Member Login
Join
Donate
Member Login
Join
Donate

Engaging in Charlotte’s Black History Month Activities

By Virginia Reid

Need some suggestions to help immerse yourself in Black History Month celebrations and contribute to fostering a more inclusive community?

Visit Local Museums and Exhibits

Attend Virtual or Local Events

  • Check out local event listings for webinars, panel discussions, and virtual gatherings that focus on Black history, culture, and current issues.
  • Events can be found here.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

  • Take this opportunity to discover and support Charlotte’s diverse Black-owned businesses. Whether it’s dining at a Black-owned restaurant or shopping at a local boutique, your support makes a positive impact.
  • Here are 90+ businesses in Charlotte you can support.

Volunteer for Community Initiatives

  • Look for volunteer opportunities that align with organizations working towards positive change in the community. Your time and skills can contribute to meaningful projects.

Read and Share Black Literature 

Educate Yourself and Others

  • Utilize online resources, documentaries, and podcasts to expand your knowledge of Black history and current issues. Share your findings with friends, family, and colleagues to promote understanding.

Let’s Make an Impact, Together

As members of WIF, we understand the importance of leveraging our collective strength to make a positive impact. During Black History Month, let’s commit to not only acknowledging the past but actively participating in shaping a more inclusive future.

Here’s to a month filled with discovery, appreciation, and celebration!

Return to Blog
Scroll to Top

Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.