Hope Markes secures historic win as VP-elect of Kiwanis Int’l
Published:Wednesday | July 17, 2024 | 12:06 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaican Hope Markes has made history by being elected the 2024-2025 Kiwanis International vice president-elect, a first for any woman of colour worldwide.
Markes competed against two men from the US states of Louisiana and North Dakota during the Kiwanis International Conference in Denver, Colorado, USA, on July 6.
A charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell, Hanover, and a Kiwanian for 25 years, Markes takes up the vice-presidential mantle as of October 1.
Over the next four years, she will also serve as president-elect, president, and immediate past president.
Proud of her achievement, Markes is convinced that her history-making feat will inspire more women of colour to take up leadership roles.
She is urging women “to never give up, believe in themselves and never consider themselves as failures”, adding that Kiwanis welcomes diversity, though this may not seem so to a few.
Markes, an alumna of Alpha, Campion College, and St Joseph’s Teacher’s College, prefers the term “naturally driven” over “hard work”.
“I also know the right time to put my hat in the ring,” she said.
For example, when asked by her peers if she would try again had she not won this election, she responded, “No, because I am satisfied I gave it my best, and for me, it is not about the position; it’s the faith that the members worldwide have in me to carry out the task at hand.”
A resident of Hanover, she says she will be travelling back and forth to fulfil her duties, but as time passes, her base will change, albeit temporarily.
ROLES
In preparation for the presidency, she will understudy and shadow the president-elect, assist with governance and finances, and act as counsellor to three districts – Taiwan, The Netherlands, and San Marino in Italy.
Regarding Jamaica, her aim is to continue improving the lives of the youth for a better future. Her impressive Kiwanis trajectory includes serving as president of the Kiwanis Club of Hanover; lieutenant governor for Division 25; governor of the Eastern Canada, and the Caribbean District; and international trustee, another first for any Jamaican.
She served as international trustee from 2021 to 2024 and will remain in that post until she assumes the vice president-elect position.
Her upward movement has been lauded by Kiwanians near and far, who describe the barely 5ft tall woman as phenomenal.
“True leadership begins with a belief that each of us can contribute to a successful mission and inspire the team to do just that. Hope Markes embodies that type of leadership,” shared Nicole Wilson, president of the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell.
Roy and Tree Hedeen, from the Kiwanis Club of Northwestern Indianapolis, spoke of a philanthropist they love to be around.
“She always has a smile on her face, a positive word, and a persistence for doing the right things for the right reasons. Especially, when it comes to helping children. We are so thankful that Kiwanis brought people from all over the world and Hope into our lives.”
Markes, a successful entrepreneur born in Kingston, owns a management company that has maintained 27 resort homes with 150 employees over the past 20 years. Her business has grown based on trust, referrals, and word-of-mouth advertising, boasting over 90 per cent client retention.
Markes campaigned on sustainable growth for the movement, which she says can be achieved by member retention, growing existing clubs, and opening new clubs. There are close to 600,000 Kiwanians worldwide.
“Going forward, my contribution will not only reflect some traditions of the past, but also present creative, fun, and engaging methods to cater to our needs in such a way that it will ensure viability and appeal,” she promised.
She believes this approach will not only pave the way to sustainable growth but will also win the trust of their members.