebrate Black excellence, health, wealth and prosperity in our community. Today, we highlight the achievements of Senator T’wina Nobles , who represents the 28th Legislative District of Washington. She is also co-architect and CEO of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s first philanthropy for and by Black people to build Black generational wealth, health, and well-being, and a longtime supporter of Seattle Reign FC.
Senator Nobles has an extensive history of working for social justice, both as an elected official in the state of Washington and in other roles in her life. She became the first Black state senator to serve in a decade when she took office in 2021 and is chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee as well as vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. She also sits on the Transportation Committee and the Behavioral Health Subcommittee.
Her work as a state senator is grounded in community, led by shared values of her district and her own passion. Nobles is keenly focused on addressing issues related to education, housing stabilization, environmental justice and accessible transportation.
With the Black Future Co-op Fund, Nobles has served as a leader for change and action. Inspired by the racial justice uprising, Nobles along with three other Black women leaders launched the Black Future Co-op Fund in June 2020 as the antidote to philanthropic redlining, addressing the systemic racism and resulting wealth inequality that has disproportionately affected Black people for generations.
Since its founding, the Black Future Co-op Fund has granted millions of dollars to Black-led organizations that traditional philanthropy has overlooked and left unsupported. These “We See You” grants are made barrier-free and are unrestricted funds, recognizing the vital work that Black nonprofit leaders do every day to support communities. The Fund also seeks to connect Black communities for collective power, amplify truthful Black narratives and, ultimately, shift the philanthropic paradigm to center Black genius and substantially increase resources following into Black communities.
Nobles has been at the forefront of this work, in addition to supporting the organization's partnership with the Reign. From attending the club’s matches as a fan to helping facilitate the relationship, as showcased in the 2020 Fall Series, Kit Front, Legends and Nationwide Community Impact partnerships, Nobles has made a profound impact in the Reign FC community.
Her community impact has also been felt through her previous role as president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that has provided services, training and advocacy to build social and economic equality for over 50 years. Nobles helped the community with the information and resources they needed to realize their goals and dreams, in a safe space.
An inspiration to many in the community, Nobles has over two decades of experience in education and community leadership. She attended Tacoma Community College before transferring to the University of Puget Sound, where she earned her undergraduate degree, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. She then taught at Stadium High School and Lincoln High School in Tacoma. Notably, Nobles today serves on the University Place School Board, where she has worked relentlessly on equity, inclusion and transparency.
She has also received many awards for her work in the community, including Seattle Magazine’s Seattle’s Most Influential, PSBJ 40 Under 40, the University of Puget Sound Young Logger Service Award, City Club of Tacoma Dennis G. Seinfeld Emerging Leader Award, the Tacoma Public Schools WASA Community Leadership Award, National Urban League 2019 Affiliate Award, a TPS Gold Star Community Partner Award and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Keep Living the Dream” Award.
Fans can learn more about the work Nobles is doing as a state senator and with the Black Future Co-op Fund by visiting their respective websites online.