Jenna Barrett: A lifetime of service leads to the trip of a lifetime

"What drives me is the idea that every small step will make a difference," says Jenna Barrett, a national account executive for RNnetwork in Boca Raton, Fla. "And that if I can make a positive difference in someone's life — however big or small it may be — it will create a ripple effect and ultimately make our world a better place." Jenna is one of our four Difference Maker winners who will join our CEO Scott Beck on an all-expense-paid trip to Kenya, Africa, for a mix of service projects and vacation adventures. CHG's Difference Maker program is an annual recognition award that honors employees who are passionately committed to helping others. Giving from a young age Ever since Jenna was a young child, she had a big heart and wanted to make a difference in the world. She volunteered with her family and her church groups, assisting those less fortunate. When college rolled around, she traveled to a poor community in Honduras where she helped build a clinic and assisted on the local farms and inside a girls' school. She also spent a semester in Chile teaching English in rural and inner-city communities. "I pride myself on always trying to become a better version of myself," Jenna says. "I think a huge part of that is giving back to those less fortunate." Last year, she traveled to Trujillo, Peru, for a volunteer service trip. "The main goal was to brainstorm ideas with the members of the community and empower them to build their community and escape from poverty," Jenna shares. Helping hands at the office Jenna helped organize a Habitat for Humanity project for her department where they built a roof on a house in the community. And last year, she organized a bake sale at RNnetwork to raise money for 4KIDS, a foundation that helps find local orphans temporary homes and provides educational opportunities. She also organizes and leads fitness classes at the office to help her colleagues achieve their personal fitness and wellness goals. Driving a force of good change "What drives me are all the little things that don't matter much to us, but that matter so much to the people we are helping," Jenna shares. "It really puts things in perspective and reminds me to be thankful every day for everything and everyone I have in my life." Watch¬†Jenna's reaction to being named a Difference Maker and hear what she's looking forward to most: