Student Highlight: Kimberly Turnipseed
We are so excited to highlight Kimberly Turnipseed for our May Spotlight. We are honored to share her inspiring journey as a proud Puyallup Tribal Member who has dedicated her life to safety and community well-being. Read more about her journey below!
Experience at the University of Washington
"In my experience, the classes that are available at the UW DEOHS Training Center can do nothing but benefit a person’s knowledge and career. I have had so many positive experiences with the different teachers and students that attend. I have learned almost as much from class attendees as from the instructors, with everyone attending classes having years of combined experience. I encourage all safety professionals, both new and experienced, to keep taking as many classes as you can, they will only benefit you in the long run."
Personal & Professional Journey
Kimberly Turnipseed is a proud Puyallup Tribal Member, born in 1974 to Michael Turnipseed and Carolyn Green. She is the granddaughter of Pernell Ray and Berthe Jane (BJ) Turnipseed, and the great-granddaughter of Silas and Hattie Cross. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kimberly has a deep love for the region and continues to live there alongside her daughter, Courtney (born in 1993), and granddaughter, Skye (born in 2009).
Her passion for safety began in 2003 when she noticed a critical lack of safety measures on the reservation. Working in the construction industry, Kimberly became dedicated to creating safer environments so that people could return home happy, healthy, and whole. In 2012, she began studying safety at the University of Washington, becoming an Authorized OSHA 10/30 Construction Trainer. Since then, she has earned more than 25 OSHA certifications through UW, including credentials as an Authorized OSHA 10/30 General Industry Trainer, Emergency Safety Specialist, General Industry Safety & Health Specialist, Construction Safety & Health Specialist, and in Leadership Foundations for Occupational Health & Safety, among others.
Her studies at the UW DEOHS Training Center have helped her grow into an advanced trainer, known for bringing both insight and real-world experience to every training session.
Work and Accomplishments
Kimberly currently serves as the Tribal Occupational Safety & Health Director for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, a role she has held for the past nine years. In this position, she leads efforts to promote both employee and community safety through a wide range of training courses, including OSHA 10/30 (General Industry and Construction), Wilderness First Aid, and many others. Her department is also actively involved in developing a comprehensive safety policy that will apply to all work conducted within the Tribe’s jurisdiction. A significant milestone this year was the passing of a Tribal Resolution officially declaring August 11–17 as Safe + Sound Week, aligning with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries' Safe + Sound campaign.
