Newly appointed Government Senator Audrey Marks and Wisynco Group Limited Chairman William Mahfood are among the individuals who will honoured by the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) at its 28th annual scholarship fund-raising gala next month.

The event, being held under the theme ‘The Legacy Continues’, is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, in Manhattan, New York City.

According to AFUWI, the awardees are being recognised for exceptional contributions to their communities or industries, as well as setting extraordinary standards in performance, ethics, outreach, and service that are both recognised and emulated.

Marks, who was last week also appointed minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation, will receive the Trailblazer Award for her exceptional contributions to diplomacy, service to the Jamaican diaspora in the United States, and commitment to nation-building.

Mahfood will be honoured with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership and Philanthropy for his remarkable leadership in business and philanthropic endeavours.

As Jamaica’s first female ambassador to the United States and the first to serve two terms, Marks has passionately advocated economic growth and investment. Throughout her career — spanning business, finance, public service, and international relations — she has consistently spearheaded initiatives that serve as benchmarks for others to follow.

“Senator Marks is a UWI alumna who 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, county, and the Caribbean region,” AFUWI said in a news release.

In relation to Mahfood, the AFUWI stated that he rose through the corporate ranks from a warehouse supervisor and has held various roles, concentrating on developing the route to market and distribution capabilities that define the Wisynco’s unique strengths today.

“Under his leadership as chairman, the company boasts the most extensive listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange,” the foundation said, adding that the Wisynco Group will receive The AFUWI Corporate Award – Class of 2025 for its commitment to corporate responsibility and business excellence.

Other honorees include Cedric Gayle, who will receive the prestigious Pelican Award for his exceptional contributions to law and community service and his invaluable role as a founding member of the New York alumni chapter; Althea Brown, managing director, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary of LPL Financial, who has Jamaican heritage,. She will be honoured with the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award for outstanding legal and financial advisory services and her dedicated contributions to community service.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc, which manages nearly $1 trillion in assets and is recognised as a leading provider of investment and business solutions, is the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States.

Also being recognised are the management and staff of Half Moon hotel, who will receive the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Global Hospitality Services, along with Thea La Fond Gadson, who will receive the Salute to Caribbean Gold Award for her Olympic gold medal in the triple jump at the 2024 Games, marking the first-ever Olympic medal for her island home, the Commonwealth of Dominica.