Rotary Club of St Andrew honours two outstanding professionals

The Rotary Club of St Andrew recognised two exemplary professionals at the annual Orville Walker Vocational Service Awards, held on Tuesday at The Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.

This prestigious award celebrates individuals who embody Rotary’s motto, ‘Service Above Self’, through their outstanding contributions to their industries and communities.

This year’s honourees were:

• Grace Burnett, CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group: recognised for her transformative leadership in the financial services industry, her dedication to mentorship, and her commitment to ethical leadership and community service.

• McCory Edwards, Retail Sales & Customer Service Representative at Loshusan Supermarket: honoured for his exceptional customer service, strong work ethic, and profound impact on his community, proving that hard work and integrity can transcend all barriers.

GRACE BURNETT: A TRAILBLAZER IN LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Grace Burnett has played a pivotal role in shaping Jamaica’s financial services industry.

As the first female CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), she has led groundbreaking innovations, spearheaded rebranding efforts, and championed customer satisfaction programmes that have positioned GKFG as a leader in the sector.

Holding over 20 board positions, Grace has influenced corporate strategy while mentoring and developing a new generation of leaders.

Beyond the boardroom, she has dedicated herself to community service and advocacy. She serves as a Director of Friends of the Hope Institute, a palliative cancer care hospice; a Board Governor of United Way Jamaica; and the Chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, where she has advanced programmes in education, mentorship, and social justice.

Her passion for uplifting underserved communities is reflected in her work with the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation.

Reflecting on her career and the significance of mentorship, Grace shared: “The absolute pleasure of my life has been the people whose lives I’ve been able to impact along my journey. Pouring into others as others have poured into me has been the most rewarding part of my career.”

Her leadership, integrity, and community impact have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Leadership Excellence Award from the Insurance Association of Jamaica.

A visionary leader, Grace continues to inspire others with her commitment to fostering ethical business practices, innovation, and social responsibility.

MCCORY EDWARDS: A TESTAMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

Rising from humble beginnings in the inner city of Grants Pen, Kingston, McCory Edwards has built an inspiring career through dedication, customer service excellence, and a passion for uplifting his community.

His journey began at Loshusan Supermarket in 2006 as a warehouse assistant. Through hard work and determination, he quickly climbed the ranks, earning promotions that led to his current role as Customer Service Representative and a key member of store management.

McCory’s exceptional service and commitment to excellence have made him a beloved figure among Loshusan’s clientele. Known for his proactive approach, problem-solving skills, and genuine care for customers, he has redefined the retail experience.

His leadership is evident in his mentorship of younger employees, ensuring that the next generation upholds the same high standards of service and integrity.

Beyond his professional achievements, McCory is deeply committed to giving back. He has organised back-to-school drives, supported youth sports programmes, and assisted the elderly. His mentorship of young men in Grants Pen has made him a role model, demonstrating that success is not defined by where you start, but by how you persevere.

In his acceptance speech, McCory reflected on his journey: “Receiving the Orville Walker Service Award proves that no matter where you start in life, you can achieve anything with God’s grace, hard work, and dedication. It also shows that no matter where you come from, you can be that change.”

Unknowingly, McCory has lived by the ‘Service Above Self’ motto long before he learned it was Rotary’s guiding principle. His commitment to excellence, ethical standards, and community service makes him a truly deserving recipient of this honour.