Awards, Nominations & Recognition

Honoring the service, leadership, and community impact behind the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™

The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC was created to celebrate the contributions of volunteers and recognize the people who make a difference in their communities. Since its founding in 2023, GVRP and founder Laurel Barrett have been recognized for volunteerism, entrepreneurship, leadership, civic engagement, education, and social impact.

This page highlights awards, nominations, finalist placements, public service recognition, verified business credentials, and community impact milestones connected to the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ and its founder.

Recognition matters because trust matters. Whether you are an individual volunteer, a parent, a school, a nonprofit, a pageant organization, a community partner, or a sponsor, we want you to know that GVRP is built on service, integrity, and a genuine commitment to honoring volunteer impact.

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 2023

  • BBB Accredited Business since 2024

  • BBB4Good Verified Business

  • 250+ members reached

  • 64,758+ volunteer hours recorded as of January 2026

  • 47 awards presented at the 2026 Annual Volunteer Award Gala

  • Monthly remote volunteer projects offered

  • Leadership Academy certification programs launched to support volunteer leaders, students, families, and community organizations

Organizational Awards & Recognition

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 reflects GVRP’s commitment to ethical business practices, community service, trust, and mission-driven leadership.

8th Annual PRISM Awards, Social Impact Startup of the Year Finalist

GVRP was selected as a finalist for Social Impact Startup of the Year at the 8th Annual PRISM Awards. This recognition celebrates the organization’s growing impact in Colorado and its work to create meaningful recognition opportunities for volunteers.

8th Annual 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 recognizes entrepreneurial leadership, community impact, and the creation of mission-driven businesses that serve others.

2026 Micro Business of the Year

GVRP has been recognized in connection with the 2026 Micro Business of the Year category, highlighting the impact that small, mission-driven businesses can create through service, leadership, and community engagement.

BBB Accredited Business

Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC became a BBB Accredited Business in 2024. BBB Accreditation supports GVRP’s commitment to trust, transparency, and ethical business practices.

BBB4Good Verified Business

GVRP is also BBB4Good Verified, recognizing the organization as a mission-driven business working to create positive community impact.

Founder Awards & Service Recognition

Laurel Barrett, Founder of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™

Laurel Barrett founded the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ LLC in 2023 to help volunteers feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Her work is rooted in years of community service, public health volunteering, youth mentorship, emergency preparedness, pageantry, education, and small business leadership.

Through GVRP, Laurel created a platform where volunteers can be recognized for 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, and the Annual Volunteer Award Gala.

3x Global Volunteer Award Recipient

Laurel Barrett is a 3x Global Volunteer Award recipient, earning recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for her continued commitment to volunteer service and community impact.

3x President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipient

Laurel is a 3x President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient for service completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024. This recognition reflects her dedication to giving hundreds of hours of service to her community and supporting causes that strengthen the lives of others.

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 recognizes emerging leaders who are contributing to the field of volunteer engagement and advancing the value of service.

2025 Peak of Community Awards Finalist

Laurel was named a finalist for the 2025 Peak of Community Awards, recognizing her community leadership, service, and impact in Colorado Springs and beyond.

2025 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Nominee

Laurel was nominated for the 2025 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards, recognizing her leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to strengthening the Colorado Springs community.

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, and community leader.

Government & Civic Recognition

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.

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 and trust.

BBB4Good Verified Business

GVRP is BBB4Good Verified, recognizing its mission-driven commitment to positive social impact.

SBA Certifications

GVRP maintains applicable SBA certifications and small business credentials that support its work as a mission-driven business. These certifications help 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.

Pageant, Platform & Public Leadership Recognition

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.

USOA Ms. Colorado 2026

As USOA Ms. Colorado 2026, Laurel continues to promote volunteerism and community service through her platform, Empower, Inspire, Uplift.

International Ms. Colorado, 2021-2024

Laurel served as International Ms. Colorado from 2021 through 2024, using her title to support volunteerism, leadership, and service-based advocacy.

Ms. Elemental USA

Laurel also held the title of Ms. Elemental USA, continuing her work in public leadership, service, and community engagement.

Director’s Leadership Award, 2023

Laurel received the Director’s Leadership Award in 2023, recognizing her dedication, leadership, and commitment to using her platform to make a difference.

Still She Rose Grant Finalist, 2023

Laurel was named a Still She Rose Grant Finalist in 2023, recognizing her entrepreneurial and mission-driven work.

Global Beauty Awards Recognition

Laurel has received multiple Global Beauty Awards nominations and recognition connected to service, leadership, entrepreneurship, science, patriotism, education, and public impact.

2025 Global Beauty Awards Winner, Charles Herbster Most Patriotic Award

Laurel was honored as the 2025 Global Beauty Awards winner of the Charles Herbster Most Patriotic Award, recognizing her dedication to service, community, and country.

2025 Global Beauty Awards Nominations

Laurel received the following 2025 Global Beauty Awards nominations:

  • Veronica Villegas Volunteer Award

  • Best in Science

  • Best Entrepreneur

  • Best Volunteer

2026 Global Beauty Awards Nominations

Laurel received the following 2026 Global Beauty Awards nominations:

  • Best Titleholder 18-44

  • Best Talent

  • Star Power

  • Most Patriotic

  • Best in Education

Why This Recognition Matters

The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ was built to make recognition more meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. Every award, nomination, credential, and milestone 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.

Our recognition is not only about what GVRP has achieved. It is about the volunteers, members, families, students, nonprofits, and community leaders who continue to create positive change every day.

Continue the Mission

Whether you are an individual volunteer, a parent, a student, a nonprofit leader, a pageant director, a school representative, or a sponsor, there are many ways to be part of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™.

Explore our programs, become a member, submit volunteer hours, earn recognition, enroll in a Leadership Academy certification course, or support the Annual Volunteer Award Gala.

Together, we can continue celebrating the contributions of all volunteers to create a better world.

Important Note

Recognition listed on this page may include awards, nominations, finalist placements, titles, verifications, business certifications, and public service recognition. Each item reflects GVRP’s or founder Laurel Barrett’s ongoing commitment to service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact.