DETROIT — Dearborn volunteer and community activist Kimberly Ismail received a prestigious Volunteer of the Year award from Governor Whitmer as part of the 2019 Governor’s Service Awards, a post from the Michigan Community Service Commission said.

Ismail received the award along with four other Michigan community servants, including Ann T. Fillmore of Coleman, Michelle Shepherd of Rochester, and Richard Stringfield of Saginaw.

“Kimberly Ismail serves the Dearborn community by helping those in need, no matter what the cause,” the organization said. “She makes a difference in the community and touches lives by volunteering in a variety of ways.

Ismail has taken an active leadership role in helping refugees have access to food and resources, while introducing an “Arrive Alive” distracted driving campaign to Michigan. She also organized a hunger walk for Forgotten Harvest and has executed a book drive for museums and libraries.

She spearheads food, clothing and gift drives to help those less fortunate during the holidays as well.

“She simply does whatever her community needs,” the post continued. “Family, friends and staff are inspired daily by her integrity, patience and never-ending kindness.

Kimberly Ismail with Gov. Whitmer at the Detroit Opera House for the 2019 Governor’s Service Awards, Thursday, September 5.

According to Glenn Maleyko, the superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, Ismail’s work and positive impact on the community are far-reaching.

“Her passion for volunteerism and her vision for world harmony is truly inspiring,” Maleyko said.

“Her involvement in local, state and national charities is extensive, and her devotion to so many different causes is remarkable. She is selfless and tireless when it comes to helping others.”

Governor Whitmer said the state is lucky to have so many inspiring volunteers. A total of 43 are being awarded.

“Our state is lucky to have such outstanding Michiganders who work hard every single day to build a home for opportunity for everyone,” Whitmer said.

“Whether it’s uplifting our neighborhoods or bringing communities together when tragedy strikes, they do this work even when nobody’s looking because they know that every contribution makes a huge impact.”

The Governor’s Service Awards winners were honored during a ceremony hosted by the Michigan Community Service Commission on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Detroit Opera House.

The Governor’s Service Awards ceremony is an annual statewide recognition event acknowledging contributions made by Michigan volunteers. The event is coordinated by the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), the state’s top agency on volunteerism.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.