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Member Spotlight: Ana Silva Rey

By Meaghan Dunham Arena

Learn more about how Ana resonates with the mission of WIF, and why she decided to join last year!

Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you?  

My name is Ana Silva Rey, and I was born and raised in Mexico. I spent my childhood in the beautiful city of Cuernavaca, known as the City of Eternal Spring. My favorite pastimes are traveling and spending time with my family.  

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you?  

WIF is a pillar in Charlotte’s philanthropy and collective empowerment. Since joining last year, I’ve been mesmerized by the powerful women leaders who drive this organization forward. Their foresight, selflessness, and steadfast dedication to making a difference are shaping a legacy that resonates deeply. I am proud to belong to this wonderful group of people doing good. 

What energizes/ motivates you? It can be anything from a quotation, a song, a person, workout routine, etc. 

I’m energized by the future.  I’m inspired by children and youth and deeply motivated by those who support them: mentors, educators, caregivers, and advocates who nurture growth and possibility every day. 

What are you the most excited about for this year? 

2025 is an important year for me.  I turned 50 a couple of days ago; my son started his last year in college. At the same time, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool is on a bold mission to grow, and I’m honored to be part of its journey. I am very excited about what is to come. 

Advice to make the most out of your Women’s Impact Fund membership? 

Get involved, meet people and remember to do good. 

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte? 

Yunta Nikkei. It’s the perfect fusion of Latino and Asian flavors, where ceviche meets soy sauce. What could be better? 

More about the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool

Since 1999, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool (CltBP) has partnered with local organizations and community leaders to carry out our mission of preparing Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life. As one of the few 5-star, dual-language early education centers in North Carolina. Last year, we served over 800 Spanish-speaking children and families each year by providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive.

Our organization is dedicated to continuing this legacy by expanding strategically to serve as many children as possible through our unique model, contributing to the advancement of the entire Greater Charlotte community.

Our essential services are Preschool, Family Programs, and Workforce Development.  

Preschool

  • Tuition Free Preschool
  • 5-star licensed
  • Dual Language
  • Literacy-rich
  • 3- and 4-year-old classes
  • Kindergarten Preparation
  • 3 locations available

Family Programs

  • Infant & caregivers’ programs
  • Social-emotional learning
  • ESL for adults
  • Car seat checks
  • Financial Literacy
  • Free community closet

Workforce Development

  • Partnership with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)
  • Early Childhood Education coursework offered in Spanish
  • Assistance obtaining ECE licensure
  • Paid apprenticeship program
  • Home-based childcare support

Our impact

Last year we served: 

  • Preschool: 209 Students
  • Family Programs: 504 families
  • Homebase Childcare: 54 children
  • Workforce Development: 270 adults 

Testimonial

“At Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, I have the privilege of shaping young lives while pursuing my own dream of higher education. Thanks to the support and resources available, I am the first in my family to reach college. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I hope my story inspires other women to believe that the sky is the limit.” ~ Ms. Perla Flores – Meck Pre-K 2 English Teacher

Ways to join our cause

Volunteer with us: https://bit.ly/volunteer_cltbp

Make a donation: bit.ly/donate_cltbp

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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.