JAMAICA | Trailblazer Honoured: Audrey Marks Receives 2026 Golden Heart Award

Jamaica's first female Ambassador to the United States among nine global diplomats recognized at Palm Beach gala

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, January 12, 2026 - Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Audrey Marks, was among nine ambassadors worldwide honoured with the 2026 Golden Heart Award by Tree of Life Foundation International at a glittering ceremony held last evening at the upscale Breakers Palm Beach Resort in Florida.

The gala, attended by over 300 dignitaries including present and former ambassadors, celebrated diplomats who have demonstrated exceptional service to their nations.

In presenting the award, Tree of Life Foundation Founder and President Amanda Schumacher praised Marks for her leadership, service, and generosity, noting that she has "transformed lives and strengthened communities" throughout her distinguished career.

Accepting the honour, Marks expressed deep appreciation for the recognition.

"It is my honour to accept the 2026 Golden Heart Award from the Tree of Life Foundation International. I am truly pleased to be recognized among such distinguished global Ambassadors who share a commitment to service, compassion, and the advancement of humanity," she said.

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ambassador Audrey Marks right is greeted by Tree of Life Foundation Founder and President Amanda Schumacher as she arrives at the Foundation International awards glittering ceremony held last evening at the upscale Breakers Palm Beach Resort in Florida. Looking is Mr. Charles Schumacher. PHOTO Derrick Scott.

Commending the Foundation for its international work, Marks extended an invitation to Schumacher to consider Jamaica as the location for the organisation's 23rd branch, revealing that she has already identified suitable lands for the initiative — a gesture that underscores her commitment to translating recognition into tangible benefit for her homeland.

A Career of Firsts

Marks made history during her diplomatic career. When she assumed duties at Jamaica's Embassy in Washington in May 2010, she was appointed to the position under the Jamaica Labour Party government of Bruce Golding. She became the first woman to serve as Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States.

She was replaced by Stephen Vasciannie under the Portia Simpson Miller administration and  returned to the post in September 2016, under the JLP administration of Andrew Holness.

But long before diplomatic credentials adorned her office walls, Marks was building a different kind of legacy. Born in St. Mary in 1968, she worked as a filing clerk at Air Jamaica while pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

What followed was an entrepreneurial odyssey that included six businesses, most notably Paymaster Jamaica Limited — the country's first consolidated bill payment agency, which grew to serve over 1.4 million customers.

The Diplomatic Legacy

Ambassador Audrey Marks right shares I light moment with Thailand Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Dr Suriya Chindawongs who all so was a recipient of 2026 Golden Heart Award from the Tree of Life Foundation at the awards glittering ceremony held last evening at the upscale Breakers Palm Beach Resort in Florida. Photo Derrick Scott.

Upon concluding her ambassadorial tenure in March 2025, Prime Minister Andrew Holness commended her "sterling leadership." In 2024, Jamaica bestowed upon her the Order of Jamaica — the nation's fourth-highest honour — before she transitioned to her current ministerial portfolio.

Tree of Life Foundation International, established in 2006, operates through 22 branches connecting resources to address global needs — from education and housing to disaster relief and human rights.

The Golden Heart Award celebrates ambassadors whose service transcends the ceremonial, recognizing those who translate diplomatic privilege into tangible impact.

In Audrey Marks, the Foundation has honoured a trailblazer whose journey from rural St. Mary to the corridors of Washington — and now to the heart of Jamaica's digital transformation agenda — offers inspiration to every Jamaican who dares to imagine a future without ceilings.

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