Simisola Obasan was recognized and honoured with the Excellent Leadership as ABC President Award in February 2025. As one of the pioneer members of the Airdrie Black Community (ABC), she has served in various offices, putting in all her effort, time and passion to make things happen for the black community in Airdrie, inspiring community members, taking ownership, and serving selflessly.

For her service and leadership in her community on the City of Airdrie’s Assessment Review Board, as the President of the Airdrie Black Community, and on the Events Committee of her Homeowners Association, Simisola Obasan was recognized and honoured with the Community Leader of the Year Award 2024, celebrating her dedication, hardwork, community service, and true excellence.

Nominated and selected as a Finalist for the 2024 Immigrant of Distinction Award in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Category, Simisola Obasan was recognized for the distinctive and innovative roles she plays as the first Black woman and youngest adjudicator on the City of Airdrie’s Assessment Review Board, co-founder and Principal Partner at Grandforth Legal Practitioners, leadership as President of the Airdrie Black Community and involvement in the Airdrie Minor Basketball Association.

In addition to Townsend’s exceptional volunteer spirit, this year’s Volunteer Citizen of the Year award also recognizes seven finalists who have made a positive impact on their communities across the province:

Obasan said generally the City of Airdrie and the larger Airdrie community have been supportive of their black residents, but Black History Month is an opportunity to engage with that community in a little deeper and more meaningful way.

Airdrie resident Simisola Obasan is honoured to have been selected as a runner-up for this year’s Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year award.