OUR COMMUNITY
I
f you’re a Metro Detroiter and you’re
familiar with Weight Watchers, chances
are Jewish businesswoman Florine Mark
has something to do with it.
In 1966, Mark established the first Weight
Watchers franchise in Michigan and was
once the largest franchise holder of Weight
Watchers International, employing more
than 4,000 people, mainly women.
Since then, Mark has expanded her
career to include writing a book, Talk to the
Mirror, and is the podcast host for “Today’s
Takeaway with Florine Mark.
” In addition,
she’s recently launched her new
“Remarkable YOU” motiva-
tional tour.
Mark’s latest accomplish-
ment: receiving one of the
biggest honors of her career,
the Women Who Make a
Difference award from the
International Women’s Forum.
On Oct. 6, Mark was
honored at the Marriott
Renaissance Center for a life-
time of work of making an
impact on women worldwide.
“It’s such a huge honor to be honored among
all these women,
” Mark says. “I was so over-
whelmed and shocked.
”
Still, the award is rightfully earned. As an
active philanthropist and volunteer, both
within the local Detroit Jewish community
and on a national level, Mark spends much
of her time working on bettering the com-
munity and improving the lives of others.
Mark’s numerous affiliations easily span
pages; she’s served on the board of directors
for Business Leaders for Michigan, board of
directors for Detroit Symphony Orchestra,
Jewish Federations of North America Board
of Trustees, board of directors for Jewish
Fund and board of visitors for Wayne State
University School of Medicine.
She’s also an active Adat Shalom
Synagogue member who “loves her syna-
gogue.
”
Florine Mark honored
with Women Who Make
a Difference Award.
A Lifetime of
ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Achievement
28 | OCTOBER 12 • 2023
Florine speaking