During her stay in Colombia, Marquez learned the value of social work and became acquainted with the local Roman Catholic Church there to fund charities. The first charity she helped manage was named ""Banquet of the Millionaires"" through the assistance of a famed Catholic priest, Father Rafael García Herreros (1909—1992). Marquez was chosen as the representative of her country in 1958 by winning three local titles, "Miss Tumaco", "Miss Nariño" and "Miss Queen of Spain". Her victory under the department state of Nariño was notable for not having sent a candidate in twelve years while her travel visa permit to stay in Colombia was limited to two months.