HACKENSACK, NJ, July 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Myrna Keise Gotrell has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Gotrell has distinguished herself as a leader and advocate for youth empowerment, inclusion and athletic opportunity through her multifaceted career. Since founding the firm in 2018, she has served as the chief executive officer of Hope On Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to rowing and personal development for underserved youth, particularly those who are neurodivergent or athletes of color. Under her leadership, Hope On Water achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2025 and has since been recognized for its transformative impact on the community.

The organization's mission is rooted in Ms. Gotrell's experience working with students with learning differences in the public school system, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young people who felt limited by their circumstances. One of her most significant achievements was supporting a student with an individualized education plan who, after being introduced to rowing, found renewed motivation for school and ultimately transformed his relationship with his family and future aspirations. This story exemplifies the broader mission of Hope On Water as a "hope organization," providing pathways to higher education, athletic scholarships and personal growth.

In addition to her work at Hope On Water, Ms. Gotrell co-founded and has served as head coach of the Hackensack High School crew team since 2018. She played a pivotal role in establishing the team at an urban, low-income school that previously lacked access to the sport. Her efforts led to immediate success, with the team winning a state championship in its inaugural year and qualifying for nationals. Ms. Gotrell's commitment to inclusion extended beyond her own school; she also contributed as an assistant coach at Bergen County Rowing Academy, where she volunteered her time to further broaden opportunities for non-traditional athletes.

For 18 years, Ms. Gotrell worked as a paraprofessional in the Hackensack school system, supporting students with special needs and individualized education programs. Her dedication to these students has informed her advocacy work and inspired the founding of Hope On Water.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Gotrell demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by founding An Affair to Remember, a wedding design and event planning company. Her creative talents flourished in these ventures until she transitioned into education for greater stability and health benefits.

Ms. Gotrell's professional journey began in broadcast journalism after completing coursework at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and the University of Bridgeport. She hosted a consumer report radio show in Manhattan for several years before moving into the fashion industry when the station closed. She then joined Murjani Group, contributing to brands like Gloria Vanderbilt and Tommy Hilfiger, and helped build Tommy Hilfiger's brand from its inception over 12 years before spending another 12 years at Ralph Lauren.

Throughout her career, Ms. Gotrell has been recognized for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within rowing through active participation on United States Rowing Association committees, including the Inclusion and Community Committee (formerly DEI). Her advocacy has helped open doors for non-traditional athletes nationwide.

Ms. Gotrell's own educational background includes an associate degree with coursework in broadcast journalism from Connecticut School of Broadcasting and the University of Bridgeport, as well as a diploma from Hackensack High School in 1981, where she is now the Rowing Head Coach. Overall, she attributes her success to tenacity—a quality that has enabled her to overcome personal and professional challenges while championing opportunities for others.

Ms. Gotrell's achievements have garnered significant recognition in the industry; she was featured on NBC Sports Boston's podcast "On Her Mark" in 2025 alongside her daughter after competing together in the Head of the Charles Regatta. She also received a congressional commendation from United States Representative Josh Gottheimer and earned community impact recognition from Bergen County executive leadership.

Born in Jamaica, Ms. Gotrell immigrated to the United States when she was 13. She enjoys floral design, decorating, and event planning as hobbies. She finds particular joy rowing with her daughter Keira Gotrell, sharing moments of resilience and connection on the water even while undergoing treatment for stage four breast cancer. Ms. Gotrell is dedicated to raising all three of her children, who have each pursued their own passions—her sons are accomplished soccer players and coaches—while also supporting her husband's soccer training business.

Looking ahead, Ms. Gotrell envisions expanding Hope On Water from a local initiative into a national movement that delivers encouragement, opportunity and support to struggling children across the country. Her goal is to ensure that every young person—regardless of background or ability—has access to resources that help them find their voice, identity and path to success both on the water and in life. She sees the word hope as a verb, coupling her desires with action to achieve success for herself and for others. She embodies the quote "Hope is not a substitute for action, it is the foundation that inspires it."

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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