Barrett was born in
Buffalo, New York, on July 20, 1967. She had three brothers. Barrett attended
Boston University, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She earned a Masters of Arts in Management, National Security/Strategic Studies, and Human Resources Development. Barrett also graduated with a Master of Science in Information Management. She was married and had one daughter. On June 10, 2020, Barrett was elected to the Board of Directors for KVH Industries. She served on the boards of
Progressive Insurance, ShoulderUp, Protego Trust Bank, and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. She also served as an extra in several movies and TV shows. In 2023, Barrett was diagnosed with
brain cancer. She became an advocate for experimental treatments and care, focusing her presence online on mentorship and her life philosophy. Barrett died from
glioblastoma on August 26, 2024, at the age of 57. ==Military career==