In 2025, Hope Markes became the first black woman and Caribbean national to be elected as President of the 110-year-old Kiwanis International. An accomplished Kiwanian, community builder, and proud Jamaican, she has spent decades building a legacy of leadership and service.Markes is a co-founder and charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell in Hanover. She previously served as Vice President of Kiwanis International from 2024 to 2025, after completing three years on the International Board of Trustees. Her leadership journey also includes serving as Governor of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District during the 2013 to 2014 administrative year, guiding clubs across the region in service initiatives and membership growth.Markes’ dedication to children and community development has earned her numerous prestigious honours. These include the George F. Hixson Fellowship, the Walter Zeller Fellowship through the Kiwanis Children’s Fund and The Eliminate Project, the Mel Osborne Fellow award, Champion for Children recognition from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada, and the Godfrey Dyer Medallion from the Kiwanis Foundation of Jamaica.Her impact is also being recognised across the Jamaican diaspora. The City of Lauderhill officially proclaimed January 8, 2026, as Hope Markes Day, honouring her decades of service and global influence.Through service, vision, and determination, Hope Markes continues to blaze a trail for Caribbean women, proving that leadership rooted in service can inspire change around the world.