Women LEAD 2025: Empowering Women to Shape Wealth, Giving, and Legacy
By Whitney Feld
Women’s Impact Fund recently wrapped up our annual transformative three-part series, Women LEAD. This year’s focus was on empowering women to shape their financial futures, redefine the role of philanthropy, and build legacies that will endure for generations.
Each session brought together influential speakers from various sectors—including finance, philanthropy, and community engagement—to explore how women are making significant strides in these key areas. From breaking down myths about women and money to redefining the concept of wealth and legacy, the discussions offered invaluable insights on how women can make a lasting impact in this community through their financial decisions and community involvement.
Session 1: Women and Money – Breaking Barriers and Making an Impact
The first session focused on women’s roles in financial conversations and investment decisions. Moderated by Amy Jacobs, the panel debunked myths about women and money. Femi Lamikanra emphasized the importance of financial literacy, while Marcia Dawood discussed impact investing—generating financial returns while supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Robin Mermans shared the success of the Empower HER Fund, where eleven women invested in the Charlotte Ascent women’s soccer team, demonstrating the power of collective action.
Session 2: Redefining Wealth – Women Leading with Purpose
The second session shifted to philanthropy, exploring how women can redefine wealth through intentional giving. Kerri Mast highlighted trends in philanthropy, including the rise of giving circles and a focus on environmental causes. Meredith Heimburger debunked the myth that impact investing sacrifices returns, while Valaida Fullwood shared a framework for thinking about philanthropy, focusing on relief, improvement, social change, and civic engagement. Melissa Hovey noted that volunteering often leads to deeper philanthropic involvement. The session emphasized the collaborative and relationship-driven approach women bring to both wealth and philanthropy.
Session 3: Building Legacy – Creating Lasting Impact
The final session focused on building legacy. Derick Close shared how his family’s success in the textile industry shaped their commitment to give back and the role his mother, Anne Springs Close, played in passing down the “generosity gene.” William McNeely discussed how his life-threatening pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis served as a catalyst to create Do Greater, Inc, a nonprofit that brings technology-focused programs to youth across Charlotte empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. Reminding us all that what we spend our time doing is an essential part of the legacy we create.
Qiana Austin from the Foundation For The Carolinas reminded participants that there are two sides to a balance sheet, sharing the incredible story of Katherine and Jane McKay. These sisters, life-long elementary school teachers, established a multi-million dollar scholarship fund by living modestly and leveraging their considerable estate to make a profound difference for students.
Finally, Laura Yates Clark spoke about how institutions like FFTC and United Way create long-term impact by bringing together resources and amplifying voices. She underscored the importance of being open-minded and centering community sharing that those most proximate to the challenge are often best positioned to create solutions.
The Women LEAD 2025 series showcased how women are transforming wealth, giving, and legacy. Through financial literacy, intentional philanthropy, and community-driven efforts, women are not only securing their futures but also shaping a better world for the next generation.
