Lawless Honored with Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award

Kailey Lawless, a junior in the School of Social Welfare and Criminal Justice, has been selected for the Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award from the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good for her volunteer work with Husky Post Prison Pathways and the Washington State Behavioral Health Advisory Council. Lawless was recognized at an awards ceremony on March 28, 2025, at Seattle University.

“Kailey demonstrates extraordinary commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and fostering systemic change. Her leadership in the Formerly Incarcerated Students’ Association, Husky Post Prison Pathways, and recovery support initiatives highlights her ability to address critical community needs,” said Amanda Figueroa, Associate Vice Chancellor for Social Mobility. “Her inspiring civic leadership fosters hope and positive change at UW Tacoma and beyond.”

As a peer navigator in the Husky Post Prison Pathways office, she provides guidance and support to current students and responds to inquiries from currently and formerly incarcerated people interested in an education at UW Tacoma. She contributed to the important, foundational development of a positive working culture and a welcoming space when the program opened its doors to students for the first time in Fall 2024.

She is also a member of the Washington State Behavioral Health Advisory Council, which advises and educates the Health Care Authority (HCA) on planning and implementing effective, integrated behavioral health services by promoting individual choice, prevention, and recovery in Washington State. 

When Kailey started at UW Tacoma, she was interested in doing social work working for the Washington State Department for Children, Youth, and Families. Since working with Husky Post Prison Pathways and engaging in student leadership, her interest has expanded to get involved in re-entry work. 

You can learn more about Kailey in the video below.