Diana Noble-Gulliford loves to learn.
As an active community member for more than 40 years, Noble-Gulliford is fascinated with the ways that local government influences society.
“I really like to learn,” she said, “and you learn by getting involved in your community.”
She is best known for her work with the Historical Society of Federal Way, which published a history book on Federal Way in 2008. Other society projects include the installation of street signs bearing the original street names. She participated in the society’s relocation to the Steel Lake Annex and contributed toward launching the city’s annual Veterans Day tribute.
“I get involved with both feet,” said Noble-Gulliford, who has been busy with the historical society since 2006. “There are so many ways you can teach people about history.”
She stepped down as president and board chair of the society upon her appointment to the Federal Way City Council in January. She filled a vacant position, but lost her election bid in November. She is grateful for her time on the council and will continue her public service.
The most memorable accomplishment during her time in Federal Way involved the city’s incorporation efforts in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The county wanted $30,000 for an environmental study, but the process was mired in bureaucratic red tape.
“It was like an impossible goal,” she said.
Noble-Gulliford joined the citizen group that persuaded government officials to assist with the incorporation effort.
At the time, she learned about the link between government decisions and quality of life. Traffic and apartment complexes took a foothold in the area, and the people were suffering. The struggle to incorporate Federal Way sparked a decades-long interest in community planning. Noble-Gulliford eventually served on the city’s planning commission.
Federal Way City Councilmember Susan Honda nominated Noble-Gulliford for The Mirror’s Citizen of the Month.
“Diana is one of those people who serves others without letting everyone know what she does. She doesn’t need others to praise her and write about her. She does what needs to be done without fanfare. She just does it,” Honda wrote. “She is a hero in my eyes for everything she has done. Diana is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do.”
Nominations
To nominate a Federal Way resident for Citizen of the Month, email editor@fedwaymirror.com. Nominations are due by the 20th of each month.
