INTERNATIONAL preacher, humanitarian, leadership coach, and women’s empowerment advocate Rev Marie Berbick has been honoured with the Golden Crown Award for Faith, Community Service & Humanitarian Leadership.

The distinguished honour was presented by the 1000 Shades of Women Foundation International, led by founder and president Dr Dior “Didi” Fall, during the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebration at the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, New York. The awards
recognise global leaders who have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, peacebuilding, diplomacy, women’s empowerment, and community transformation.

According to the award citation, Berbick was recognised for her “unwavering faith, exemplary leadership, dedicated community service, and outstanding humanitarian contributions”. The foundation further acknowledged her ministry’s impact in inspiring hope, strengthening communities, empowering individuals, and advancing humanitarian values that extend beyond the walls of the church into society.

The event brought together ambassadors, diplomats, policymakers, executives, civil society leaders, and international changemakers committed to advancing peace, justice, sustainability, wellness, and global development.

The award marks another significant milestone in Berbick’s growing international recognition. In January 2025, she received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the President of the United States for a lifetime of outstanding volunteer service and community impact.

For Berbick, however, the recognition was never about personal accolades.

“This award is first and foremost a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Every life I’ve had the privilege to serve, every woman I’ve encouraged to rise again, and every person who has found hope through our ministry is part of this honour. I receive it with deep gratitude and deepened commitment to continue serving with compassion, integrity, and love.”

Rev Marie Berbick (second right) and her team pose with her award at the United Nations in Manhattan, New York. In the photo are Dawn Reynolds Smith, Dr Pauline Johnson, Nadian Reid, Dr Maloney Hunter Wallace and Claudia Grant Morris.

Throughout her ministry, Berbick has become known for helping women rebuild their lives after trauma, divorce, abuse, rejection, and personal setbacks, encouraging them to discover purpose beyond their pain.

“On the outside of the United Nations building is a large globe. Standing at the United Nations and seeing that globe reminded me that purpose has no geographical boundaries,“ she said. ”God can take someone from humble beginnings and position them on global platforms — not for personal glory, but to become a voice for hope, healing, and transformation. I’m happy that today, that person is me. This award strengthens my resolve to continue empowering people to believe that their greatest setback can become their greatest set-up for impact.”

Recognising that every meaningful journey is supported by others, she invited several women whose lives she has encouraged, mentored, and spoken into prophetically to accompany her to the prestigious event.

Among those joining her were Dr Maloney Hunter Wallace, educator, author, speaker, and longtime colleague; educator Dr Pauline Johnson; ministers Claudia Grant Morris and Nadian Reid, and Dawn Reynolds Smith, executive assistant.

Berbick paid tribute to individuals who have supported her ministry over the years.

“Behind every successful person is a team that works hard to lift them. As I’m lifted, I will lift you,” she said.

Since 2018 when she migrated to the United States from Jamaica, Berbick has dedicated her life to preaching the gospel, mentoring leaders, coaching women, supporting survivors of abuse, and helping individuals discover healing, purpose, and hope. Through Marie Berbick Ministries International, leadership coaching, humanitarian outreach, speaking engagements, and media platforms, she continues to impact lives locally and internationally.