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