Honorary ambassador celebrates cultural diversity, reflects Iron
Curtain roots
Regions
Bank today announced that Jenny Hite, a private wealth advisor in
Huntsville, Ala., is the August 2015 recipient of the Regions Bank
Better Life Award. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to a
Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance, as
well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community.
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Jenny Hite is the August 2015 recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award. (Photo: Business Wire)
In addition to the recognition, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of
the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Hite,
originally from Bulgaria, chose the International Society of Huntsville
(ISH). She serves on the board of the organization, which promotes the
international community in northern Alabama through cultural,
educational and social programs. A
video of Hite is available on the Regions
Financial YouTube channel.
Hite came to America as an exchange student at Jacksonville State
University. Having grown up behind the Iron Curtain – where basics like
bread, running water and electricity were scarce – Hite refused to take
her new opportunity for granted.
“I really appreciate everything I have here in this country,” said Hite.
“I appreciate it more because I realize what a blessing it is.”
Hite earned her master’s degree from the University of Alabama in
Huntsville and is an active board member of the school’s alumni
association. She hosts exchange students in her home and plays a lead
role in ISH’s annual international festival.
“It’s my duty to spread awareness about other cultures and issues that
concern them,” said Hite. “Celebrating our various cultures, accepting
our differences, and most importantly, learning from each other are all
things I’m very passionate about.”
Even though many of Hite’s childhood days in Bulgaria consisted of
standing in a bread line for hours at a time, she still considers it
idyllic. She learned the value of hard work and the importance of
finding contentment in the things she has.
“Now I look at my own son, how the world he lives in is so different
from the one in which I grew up, and I want to impart to him a sense of
his heritage,” said Hite. “But I also want him to have an appreciation
of the privileges and opportunities he has here, and never to forget the
people who don’t.”
About The Better Life Award
The Better Life Award is presented monthly to a Regions associate who
lives the company’s mission to make life better for customers,
associates and the communities Regions serves, and who is an example of
the company’s values:
-
Put People First
-
Do What Is Right
-
Focus On Your Customer
-
Reach Higher
-
Enjoy Life
Regions associates are nominated for the award by their managers and
peers. Regions Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Grayson
Hall honors recipients at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham,
Ala., at a meeting broadcast live to offices in the 16 states Regions
serves. In addition to the recognition, associates who earn the Better
Life Award receive an additional week of vacation, a crystal award, and
a $1,000 donation is made in their name to the non-profit organization
of their choice.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $122 billion in assets, is
a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest
full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth
management, mortgage, and insurance products and services. Regions
serves customers in 16 states across the South, Midwest and Texas, and
through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,630
banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and
its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
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