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Stories of Impact: Despierta

By Emily Skidmore, Community Impact Committee, Relationship Manager

Despierta is a nonprofit in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to empowering Latina youth and women through mental health programs, workshops, and leadership opportunities. Through their signature youth program, Bonita Rising, they work with students across seven Title I schools, helping young women build confidence, strengthen coping skills, raise mental health awareness, and feel seen and supported.

One of their brightest students, who proudly calls herself the “soul” of her school, brings laughter and joy wherever she goes. One day, she walked into a Bonita Rising session with the sole of her shoe completely detached and cheerfully showed the class her “talking shoe.” Instead of feeling embarrassed, she turned the moment into laughter for everyone. A beautiful reflection of her resilience, spirit, and light.

When Despierta received a generous back-to-school donation, this student was at the top of the list. Her wish list was simple: a pair of shoes and a backpack. When she received both, she exclaimed, “This is my first time having these kinds of shoes.” For her, a pair of Vans wasn’t just footwear, it was a symbol of dignity, confidence, and belonging.

This is the heart of Despierta’s mission – to show up consistently, empower Latina youth to discover their strengths, and help them feel valued. Every act of support, guidance, and encouragement creates transformative moments, helping students dream bigger, overcome challenges, and envision a future full of possibility.

With your donation (and thanks to WIF’s continued support!), Despierta can keep walking alongside Latina youth, empowering them to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and step confidently into their future. You can donate today and make moments like this possible: https://givebutter.com/Despierta

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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.