Impactful Women of the 918: Heather Van Hooser

“My parents always told me that the rent we pay for our place on earth is community service, giving back, and supporting those who need us most. That’s a value I carry with me every day,” Heather Van Hooser says.

Van Hooser models that sentiment for her “three incredible bonus children” that she shares with husband Marc, and in her leadership of a team of 10 women at Mabrey Bank.

“I am so grateful to be in a position where I can make a difference and work for an organization like Mabrey Bank which encourages me to do so,” Van Hooser says. “I believe it is our responsibility to create change in our communities to positively impact as many people as we can.”

Mabrey sponsors and supports more than 100 nonprofits and organizations across Oklahoma, and the Private Banking team has specifically focused on volunteering, fundraising and promoting some of those organizations.

Personally, Van Hooser has volunteered for several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House and Oklahoma Project Woman. She has served as a Big Sister to her Little Sister, Antwanette, for more than 25 years. “I make it a priority to give to my community – because that’s the rent I’ll never stop paying.”

Van Hooser encourages others to make their own impact on the community, noting that one of the easiest ways is to give to the Tulsa Area United Way.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Van Hooser competes nationally showing horses, an activity she started at age 8, “which is just a fancy way of saying I turned a childhood hobby into an expensive addiction.”