Honoring the service, leadership, and community impact behind the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC was created to celebrate volunteer service and recognize people who make a difference in their communities. Since its founding in September 2023, GVRP and founder Laurel Barrett have been recognized for volunteerism, entrepreneurship, leadership, civic engagement, education, service, small business excellence, and social impact.
Laurel’s recognition history began long before GVRP was founded. She started volunteering in the second grade and continued serving throughout childhood, school, pageantry, healthcare, emergency preparedness, education, business ownership, and community leadership. Her service journey includes earning the Girl Scout Silver Award and Girl Scout Gold Award, two significant youth leadership and community service recognitions.
This page serves as the public master record of awards, nominations, finalist placements, public service recognition, business credentials, civic correspondence, pageant honors, and community impact milestones connected to the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ and its founder.
GVRP is a mission-driven, for-profit limited liability company. It was created to recognize volunteers, encourage continued service, support leadership growth, and inspire more people to help create a better world. Recognition matters because trust matters. Whether you are an individual volunteer, parent, school, nonprofit, pageant organization, community partner, business, or sponsor, GVRP is built on service, integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to honoring volunteer impact.
Last updated: August 2026
Community Impact Snapshot
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ continues to grow as a mission-driven organization focused on celebrating service and strengthening communities.
- Founded in September 2023 by Laurel Barrett
- BBB Accredited Business since 2024
- BBB4Good Verified Business
- SBA-certified WOSB and EDWOSB
- 287 active members as of June 2026
- 68,426 verified volunteer hours documented as of June 2026
- 9 partner organizations and programs as of June 2026
- 47 awards presented at the 2026 Annual Volunteer Award Gala
- Monthly virtual and remote volunteer projects offered
- Leadership Academy certification programs available for volunteers, students, families, pageant titleholders, educators, and community organizations
Read the latest GVRP Impact Report for additional information about membership, documented service hours, partnerships, awards, and program growth.
Recognition by Category
Early Volunteer Service & Youth Leadership
Started Volunteering in Second Grade
Laurel Barrett’s commitment to service began in childhood. She started volunteering in the second grade, building an early foundation of community service, leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility.
This lifelong connection to volunteering later became the foundation for the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™, an organization created to celebrate volunteers and remind people that service matters at every age.
Girl Scout Silver Award
Laurel earned the Girl Scout Silver Award while she was a Cadette Girl Scout. Cadettes are Girl Scouts in grades 6 through 8.
The Silver Award recognizes leadership, initiative, planning, and service. Earning this award reflects Laurel’s early commitment to identifying community needs, taking action, and creating meaningful impact.
Girl Scout Gold Award
Laurel earned the Girl Scout Gold Award while she was a Senior Girl Scout. Senior Girl Scouts are in grades 9 through 10.
The Gold Award is one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting and reflects leadership, long-term commitment, problem solving, and community impact. This recognition is an important part of Laurel’s lifelong service story and helped shape the values that later inspired the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™.
Founder, Volunteer Service & Leadership Recognition
2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award
Laurel received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for service completed in 2023. This recognition reflects her dedication to contributing hundreds of hours of volunteer service and supporting causes that strengthen the lives of others.
2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award
Laurel received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for service completed in 2024, continuing her record of significant annual volunteer service and community impact.
2024 Global Volunteer Award Recipient
Laurel received a Global Volunteer Award in 2024 for her continued commitment to volunteer service, leadership, and community impact.
The Global Volunteer Awards™ recognize volunteers who are creating positive change through documented service, leadership, dedication, and community engagement.
2024 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2024 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement. This nomination recognized her work in volunteer engagement and her commitment to advancing the visibility and value of service.
2025 President’s Volunteer Service Award
Laurel received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for service completed in 2025, making her a three-time President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
2025 Global Volunteer Award Recipient
Laurel received a Global Volunteer Award in 2025 for her continued volunteer service and leadership.
2025 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement Finalist
Laurel advanced to finalist status for the 2025 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement. This finalist placement recognized her growing leadership in volunteer engagement and her work to create accessible recognition, education, and service opportunities through GVRP.
Laurel’s 2025 finalist placement was the highest of her three consecutive AL!VE recognitions in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
2025 KOAA News5 Lighthouse Award Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2025 KOAA News5 Lighthouse Award. The News5 Lighthouse Awards celebrate unsung heroes who serve others and create meaningful change in Southern Colorado communities.
This nomination reflected Laurel’s extensive volunteer service, community leadership, and commitment to helping people and causes throughout Colorado Springs and beyond.
2025 CNN Hero Nominee
Laurel received a nomination for CNN Heroes in 2025. The nomination recognized her lifelong volunteer service and her work to build a program that celebrates and supports volunteers.
This recognition is listed as a nomination. It does not indicate selection as an official CNN Hero or CNN Hero of the Year.
2025 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2025 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth program. Women of Worth recognizes women who are improving their communities through volunteerism, advocacy, leadership, and service.
Laurel’s nomination reflected her lifelong commitment to volunteerism and her work through GVRP to make recognition more meaningful and accessible.
2025 Volunteer Visionary Award
In 2025, Laurel received the Volunteer Visionary Award through GVRP’s service-based recognition program. This award recognized her dedication to building new pathways for volunteers to be seen, celebrated, and encouraged.
2025 Legacy of Leadership Award
In 2025, Laurel received the Legacy of Leadership Award through GVRP’s service-based recognition program. This award recognized her leadership, service, and ongoing commitment to creating a meaningful legacy of volunteer impact.
2026 Global Volunteer Award Recipient
Laurel received a Global Volunteer Award in 2026, making her a three-time Global Volunteer Award recipient for 2024, 2025, and 2026.
2026 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2026 AL!VE Impact Award for Emerging Leaders in Volunteer Engagement. This marked her third consecutive year of recognition through the AL!VE Impact Awards, following her 2024 nomination and 2025 finalist placement.
2026 Community Champion Spotlight Nominee
Laurel was included among the 2026 Community Champion Spotlight nominees in recognition of her volunteer service, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Because the Community Champion Spotlight is a GVRP recognition initiative, this nomination is identified as an internal GVRP recognition and is listed separately from external recognition for transparency.
2026 International Community Impact Award
In 2026, Laurel received the International Community Impact Award through GVRP’s service-based recognition program. This award recognized her service, leadership, and commitment to creating positive impact across communities.
The Volunteer Visionary Award, Legacy of Leadership Award, Community Champion Spotlight nomination, International Community Impact Award, and Global Volunteer Awards listed above are GVRP-issued or GVRP-administered recognitions. They are identified separately from external awards, nominations, civic correspondence, and verified business credentials for transparency.
Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ Organizational Recognition
2023 Founding of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™
In September 2023, Laurel founded the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC to help volunteers feel seen, valued, supported, and celebrated.
Through GVRP, Laurel created a platform where volunteers can document and celebrate their service hours, leadership, advocacy, and impact. The program includes annual memberships, the Global Volunteer Awards™, Volunteer Achievement Badges, Leadership Academy certification programs, remote volunteer projects, student recognition, community spotlights, volunteer storytelling, and annual recognition events.
2024 BBB Accredited Business
Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC became a BBB Accredited Business in 2024. BBB Accreditation supports GVRP’s commitment to trust, transparency, responsiveness, and ethical business practices.
2024 BBB4Good Verified Business
GVRP became BBB4Good Verified in 2024, recognizing the organization as a mission-driven business working to create positive community impact.
2025 Peak of Community Awards Nominee
Laurel Barrett was named a nominee for the 2025 Peak of Community Awards presented by Collegiate Peaks Bank. This nomination recognized her volunteer service, community leadership, healthcare education, and work through the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™.
The nomination marked an important step in the growing recognition of Laurel’s commitment to helping volunteers feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
2025 BBB of Southern Colorado Excellence in Business Award Finalist
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ was nominated for the BBB of Southern Colorado Excellence in Business Award and advanced to the finals. This recognition reflected GVRP’s commitment to ethical business practices, community service, trust, and mission-driven leadership.
This finalist placement reinforced the values behind GVRP’s broader work, including volunteer recognition, annual memberships, community programs, and leadership education.
2025 PRISM Awards, Social Impact Startup of the Year Finalist
GVRP was selected as one of three finalists for Social Impact Startup of the Year at the 8th Annual PRISM Awards. This recognition celebrated the organization’s growing impact and its work to create meaningful recognition and leadership opportunities for volunteers.
2026 BBB of Southern Colorado Micro Business of the Year Award Nominee
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ was nominated for the 2026 BBB of Southern Colorado Micro Business of the Year Award.
This nomination recognized the impact that a small, mission-driven business can create through ethical leadership, community engagement, volunteer recognition, education, and service. It also reflected GVRP’s continued growth as a BBB Accredited and BBB4Good Verified business.
2026 Annual Volunteer Award Gala Recognition
In 2026, the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ presented 47 awards during the 2026 Annual Volunteer Award Gala. This milestone reflected the continued growth of GVRP’s mission to celebrate volunteers and recognize meaningful service.
Read the 2026 GVRP Gala Awardees Recap to learn more about the honorees and event.
2026 PRISM Awards, Social Impact Startup of the Year Finalist
GVRP was selected as a finalist for Social Impact Startup of the Year at the 9th Annual PRISM Awards. This recognition celebrated the organization’s growing impact and its work to create meaningful recognition opportunities for volunteers.
This marked the second consecutive year that GVRP was selected as a Social Impact Startup of the Year finalist.
2026 Peak of Community Awards Winner
Laurel Barrett was selected as a winner of the 2026 Peak of Community Awards presented by Collegiate Peaks Bank. The bank publicly announced Laurel as one of its 2026 Peak of Community winners.
After being recognized as a nominee in 2025, Laurel returned to the program in 2026 and was selected as one of the year’s winners. This award honored her work as a volunteer leader, healthcare educator, and founder of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™.
The recognition reflects Laurel’s lifelong dedication to service and her continued work to expand volunteer recognition, leadership development, remote service opportunities, and community impact.
Entrepreneurship, Business & Professional Recognition
2022 Walgreens Champion of Champions, Corporate and Social Responsibility
In 2022, Laurel was recognized as a Walgreens Champion of Champions for Corporate and Social Responsibility. This award honored her commitment to service, professional leadership, and social responsibility while working in healthcare.
This recognition connects Laurel’s professional background with her larger mission of using leadership, education, service, and community engagement to create positive impact.
2023 Still She Rose Grant Finalist
Laurel was named a Still She Rose Grant Finalist in 2023, recognizing her entrepreneurial and mission-driven work.
2025 PRISM Awards, Social Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee
Founder Laurel Barrett was nominated for Social Entrepreneur of the Year through the 8th Annual PRISM Awards. This nomination recognized entrepreneurial leadership, community impact, and the creation of mission-driven businesses that serve others.
2025 Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber Accolades Luncheon, Emerging Leader of the Year Nominee
Laurel was nominated for Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2025 Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber Accolades Luncheon. This nomination recognized her leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and growing impact in the Southern Colorado community.
2025 Small Business Champion Award Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2025 Small Business Champion Award during Small Business Week of the Pikes Peak Region. The nomination recognized her support of service, entrepreneurship, and community-focused leadership.
2026 Small Business Person of the Year Nominee
Laurel was nominated for 2026 Small Business Person of the Year, reflecting her work as a founder, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader.
2026 PRISM Awards, Social Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee
Founder Laurel Barrett was nominated for Social Entrepreneur of the Year through the 9th Annual PRISM Awards. This nomination recognized her entrepreneurial leadership, community impact, and continued development of mission-driven businesses that serve others.
2026 40 Under 40 Nominee
Laurel was nominated for 40 Under 40 recognition in 2026. This nomination reflected her professional leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteer service, healthcare experience, education work, and commitment to strengthening her community.
2026 Rosie Awards Nominee
Laurel received a 2026 Rosie Awards nomination. This nomination recognized her service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to creating positive community impact.
Government, Civic & Community Recognition
2022 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the 2022 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards. This nomination recognized her leadership, volunteer service, professional accomplishments, and commitment to creating positive impact in Colorado Springs.
2023 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee
Laurel was nominated again for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards in 2023. This recognition reflected her continued community leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to strengthening Colorado Springs.
2024 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee
Laurel received a third consecutive nomination for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards in 2024. The nomination recognized her continued service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
2025 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. This nomination recognized her leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and commitment to strengthening the Colorado Springs community.
2025 Presidential Correspondence from President Donald J. Trump
In August 2025, Laurel Barrett received correspondence from President Donald J. Trump after sharing an idea connected to her goals and mission-driven work.
The letter acknowledged Laurel’s creativity and determination, noting that these qualities reflect the spirit of innovation, hard work, and perseverance. This correspondence represents meaningful civic acknowledgment of Laurel’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to bringing her ideas to life.
While this letter is not an award, it is included as part of GVRP’s broader record of civic recognition, public leadership, and mission-driven entrepreneurship.
2026 Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee
Laurel was nominated for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leader Awards for the fifth consecutive year in 2026. Her nominations from 2022 through 2026 reflect sustained recognition of her leadership, professional growth, entrepreneurship, volunteer service, and community impact.
2026 Recognition from Colorado Governor Jared Polis for Outstanding Work and Service
In January 2026, Laurel Barrett received a letter of recognition from Colorado Governor Jared Polis congratulating her on her outstanding work and service in 2025.
The letter recognized Laurel for volunteering hundreds of hours in service to her community, leading meaningful community projects, mentoring youth, and receiving notable recognition for her leadership and dedication to strengthening her community.
This recognition reflects the heart of GVRP’s mission: celebrating service, uplifting volunteers, and encouraging meaningful community impact.
2026 SBA Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge Participant
Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ proudly signed the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. This national initiative celebrates the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community builders who contribute to economic opportunity, innovation, and the continued strength of American enterprise.
Participation in the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge reflects GVRP’s commitment to operating a responsible small business, serving the community, and continuing to build opportunities for the future.
Pageant, Platform & Public Leadership Recognition
2021 Titleholder of the Year
In 2021, Laurel Barrett was honored as Titleholder of the Year while serving as Miss Colorado Springs for America Strong. She received this award for continuing her community service while also working as an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This recognition reflects Laurel’s commitment to service during a challenging time for healthcare workers, volunteers, and communities across the country.
2022 Carroll Community Service Award
In 2022, Laurel received the Carroll Community Service Award while serving as International Ms. Colorado. This award recognized her dedication to volunteerism, community service, and using her title to make a meaningful difference.
2023 Director’s Leadership Award
Laurel received the Director’s Leadership Award in 2023, recognizing her dedication, leadership, and commitment to using her pageant platform to make a difference.
2026 Crown of Service Award
In 2026, Laurel received the Crown of Service Award while serving as USOA Ms. Colorado. This award recognized her continued commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and community impact through her pageant platform.
The Crown of Service Award reflects the same values that guide GVRP: service, recognition, leadership, and celebrating the people who make a difference.
Pageant Titles Connected to Service
Laurel’s pageant journey has been deeply connected to her service platform. Through pageantry, she has used her titles to promote volunteerism, civic engagement, leadership, confidence, and community impact.
Her titles have included:
- Miss Colorado Springs for America Strong, 2019 to 2021
- International Ms. Colorado, 2021 to 2024
- Ms. Elemental USA 2024
- USOA Ms. Colorado 2026
As USOA Ms. Colorado 2026, Laurel continues to promote volunteerism and community service through her volunteering platform.
Global Beauty Awards Recognition
2025 Global Beauty Awards Nominations
Laurel received the following 2025 Global Beauty Awards nominations:
- Veronica Villegas Volunteer Award
- Best in Science
- Best Entrepreneur
2026 Global Beauty Awards Nominations
Laurel received the following 2026 Global Beauty Awards nominations:
- Best Talent
- Star Power
- Charles W. Herbster Most Patriotic
- Best in Education
2026 Global Beauty Awards Winner, Charles W. Herbster Most Patriotic Award
Laurel was honored as the 2026 Global Beauty Awards winner of the Charles W. Herbster Most Patriotic Award. This award recognized her dedication to service, community, and country.
Business Certifications & Verified Credentials
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ is committed to operating with professionalism, transparency, and integrity. In addition to awards and nominations, GVRP maintains business credentials and verifications that support trust with members, sponsors, partners, and community organizations.
BBB Accredited Business
GVRP is a BBB Accredited Business, supporting its commitment to ethical business practices, responsiveness, transparency, and trust.
BBB4Good Verified Business
GVRP is BBB4Good Verified, recognizing its mission-driven commitment to positive social impact.
SBA-Certified WOSB and EDWOSB
GVRP is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Women-Owned Small Business and an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business. These certifications support the organization’s credibility as a woman-owned small business and may strengthen opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and community collaboration.
SAM Registration
GVRP maintains active business registration credentials for applicable opportunities, including government and grant-related partnerships.
Organizations interested in structured recognition support can learn more about the Annual Volunteer Recognition and Leadership Partnership for Organizations.
Sponsors and community partners can also support GVRP through the Annual Volunteer Award Ceremony sponsorship program.
Why This Recognition Matters
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ was built to make recognition more meaningful, accessible, inclusive, and transparent. Every award, nomination, credential, milestone, and letter listed here reflects a larger mission: to celebrate the people who serve.
Volunteers often give their time without expecting anything in return. GVRP exists to remind them that their work matters.
This recognition record is not only about what GVRP or Laurel Barrett has achieved. It is also about the volunteers, members, families, students, nonprofits, schools, pageant organizations, partners, and community leaders who continue to create positive change every day.
Related GVRP Pages
Continue learning about the programs, recognition opportunities, and community impact behind the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™:
- About the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™
- Start Here with GVRP
- Become a GVRP Member
- Explore Volunteer Recognition and Award Opportunities
- Learn About the Global Volunteer Awards™
- Read How to Get Recognized for Volunteer Hours in 2026
- Explore Leadership Academy Certification Programs
- Join Virtual and Remote Volunteer Projects
- Learn About the Annual Volunteer Award Ceremony
- Read the 2026 GVRP Gala Awardees Recap
- Sponsor the Annual Volunteer Award Ceremony
- Explore Organizational Recognition Partnerships
- Meet GVRP Partner Organizations
- Read the GVRP Impact Report
- Read GVRP Reviews
- Contact GVRP
Continue the Mission
Whether you are an individual volunteer, parent, student, nonprofit leader, pageant director, school representative, community organization, business, or sponsor, there are many ways to be part of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™.
You can become a member, document volunteer hours, explore recognition opportunities, earn a Global Volunteer Award™, enroll in a Leadership Academy certification course, join a remote volunteer project, nominate a Community Champion, recognize a student, or support the Annual Volunteer Award Ceremony.
Together, we can continue celebrating the contributions of all volunteers to create a better world.
Important Note About Recognition Status
Recognition listed on this page may include earned awards, nominations, finalist placements, pageant titles, business verifications, government certifications, civic correspondence, internal GVRP service recognitions, organizational milestones, and public service recognition.
A nomination means that Laurel Barrett or GVRP was submitted for consideration. It does not mean the nominee became a finalist, honoree, or winner unless that later status is specifically stated. Internal GVRP awards and nominations are identified separately from external recognition whenever applicable.
This page is maintained as a transparency-focused master recognition record. Each item reflects GVRP’s or founder Laurel Barrett’s ongoing commitment to service, leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and community impact.