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Dear ACCESS Community,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of former ACCESS Executive Director, Ismael Ahmed today.

Ismael was a dear friend to so many, with a long and distinguished career dedicated to public service and community. He helped shape ACCESS in its earliest days, played a key role in its growth, and served as a longtime Executive Director. He also helped co-launch the Arab American National Museum and served on its advisory board for many years.

Ismail went on to serve as Director at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under Governor Granholm, becoming the first and only Arab American to hold one of the state’s most significant cabinet roles, and later returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as an Associate Provost. He was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by President Biden. His deep love of music led to the creation of Concert of Colors in 1993; a festival he helped build into a long-running success by continuing to co-curate and co-chair it for many years. He also found great joy in sharing music from around the world as the longtime host of a WDET radio show, extending that passion to listeners across the community.

The impact of his contributions to ACCESS, our community, and the State of Michigan cannot be overstated. Our thoughts are with his wife, Margaret, their children, grandchildren, and loved ones, as well as the many friends and colleagues mourning this loss. He will be deeply missed.

We will share information regarding services as it becomes available.

With sympathy,

Maha Freij

President & CEO, ACCESS

Copyright © 2024 ACCESS, All rights reserved.

ACCESS is an equal opportunity employer and program administrator committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

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