Attorney and League of Women Voters Chair Marian Kromkowski has been named the 2016 recipient of the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award.

The award, given by the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, honors individuals who exemplify the ideals of that commission. It is named for Sara Hardy, "a longtime resident (who) through her courageous and determined actions gave birth to the concept of a human rights organization in her community," according to a statement from the Human Rights Commission.

Kromkowski is a northern Michigan lawyer with more than 30 years of combined experience as a lawyer, mediator and collaborative law practitioner. She has also served as a domestic relations referee handling family-related hearings as a judicial officer. Kromkowski "has worked tirelessly to protect human and civil rights...and provides legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families," according to the Human Rights Commission. "(She) has made a positive impact on our community and embodies the spirit of the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award."

The Human Rights Commission will hold a celebration in Kromkowski's honor on Monday, February 22 at 6pm in the second-floor training room of the Governmental Center. Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers will present Kromkowski with her award during the city commission's 7pm study session that evening in the commission chambers of the Governmental Center.