MEET T’WINA NOBLES
T’wina Nobles is a community leader, mother of four, a non-profit executive, a University Place School Board Member, and the State Senator for the 28th Legislative District. She is the inaugural CEO of the Black Future Co-op Fund, an organization focused on helping build generational wealth, health, and well-being for Black people.
She previously served as president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League and has nearly 15 years of experience in education as a teacher, PTA leader, and School Board member. Now, she’s serving in our State Senate in the 28th Legislative District because she’s passionate about helping our communities thrive and ensuring our kids receive a world-class education.
In the Senate, T’wina has worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy, invest in transportation infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion, and tackle the affordability and housing crisis impacting community members across our district and our state.
T’wina’s story begins in Frankfurt, Germany where both of her parents were stationed for four and a half years. Growing up, T’wina faced many challenges, including many years of abuse and homelessness, which led T’wina to move into foster care at the age of 15.
One in five foster youth become homeless after the age of 18 and less than 3% will earn a college degree, but T’wina was determined not to become a statistic. Because of her passion, energy, and hard work, T’wina graduated high school and eventually earned a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Puget Sound, going on to become an educator. She believes in giving back to the community that helped her succeed.
T’wina has called the district her home for nearly two decades after she, her then-husband, and their four kids were relocated to Joint Base Lewis McChord (formerly Fort Lewis). After moving to the area, T’wina worked as an instructor at Stadium and Lincoln High School before winning a seat on the University Place School Board.
In 2020, T’wina decided to take her record of service and dedication to her community to run for the state Senate, defeating a long-time Republican incumbent in a close race, winning with 50.61% of the vote.
Since joining the Washington State Senate, T’wina quickly rose to a position of leadership as the Majority Whip and earned a reputation as a fierce fighter for our kids and a dedicated supporter of working families. In the legislature, she chairs the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, serves as vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, and works to expand opportunities for every child in our state.
A proud member of her community, T’wina and her family live in Fircrest.