Karen Marquez Memorial Honor Nominations Are Now Open

Annual Honor Recognizes Outstanding Women in Security

The Karen Marquez Honor is presented annually to a female security professional who has consistently worked for the betterment of the security industry over an extended period (minimum 15 years experience or equivalent—law enforcement/military, or 10 years experience or equivalent—law enforcement/military—with an ASIS Certification).

The candidate must be a member of ASIS International in good standing (or Life Member) at the time of the award. The nomination must identify contributions the individual has made to the Physical Security Industry. The candidate must attend Global Security Exchange (GSX 2018) to be considered. This is noted in the nomination form as well.

Mrs. Karen Marquez was the Co-owner and Executive Vice President of MVM, Inc. a physical security services firm based in Virginia.  Karen passed away in 2006 after a long battle with Cancer. During her 23-year career in security, Karen developed and implemented core administration and support functions at MVM, including finance, billing, recruiting, and human resources processes. A member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Female Executives, Mrs. Marquez brought her hands-on expertise to global management issues.

In 2006, in memory of MVM’s co-founder Karen Marquez, MVM established the Karen Marquez Institute for the purpose of helping Hispanic students obtain a college education.  In 2010 the Karen Marquez Institute was transformed into the Marquez Foundation, a not for profit organization to honor Karen Marquez and the causes she had a great deal of passion for.

“During her 25-year career as a business executive, Karen always appreciated the value a college education could give to employees in the business world,” said Dario Marquez, husband of the late Karen Marquez. ” Today, Karen’s dream is being realized through this Institute which bears her name, and as a family, we are proud to support her memory.”

To nominate an ASIS member for the Karen Marquez Memorial Honor, please fill out the nomination form and follow the instructions for submission.