The Association of Washington School Principals is thrilled to announce that our 2026 Torch of Leadership Award is presented to Senator T’wina Nobles.
Senator Nobles represents the 28th Legislative District, which includes Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. At the time of her initial swearing in in 2021, she was the first Black state senator to serve in a decade.
Nobles brings two decades of experience in education and community leadership to her roles as chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee and vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. She also sits on the Transportation Committee.
Education has been central to Nobles’ life. She attended Tacoma Community College before transferring to the University of Puget Sound, where she earned her undergraduate degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She then taught at Stadium and Lincoln high schools. Since 2016, Nobles has served on the University Place School Board, where she has worked to ensure every voice is heard and every child succeeds by focusing on equity, inclusion, and transparency.
As a state senator, Nobles remains committed to creating and supporting legislation that emulates the shared values of the 28th Legislative District. Her education agenda centers on several key priorities:
- Adequately funding public schools so districts can meet students’ needs.Â
- Creating equitable and inclusive learning environments where every student belongs.Â
- Expanding access to higher education and career pathways, especially for underserved students.
- Supporting student health, safety, and well-being through preventive and protective policies.Â
- Investing in early learning and long-term student success, particularly for students facing barriers.
Her legislative portfolio reflects a philosophy that improving educational outcomes requires investments not only in schools, but also in the academic, social, and health supports that allow children to thrive.
Nobles originally moved to the 28th Legislative District when her family was stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord. She now resides in Fircrest with her family and has lived in the district for nearly two decades.
Outside of the Legislature, Senator Nobles previously served as President and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, and currently is the Chief Executive Officer for the American Leadership Forum Tacoma – Pierce County.
About the Award
The Torch of Leadership Award honors individuals serving in the Washington state government who have demonstrated outstanding support of principals and the principalship. The award was established in 2009.
Nominations are submitted by members of the AWSP Advocacy Advisory Council. The final selection is made by committee and AWSP staff members. Recipients are named in the spring after the legislative session and honored in October at the AWSP’s
fall Advocacy Committee meeting.
