Perry Awards Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service to Alicia Spinner

June 17, 2025

King County Councilmember Sarah Perry on Tuesday awarded Alicia Spinner with the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”

“Few people have responded to this question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the passion and dedication that Alicia has,” councilmember Perry said. “She has worked tirelessly to celebrate the diverse cultural communities on the Eastside and establish countless resources that enable new King County residents to thrive within our communities. I hope many people are inspired by her work to ensure that no one has to navigate life alone.”

Spinner has a passion for supporting newly arrived individuals and families in King County. She is currently the Executive Director of The Circle, a non-profit organization serving Issaquah, Sammamish, and other Eastside communities. 

The Circle's mission is to provide a safe space where individuals and families can come together to learn, celebrate, and contribute boldly to their communities. They connect individuals and families who are new to King County to existing and new services to help them navigate the experience of living in their new home. This includes settlement assistance, such as support for rent, counseling, medical insurance, tax preparation, legal consultation, domestic violence, or senior assistance. For more than ten years, The Circle has organized cultural events, including an annual Day of the Dead event, to give individuals and families a safe forum for sharing their culture with the community.

Spinner has previously worked for Univision and attended Harvard University where she received her master’s degree.  She is an active resident of the Issaquah Highlands, where she has raised her two children and volunteered extensively in the community.

This marks the 10th year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.