Senator Marks receives AFUWI’s Trailblazer Award

WASHINGTON, DC:

She’s a trailblazer, whose exceptional contribution to diplomacy, service to the Jamaican diaspora, and dedication to nation-building have earned Senator Audrey P. Marks – until recently the Ambassador to the United States – the prestigious American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Trailblazer Award.

Part of the Class of 2025, Marks received her recognition at the AFUWI Foundation’s 28th annual Legacy Awards Gala in New York City on April 4.

In presenting Marks with her award, Don Christian, senior partner, Price WaterHouse Coopers touted the path she had carved of exceptional leadership in diplomacy and entrepreneurship, deeply impacting the Jamaican diaspora and setting a benchmark. “She created history by being Jamaica’s first female ambassador to the USA and the only individual to have served in this role for two separate terms,” Christian recalled. “Her service is a testament to her dedication to the Jamaican people and her strategic vision. She has brought leadership, energy, purpose, conviction, and fun to the diaspora community maintaining high visibility and connection and demonstrating advocacy for so many.”

She was honoured at the gala alongside William Mahfood, WISYNCO group chairman; UWI alum Cedric Gayle, Esq.; Althea Brown, LPL Financials’ managing director, chief legal officer, and corporate Secretary; the history-making Dominica-born Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond Gadson; and Half Moon Hotel’s management and staff.

Christian pointed out that beyond her diplomatic achievements, Ambassador Marks has an exemplary record as an entrepreneur and business leader. She is the recipient of numerous citations and recognition from her peers and various organisations for her pioneering work, entrepreneurial endeavours and commitment.

IMPACT OF EDUCATION

AFUWI Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant, said the former Ambassador had demonstrated “a remarkable commitment to promoting educational growth as a vital driver of national development. Hailing from the rural parish of St. Mary in Jamaica, she deeply understands the aspirations of everyday Jamaicans and their strong desire for economic and social mobility.”

She pointed out that as a distinguished alumna of the UWI, Marks exemplifies the institution’s commitment to academic excellence by nurturing the talents of change agents, leaders, and innovators who will ultimately contribute to the productivity and prosperity of their community, country, and the Caribbean region.

“When I think of my life and the impact of education that brought me forward, the award is great, but the impact is even greater,” the senator remarked in her response. “It was an honour and privilege to be given the Trailblazer Award. We all can make a difference by supporting the foundation and investing in the next generation they are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Marks also commended the AFUWI for the work it has done over the years helping to improve the university and supporting students.

At the gala, Mahfood received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership and Philanthropy; Gayle, the Pelican Award as an outstanding University of the West Indies (UWI) alum in the New York diaspora; Brown, the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award for her contributions to legal and financial advisory services; and Olympian Thea LaFond Gadson, the Salute to Caribbean Gold Award; and the management and staff of Half Moon Hotel, the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Global Hospitality Services.