I am Laurel Barrett, founder of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program, a small business dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and recognizing volunteers around the world. I am a lifelong volunteer, community leader, and pageant titleholder with a passion for ensuring that service is valued, visible, and accessible to everyone.
With nearly two decades in healthcare, I currently serve as a project manager overseeing field operations while also teaching as a professor in a pharmacy technician program. My professional background combines leadership, education, and operational excellence, all of which directly shape the programs and certifications offered through the Global Volunteer Recognition Program.
My volunteer journey spans more than 500 hours of service annually and includes organizing donation drives, mentoring youth, supporting emergency response efforts through the Medical Reserve Corps, coordinating virtual volunteer projects, and fundraising for local and national organizations. I am a three time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and a strong advocate for recognizing volunteers at every level, from first time helpers to lifelong changemakers.
In the pageant world, I proudly hold the title of USOA Ms Colorado and have previously served as Ms Elemental USA, International Ms Colorado and Miss Colorado Springs for America. Through pageantry, I amplify my platform by combining visibility, leadership, and service, using my voice to bring awareness to volunteerism and civic engagement on a broader scale.
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program was created to solve a simple but powerful problem, too many volunteers go unrecognized. Through memberships, leadership certifications, virtual volunteer projects, award nominations, and annual volunteer galas and retreats, the program provides meaningful ways for volunteers to track impact, earn recognition, and feel truly seen.
In 2026, my focus continues to be on expanding volunteer leadership education, launching new certification programs, increasing global access to remote volunteer opportunities, and strengthening partnerships that uplift communities. Every initiative I lead is rooted in the belief that when volunteers are supported and celebrated, they stay engaged longer and create lasting change.
My mission is simple, celebrate the contributions of all volunteers to create a better world.
