Melanie Valentine, vice president and process design consultant for Bank of America, has used her passion for corporate volunteerism in the fight to end breast cancer to make a meaningful impact. Through her work with Komen, she has become a key leader in her community.
When Melanie first volunteered for Susan G. Komen, she never imagined it would lead to a seat on the community board, a role leading event-day logistics and a new level of personal awareness about breast cancer.
“Everyone’s diagnosis is different,” she said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all.”
Inspired by survivors and driven to do more, Melanie has channeled her energy into volunteerism with the full force of her Bank of America colleagues behind her.
Championing Corporate Volunteerism at Bank of America
When Melanie first joined the Bank of America team in 2012, corporate volunteerism was a key priority. “Volunteerism was a significant part of my role at my previous company, and I knew I wanted to continue to be a champion of that with Bank of America,” she said.
She quickly took on a role as co-captain of the company team for the Columbus Race for the Cure. Soon after, she became the team’s primary captain. Within a few years, she became the team’s primary captain, leading Bank of America’s local fundraising efforts and rallying colleagues to get involved.
A Growing Role in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
“As time went on, I realized that I was truly passionate about the mission,” Melanie said. “I offered to help however Komen needed me.”
Driven by her passion, Melanie joined the Race for the Cure event planning committee. She took on the role of course manager. In this role, Melanie oversees route logistics, ensures volunteers are fully prepared and monitors the course for any incidents once the Race begins. She also coordinates Bank of America employee volunteers, organizing the team that helps set up the Race each year.
Rising Leadership and a Personal Passion for the Cause
As her involvement deepened, so did her impact. Melanie joined the Komen Columbus community board, where she lends her voice and experience to help advance the mission to end breast cancer.
Today, she’s preparing to take on an even greater role – as the next president of the community board.
“I just want to do my part and whatever I can to help move the mission forward,” she said. “Breast cancer has touched so many people I care about and being a part of this work is deeply meaningful to me.”
Melanie’s passion is personal. Over the years, she’s seen the impact of breast cancer in both friends and colleagues.
The experience made her aware of the challenges breast cancer patients face, from treatment decisions to emotional recovery.
“I’ve seen the highs and lows, the strength it takes just to show up each day,” she said. “That’s why this work matters so much to me.”
The Impact of Corporate Volunteerism
Through her volunteer role with Komen and her career with Bank of America, Melanie has inspired many colleagues to embrace corporate volunteerism in the fight to end breast cancer. Whether recruiting colleagues for the Race for the Cure, organizing event-day logistics or raising awareness about Bank of America’s partnership with Komen, Melanie sees every opportunity to give back as a chance to make a difference.
“Having the support of my employer has been huge,” she said. “It’s not just about fundraising, it’s about showing up for the community and showing others that they can, too.”
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
