Board Spotlight: Janel O’Connor – Committed to Giving Back
When you think of a community leader, it’s hard not to envision someone who is deeply involved, compassionate, and always ready to lend a hand. Janel O’Connor, a dedicated Board Member of Batavia United Way (BUW) since 2023, is just that kind of leader. From volunteering in local initiatives to overseeing governance structures, Janel’s heart is firmly rooted in supporting and uplifting her Batavia community.
Getting Involved
Janel’s journey with Batavia United Way didn’t start with a board position. Before joining the board, she was already involved in several initiatives, including the Adopt a Family program and the Bat Race. These experiences gave her a firsthand look at how BUW serves a wide range of needs within the community.
“I wanted to be part of something that gives back to a broad spectrum of needs across the community, and there is no better organization than the Batavia United Way that prioritizes meeting such diverse needs. It’s really about making a tangible difference where it matters most.”
Janel’s passion for inclusivity and community-driven efforts shines through her involvement, and it’s clear that her commitment to BUW is driven by a genuine desire to improve lives on a local scale. Batavia United Way has a well-established presence in the Batavia area, but Janel believes its impact goes beyond just programs and services. “BUW has a long-standing, unique impact on the community. The volunteers, community partners, and residents all come together to make BUW’s initiatives feel truly inclusive. This creates a ‘pay it forward’ mindset that really resonates with the culture of Batavia.”
What stands out to Janel is the way BUW aligns itself with the broader community’s needs, whether those needs are financial, emotional, or social. “It’s an organization that desires to make a lasting impact across a wide array of needs, while continuously building partnerships with local businesses and volunteers,” she adds.
Meeting the Community’s Needs
As Chair of the Governance Committee, Janel plays a key role in ensuring that BUW operates with the proper structure and long-term sustainability. But beyond governance, she’s genuinely excited about BUW’s ability to evolve and adapt to the community’s ever-changing needs.
“I love seeing how BUW continues to transform, just like our community. It’s exciting to be part of an organization that remains relevant and impactful,” Janel shares.
She also has a special place in her heart for BUW’s flagship events, like Soup’s On, the Bat Race, and Adopt a Family, but she’s equally enthusiastic about the smaller, grassroots initiatives, such as Valentines for Seniors and supply donation drives.
“It’s not just about big financial contributions,” Janel points out. “Even the smallest efforts make a huge difference.”
For Janel, it’s the multitude of ways to give back—whether it’s through time, talent, or treasure—that makes BUW such a unique and inclusive organization.
A Message for the Community
Batavia United Way isn’t just about solving one problem – it’s about supporting people through a variety of challenges. Janel highlights the organization’s commitment to meeting residents where they are: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. BUW is focused on providing resources, programs, and support that meet residents in their time of need, no matter what challenges they face.”
She continues, “It’s a safe, supportive, and valuable part of our community. I’d encourage residents to get involved, whether that’s through volunteering, donating, or just witnessing the power of BUW in action.”
Paying it Forward
Janel’s professional life as an HR Executive and her volunteer work with BUW both revolve around one central purpose: lifting up others. She reflects on the intersection of these roles: “Being involved in BUW fully aligns with my personal purpose to support others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to an organization that makes such a big impact on the community.”
Through her work with BUW, Janel has found that her leadership skills in governance complement her career while also providing a sense of personal fulfillment. “Helping others build resilience and thrive is not just a responsibility, it’s a privilege. You never know when you might find yourself needing support, and it’s important to always pay it forward.”
Fun Fact
While Janel’s community involvement and leadership are well known, there’s one fun fact that most people wouldn’t guess: she grew up on a farm in central Illinois, and her mom still runs the family farm today!
Janel O’Connor’s involvement with Batavia United Way is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and commitment. From her volunteer work to her leadership on the board, she embodies the values that BUW strives to promote. Her passion for serving others and building a resilient, inclusive community is an inspiration to us all.
If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful difference in Batavia, whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply showing up to support a BUW event, take a cue from Janel’s example. As she so aptly puts it, no contribution is too small, and the impact of even the smallest gesture can be life changing.
To learn more about Batavia United Way and how you can get involved, visit their website or join one of their upcoming events. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more supportive Batavia.