The Tacoma Urban League (TUL) for Tacoma/Pierce County announces Ms. Victoria Woodards as its new President/CEO. Born and raised in Tacoma Victoria began a career of community service at the Tacoma Urban League, in an entry level position, and returns 13 years later as a renowned community leader to champion the organization to new heights in programs and services for children, youth and families. Through innovative and collaborative approaches Victoria will surely make the Urban League a greater part of Tacoma’s solution as the community positions itself for future achievements.
“The significant vested interest and engagement Victoria has in our community and the exceptional ability to achieve results will strengthen TUL’s position as a catalyst for positive and progressive change” said Cliff Brown, Chair, TUL Board of Directors.
Victoria was raised in Tacoma and is a proud graduate of Lincoln High School. She comes to League with experience from the private, public and nonprofit sector. Having served in the military and worked for Boise Cascade, Airborne Express, TUL and the Pierce County Council.
For over two decades, Victoria has served as a passionate leader in our community in many ways including, Trustee, Washington State History Museum; Co-Chair, Tacoma Civil Rights Project; Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum; and Member, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation Grants Distribution Committee. She is the former chairwoman of the Washington State Commission of African American Affairs and has been the proud lead producer of Ethnic Fest for the last 12 years.
In May of 2004, Victoria was appointed to a vacated spot on the Metropolitan Park Board and in November 2005, she was elected to a six year term. She served as the President of the Board, until 2009 when she was elected to the Tacoma City Council as an At-Large member. As a Councilmember, Victoria serves as Co-Chair, Public Safety, Human Services and Education Committee; Member, Government, Performance and Finance Committee; Chair, Tacoma 360; Chair, Gang Assessment Steering Committee; and Member, Tacoma Pierce County Board of Health.
Founded in 1968, the Tacoma Urban League (TUL) has been an award winning organization devoted to empowering African Americans and other disenfranchised individuals and groups.
It has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst in the South Puget Sound community. We serve children, youth and adults in partnership with government entities, business groups, public agencies and private donors throughout the area. As one of 100 affiliates of the National Urban League, TUL serves more than 4,000 individuals and families each year through direct service, community outreach and advocacy activities.
The essential achievement as we move forward is to adequately reposition and reaffirm purpose for the TUL whereby its services have a recognized value, current and future delivery of services is adequately funded, and sustainability is achieved.