Diane Barrett, Account Executive
Biography Diane Barrett - 1974-2007
Diane began her major in Nutritional Science at Chico State University in 1974. From there, her "gifts and talents" were utilized when in 1978 she began working Bank of America in the Escrow Department - "Helping People!" Although her career at BofA lead her in a new direction, Diane always kept up with the latest in the nutritional field! In the escrow department, Diane learned to "juggle many balls at once" with the instructions from the buyer/seller, title company, real estate agent(s), loan agents etc... all prior to the closing of an escrow. Interestingly enough... during the past thirty years, Diane has been busy "Helping People" and continues to "juggle many balls at once!" She remained at BofA for the first 23 years, where she had jobs ranging from Marketing, Training, Sales and eventually Management, always with excellent mentors. The departments she worked within included the Retail Bank, Premier Banking and Private Bank, always caring most about giving excellent customer service and maintaining loyalty among clients and co-workers. It was during this time that she met her husband, Bob Barrett, also a banker. They made their home in Woodland Hills, California for many years prior to moving to the Coachella Valley.
During Diane's tenure at the bank, eight were spent in the Malibu community as manager of the local branch and then serving the more upscale "private banking" clients. It was here she learned the value of "community service", serving on the local Malibu Chamber of Commerce board just when the City of Malibu first incorporated! She chaired the Malibu Arts Festival, was a board member for the Pepperdine University's Crest Advisory Board for over ten years and enjoyed being a Rotarian. She received awards from the Malibu Chamber of Commerce for "Outstanding Citizen" and was a Speaking Finalist, Southern California Eloquence Speaking Network.
Surviving the Malibu Fire of 1993 was a very challenging time. The compassion, teamwork and genuine caring of the community helped many individuals and families back on their feet. It was the perspective of watching others during adversity that has taught Diane that "It isn't what happens to us, but how we react to it."
Diane's next choice in "helping others" was an opportunity to work as a Fundraiser for Pepperdine University to help raise money for Christian Education. There is not only a beautiful view of the ocean, but a caring faculty and staff to help the students discover and utilize their own unique gifts and talents. It was here that she enjoyed helping the homeless with friends from S.O.S., a non-profit based in Malibu.
Spending time in Coachella Valley was always a favorite vacation get-away and in 1999, a 2nd home was purchased in plans for "retirement". In 2003, Bob & Diane moved to La Quinta as permanent residents, however, Diane says she has "semi-retired" many times and always finds something new to challenge her. She volunteered as the "head angel" in 2004 and was hired as the Director of Development within a year to head up the Coachella Valley Children's Center project to help raise funds for homes for at-risk teens. She was successful in helping to raise awareness and over $1.5 Million for the project.
She helped initiate the "Angels for Olive Crest" fundraising arm consisting of over 200 men & women who attend breakfast and luncheon events to raise awareness and money for Olive Crest children. In 2006, she started a home based business with the dynamic company, MonaVie! MonaVie is a nutritional beverage company based on relationship "sharing" and both she and Bob enjoy "helping others" with both better health and an opportunity to build wealth. Her background in nutrition combined with the training and leadership skills have brought her to the perfect business. www.mymonavie.com/barrett
In addition, Patti Gribow asked Diane with helping to locate local sponsors for the newly created "Patti Gribow Show" for the segments during the winter of 2007 and Spring/Summer, 2007. Dr. Mark Sofonio, The City of Indian Wells, Amore Restaurant, Mary Williams, the Rancho Mirage Women's Health Center and Dr. Renato Calabria have been supportive as advertising sponsors.
Going into the exciting 2nd Season of The Patti Gribow Show (2007-2008), Diane's new role is "Audience Wrangler" or "Community Outreach Executive", where she is focusing on building the show's studio audience. By reaching out to the local senior centers, country clubs and other groups, she hopes to have at least 50 people per taping. They are always looking for businesses who would like to donate items for giveaway to the studio audience. The taping dates are held every 3 weeks beginning September 20th, 2007 through May, 2008. Please call her if you would like to attend or refer a business to purchase an "Internet Package". She can be reached at (760) 835-1461 or dianembarrett@aol.com.
Diane has been married to Bob Barrett for 15 years. She has a son, Chad Divine who lives in Austin, Texas and recently married his beautiful bride, Ashley. Her step-daughter Brooke is married to Skip and they have two handsome boys' names Barrett and Jake. They live in Illinois, so making frequent trips to Texas and Illinois are an important part of her life as mother and grandmother! Her other favorite local charities are: Jordan Outreach Ministries and her church Desert Springs in Palm Desert. She enjoys golf, reading, Bunco, girlfriends and "helping people", especially children! Being an American and having the opportunity to change, grow and learn are such a blessing! Her answer to the question: What advice would you give a teenager entering college? ...Pick the people in life who you want to mentor you... ask them to lunch... ask all the questions you can... pay for the lunch and ask them to help you achieve your goals. It helps to pick someone in the profession you want, someone you admire and then read books, listen to music that inspires you and trust your instincts! (-:
Her favorite mottos to share: "Attitude is everything, pick a good one!
And GOD BLESS AMERICA!
IMC Inc.