State Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, received the University of Washington School of Social Work’s 2017 Moya M. Duplica Distinguished Alumni Award for her many legislative achievements, including expanding access to higher education, lowering home foreclosures and reducing the high rate of death by suicide in the state.
In presenting the award, UW Professor Eddie Uehara said that Orwall has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable populations in our state – and a spirit of inclusion that has helped her address tough social issues in a time of sharp partisan divisions.
The annual award honors a UW School of Social Work graduate for exceptional service, social innovation or professional leadership. Orwall received the award on Oct. 29 at the school’s alumni homecoming and social work celebration on the UW Seattle campus. In 2015, the award was renamed to honor Duplica, a gifted and generous teacher and mentor who died in 2014.
“Rep. Orwall never shies away from social justice issues whether it’s suicide prevention, low income housing, sex trafficking or rape kit reform,” UW Associate Social Work Professor Jennifer Stuber wrote in her commendation letter. “She’s managed the impossible on all of these fronts. She has a special gift to find common ground on issues and to work across the political aisle.”
Orwall represents the cities of SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Kent, Burien and Renton.
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