Tina Orwall (MSW ’91) will give the keynote address at the School of Social Work’s virtual graduation celebration on Sunday, June 14.
Orwall is a state legislator in Washington’s 33rd Legislative District, a position she has held since 2008. Among her many legislative accomplishments are rape kit reform, suicide prevention, anti-trafficking, compensation for victims wrongly convicted and adoptee rights. She has worked with all levels of government, encouraging them to embrace best practices to better serve the community. Before joining the state legislature, she was a clinical social worker serving individuals with mental illness and advocating for the homeless.
In 2017, Orwall received the School’s Moya M. Duplica Distinguished Alumni Award. Upon presenting the award, Dean Eddie Uehara said, “Tina 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 divides.”
Orwall has been recognized with many other awards and honors, including the Allies in Action State Award from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Outstanding Legislator Award from the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Innocence Champion Award from the Innocence Project Northwest.
In addition to her role as a legislator and community leader, Orwall is an active member of the Des Moines Rotary Club and Kent Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the boards of Judson Park retirement community in Des Moines and the United Way of King County Impact Council.
To protect the health of students and faculty, family members and friends, the School’s June 14 graduation celebration will be held remotely, using a web-based platform. Although the event will not be in-person, the format includes the key elements that distinguish it each year, from welcoming remarks to award recognition to Orwall’s keynote address.