About Claudia

A Lifetime of Service

The Honorable Claudia Kauffman has been a resident of Kent for over 20 years. She currently serves as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe where she oversees the tribes legislative agenda on a local, state, and federal level. Claudia was previously elected and served as Washington State Senator of the 47th Legislative District where she championed legislation and policy to protect children, address equity, and improve public education She possesses a wide range of leadership in state government, policy and budgets. Claudia’s dedication to the community is found in her long history of community involvement projects, non-profit boards and is former Chair of The Green River College in Auburn. Claudia is a fierce advocate for children and education. She has been foster mother to ten children, and advocates for foster children, developmental disabilities, and the improvement access, equity, and inclusion. Claudia has received numerous awards including the Anne Foy Baker Award from the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association, the Champion for Children Award from WA Children’s Alliance, the Governor’s Award of Excellence for a Lifetime of Volunteering from Governor Gregoire, and the Ruby Award for Women Helping Women from the Soroptimist International. Claudia resides in Kent, WA, with her husband Larry Cordier and is mother to three children.

Adeline Garcia Community Service Award - Seattle Indian Health Board for being the Co-Founder of Native Action Network (2022)

Recognition of Service Award - Green River College Board of Trustees (2018)

Anne Foy Baker Award – Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization (2017)

Lifetime Achievement Award – Women Empowering Women In Native Nations (2016)

Ruby Award for Women Helping Women – Soroptimist International Auburn Chapter (2013)

Adeline Garcia Community Service Award – Seattle Indian Health Board (2013)

Distinguished Community Service Award – University of Washington Multi-Cultural Alumni Partnership (2012)

Contributions to Women’s History – University of Washington Women’s Center (2011)

Recognition of Public Service – WA Women’s Political Caucus (2011)

Flying Eagle Woman Award – Native Americans In Philanthropy (2011)

Champion for Children – Children’s Alliance (2010)

Golden Crayon Award – Early Learning Action Alliance (2010)

Governor’s Award of Excellence for a Lifetime of Volunteering – WA Governor Christine Gregoire (2009)    

Honorary Fire Chief – Washington State Fire Chiefs (2009)

Honors & Awards

Larry Gossett/Claudia Kauffman Youth Achievement Room –  Neighborhood House High Point Community Center (2009)

Champion for Children – Children’s Alliance (2009)

Recognition for work on behalf of the City – Covington City Council (2008)

Recognition of Support – Public School Employees (2008)

Pearl Capoeman Baller Award for Civic Involvement – Potlatch Fund (2008)

Certificate of Appreciation – A Phillip Randolph Institute (2008)

Certificate of Appreciation – Washington Indian Civil Rights Commission (2008)

Champion for Children – Children’s Alliance (2007)

Housing Hero – Low Income Housing Alliance (2007)

Extraordinary Ordinary Woman Award – Highline Community College (2007)

Native Sister Spirit Award – Native Action Network (2007)

Certificate of Appreciation – Minority Executive Directors Coalition (2007)

Elizabeth Peratovich Day Honoree – Tlingit & Haida Central Council (2007)

Recognition of Contributions – The Evergreen State College (2007)

Recognition of Achievement – Seattle Indian Health Board (2006)

Champion of Youth – Boys & Girls Club of King County (2006)

Strategic Leader for the 21st Century – Women of Color Empowered (2004)

Bernie Whitebear Unity Award – Minority Executive Directors Coalition (2003)