Ismael Ahmed: Michigan Department of Human Services Director and Social Advocate

Ismael Ahmed co-founded and directs the largest cultural community center in the nation, is an avid United Way board member and helps place children in loving families through Michigan's foster care program. It is no wonder Ahmed was named Arab American of the Year in 2008.

Ismael Ahmed is a nationally renowned cultural leader in the Detroit area. An expert in social reform and immigration practices, Ahmed has been the director of the Michigan Department of Human Services since September 10, 2007. The Michigan DHS is the second largest state run program in Michigan. Appointed by Jeniffer Granholm, Ahmed oversees nearly 10,000 employees and manages an annual budget of $4 billion-plus. Not only has Ahmed served 1.5 million medical cases and 1.2 million cash and food assistant program, but he is a co-founder of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).

ACCESS, located in Dearborn, MI, was first created to help Arab American immigrants adapt to American life. Now, with over 90 programs and affiliates in over 90 states, ACCESS is the largest Arab American Human Services organization in the United States. Ahmed was appointed executive director in 1983. Their mission is to "provide economic and social services to Arab immigrants, Arab Americans, and non-Arabs alike."

Recently, on Saturday, June 6, ACCESS participated in Detroit's 18th annual Komen Race for the Cure. This 5K run/walk is designed to raise money and awareness to help the fight against breast cancer. ACCESS volunteers proudly participated on Saturday, eager to get the word out on breast cancer and to help in any way possible to fight for a cure.

Ahmed has a long history of patriotism. The Brooklyn native went to Vietnam with the United States army. He worked hard as a young adult, and put himself through college at the University of Dearborn. He was later awarded an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2009. He was also an active member of the United Auto Workers Union.

Ahmed is concerned with child welfare systems, and offered several reforms. He put programs in effect creating significant improvements in foster care, adoption processes and help for runaway youth. He also worked closely with the Michigan Schools of Social Work conducting research while training and evaluating social workers.

Michigan's foster care system, run by DHS, has named May of 2009 to be Child Appreciation month. With 4,000 children waiting and ready to be adopted, it is important to recognize those children and the loving social workers and families who cared for them. Amanda Simms, recruitment and training specialist at Orchards Children's Services, said, "Foster Care Month is a time to recognize the generous families who step up to become foster parents, and also a time to raise awareness of the need for more dedicated families who will foster, mentor or adopt a vulnerable child in need of a family. Our community is committed to meeting the needs of these children and their families."

Ahmed is a United Way board member, and also serves on the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board and as a member of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation's executive committee. Ahmed has served on numerous governing boards like Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters

Ahmed's immense dedication and years of hard work have not gone unrecognized. On May 10, 2008, Ahmed won the Arab American of the Year award. United Way named Ahmed Director of the Year in 1992. Under his careful leadership, ACCESS received the Exemplary Community Service Program Award from the State of Michigan. President George W. Bush also awarded ACCESS with the Points of Light Award in 1992 for their exemplary non-profit service.