Originally from Bulgaria, Jenny Hite has received the “Better Life Award” from Regions Bank. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Jenny Hite, a Regions Bank associate in Huntsville, has received the company’s highest associate honor, the “Better Life Award.”

This award recognizes a Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance, along with exemplary involvement and commitment to the community. Hite works as a private wealth advisor.

Regions is donating $1,000 in Hite’s name to the nonprofit organization of her choice. Originally from Bulgaria, Hite chose the International Society of Huntsville to receive the donation. She serves on the society’s board. She also will receive an additional week of vacation and a crystal award.

Hite came to America as an exchange student at Jacksonville State University. She grew up behind the Iron Curtain, where basic necessities like bread, running water and electricity were scarce.

“I really appreciate everything I have here in this country,” Hite said. “I appreciate it more because I realize what a blessing it is.”

Hite earned her master’s degree at 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 International Society of Huntsville’s annual festival.

“It’s my duty to spread awareness about other cultures and issues that concern them,” Hite said. “Celebrating our various cultures, accepting our differences and, most importantly, learning from each other are all things I’m very passionate about.”

She often looks at her son and realizes how different his world is compared to hers as a child. “I want to impart to him a sense of his heritage,” Hite said. “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.”

Regions serves customers in 16 states and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,630 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. For more information, visit regions.com.