Val Gorder - Community Volunteer
Leader to Learn From: October 2022
October 5, 2022
Val Gorder was born and raised in Seattle, and received her Bachelors in Education from Washington State University. After working at Nordstrom for 15 years, she became a mother of three kids.
Val’s philanthropic career began as a volunteer at St. Francis House (Seattle), where she’s volunteered for 18 years and serves today as board chair. Val also served as a board member at Rebuilding Together Seattle for six years, including leading the organization to excellence following the 2008 recession. These roles led to her appointment as a Trustee at Seattle University, and chair of the university’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trustee Committee.
As a volunteer, Val is known for her open, generous, and hands-on approach to leadership. “My leadership style is to work closely on the front lines of the organizations that I serve,” Val shared. “[I have] a deep desire to connect with and know the people that I lead.”
OUR INTERVIEW WITH VAL
You have served as a volunteer with St. Francis House in Seattle for almost two decades. What has compelled you to give so much of your time and resources to their mission?
I have had the great privilege to meet and know, on a deeper level, some of the unhoused clients St. Francis House serves. Many of them have complex stories that have led them to where they are. This helps me better understand those I pass on the street, knowing they are individuals with complex histories. Also, I have seen clients get themselves to better places, and they are proud to share about their progress with our team. I’m inspired by the resiliency of our clients, and by the commitment, dedication and thoughtfulness of our volunteers.
During the pandemic you were given the responsibility of chairing the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trustee Committee at Seattle University. What insights have you gained since serving this role?
In order to lead this work, I’ve had to do a lot of work on myself. It’s not a box checking activity - this is ongoing work. You must do a lot of self reflection and feel uncomfortable. We are making important decisions for the university, which must be done through the lens of equity - otherwise we aren’t doing our jobs. I try not to worry if I stumble. Sometimes I ask myself if I should be leading this committee as a white woman. The answer is yes.
At The Thirlby Company, we believe that one of the single greatest indicators of a thriving nonprofit is the relationship between an organization’s board and their staff. As a board member, what have you learned about relationship building with the staff?
I agree it is crucial. I work very hard to know each staff member well. I meet with them regularly to build trust, and I work alongside them. My leadership style is to work closely on the front lines of the organizations that I serve, so I can be very aware of the issues we are facing - together.
How would you define confidence?
I believe my confidence comes from the hard work to understand who I am serving, and what our mutual goals are. The more I can listen and learn, the more confidence I feel.
How would you define your mission or purpose in life?
To build and maintain strong authentic relationships with my family, friends and colleagues. To share my talents to make things better in my community.
What is your greatest superpower as a leader?
Humor! I also have the ability and strong desire to connect with and know the people that I lead. I want them to know that I will work alongside them and we’ll hopefully have some fun and laughs along the way.
What is something that might surprise people about you?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I’m quite an open book, and I think people know quite a lot about me (for better or worse)! Maybe that I’d love to be in a flash mob someday? I get great pleasure singing with others - it brings me joy!
What have you learned about vulnerability, in the context of leadership?
I think one reason I might be considered a good leader is that I am not afraid to show my vulnerabilities. It can break down barriers and make a leader feel more approachable.
What advice would you have for someone who is struggling or feeling stuck right now in their life or career?
I’d advise patience, first. Which is funny, because I am often not a very patient person. But I do know that there are often good things around the corner. Also, to keep yourself open to situations and opportunities that may feel uncomfortable. When I have stretched myself, and felt a bit out of my comfort zone, I have often found my greatest experiences.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Relax. Don’t worry so much about what could happen, and enjoy what is currently going on in your life.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The first nonprofit board I served on was Rebuilding Together Seattle. I had the great pleasure to work with Margie Thirlby as board chair. I think we learned a lot from each other, and it gave me a taste for the nonprofit world in Seattle. Since then, I’ve been very lucky to serve alongside some of the most incredible people in the various organizations I’m involved with. Other than my family, this work has been my greatest joy and honor.
About Val Gorder
Val Gorder was born in Seattle and raised in Yakima, WA. She received her Bachelors in Education from Washington State University. After college, Val worked at Nordstrom for 15 years, taking after her father, Adolph Frank, who worked at Nordstrom for 38 years.
After becoming a mother of three kids, Val began her philanthropic career as a volunteer at St. Francis House (Seattle), and board member at Rebuilding Together Seattle. Today, Val serves as board chair at St. Francis House and is on the Board of Trustees at Seattle University.
When she’s not busy volunteering, Val delights in her newer role as a Grandma. She also loves knitting, reading, walking, playing pickle ball, and spending time in the San Juan Islands, WA.
About This Feature
Leaders to Learn From is a standing feature in The Thirlby Company’s monthly newsletter that recognizes leaders in our community who embody our company’s core values. You can learn about our other honorees here, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive this feature and more inspiring content in the future.
