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KINGSTON, Jamaica – History, Excellence and Inspiration takes center stage at Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala, now in its second year. Come join us on Saturday, March 14 at 8 PM at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for the signature International Women’s History Month event. The event is an evening dedicated to celebrating extraordinary Jamaican women who continue to shape communities at home and across the Diaspora. Some 15 remarkable women are being honored this year.
Among the distinguished honorees is Hope Markes, who is set to make history in October 2026 as the first woman of color and the first Caribbean national to lead Kiwanis International.
On October 1, Markes will assume leadership of the 110-year-old global service organization, which has clubs in more than 80 countries, marking a milestone not only for Jamaica but for Caribbean leadership on the world stage.
In an interview with journalist Calvin G. Brown, Markes reflected on the values that shaped her journey from Vineyard Town in East Kingston to the threshold of international leadership.
“Whatever I’ve accomplished, I attribute it mainly to being nurtured and loved by my parents and my family. They believed in putting children first.”
That philosophy carried her from the streets of Vineyard Town to Western Jamaica’s tourism corridor. Through her service with the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell, it led to a moment. That moment shows the growing influence of Caribbean vision and leadership worldwide.
Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Recipients 2026
The evening will also recognize an outstanding slate of trailblazers including:
- The Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister;
- Fae Ellington, broadcaster & actress;
- Professor Minerva Thame, first female dean of the UWI Medical School;
- J.C Lodge, artist;
- Cedella Marley, philanthropist;
- Althea Laing, fashion model, educator and image consultant;
- Dr. Reem June Daley, founder of the Miss Jamaica UK pageant;
- Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, author and host; Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, services to law enforcement;
- Jhaniele Fowler-Nemdhard, netballer;
- Rhonda Walker-Walters, social intervention strategist;
- Carla Moore, artist, academic, activist;
- Nancy McClean, first female hotel manager at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
- Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeith, our guest speaker for her service to faith and community development
Special honors:
- Ambassador Aloun Ndombet-Assamba – Leadership Award
- Dr. L’Antoinette Stines – Cultural Icon Award
- Dr. Lilith Fuller (New York) – Community Impact Award
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Guests will also enjoy a stellar entertainment lineup, including a special appearance by Chantae Wright, last year’s scholarship recipient from The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a member of ASHE.
This signature event is more than a celebration, it is an investment in the future. Proceeds will support the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Scholarship Initiative, helping empower the next generation of leaders.
Tickets – Sponsorship and Donations
Secure your tickets now:
https://lyndontaylor.ticketspice.com/jamaican-women-pinnacle-awards-gala-2026
If you are unable to attend, you are warmly invited to support the mission by making a donation to the schol
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Come out and be part of a historic evening celebrating Jamaican excellence, leadership, and the enduring power of women who continue to inspir
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The post Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards 2026 Feature Hope Markes appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
