As Vice President of Community Engagement at Park Bank, Val Hartjes has spent decades investing in the Dane County community through both philanthropy and volunteerism. A member of the Women United Council and Women United Membership & Engagement Committee, she became actively involved with Women United in early 2024 after seeking a way to make a broad and meaningful impact across the nonprofit sector.

For Val, that impact begins with supporting children and their well-being. She is particularly passionate about addressing challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, literacy barriers and access to health care. Recognizing that many young people face obstacles beyond their control, she values opportunities to strengthen the systems and organizations that help children thrive.

Val believes everyone has the ability to contribute to positive change. She listens closely for what someone may need whether it is a new connection, a resource, a collaborator or an opportunity. A true super connector, Val has a remarkable ability to recognize needs, create meaningful introductions and bring people, organizations and resources together in ways that move ideas and communities forward.

That commitment to service is supported by Park Bank’s philosophy, “By Giving Back, We All Move Forward.” Val does so by giving her time, talent and treasure to a variety of nonprofit organizations and causes throughout the community. In 2025, Val dedicated more than 250 hours to volunteer work, contributing her expertise and energy to organizations throughout Dane County.

Through volunteering, Val has gained a deeper appreciation for both the generosity and the needs that exist within the community. She has formed lasting relationships, witnessed the power of collective action and developed a daily practice of gratitude for the opportunities she has and the people she serves alongside.

When asked what philanthropic leadership means to her, Val points to leading by example. She sees leadership as helping others identify opportunities to share their own talents while serving as a mentor, connector and resource.