Member Login
Join
Donate
Member Login
Join
Donate

Member Spotlight: Meenu Mahajan

By Meaghan Dunham Arena

Learn more about the book that has energized Meenu and motivated her over the years!

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

I am a mom of two lovely adult daughters and moved with my family from New Jersey to Charlotte six years ago. My husband and I enjoy exploring the area’s many walking trails with our lovable labradoodle. Originally from India, I came to the U.S. to pursue my graduate degree at Ohio University. Since then, I have built a career in the nonprofit sector, where I have been working for more than 25 years. 

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

Helping to create impact in people’s lives has always resonated deeply with me. What makes Women’s Impact Fund special for me is the way it brings together a circle of women joining together to strengthen the local community. And the wonderful WIF events make the experience even more fun!

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

Many years ago, I came across Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, and it has remained a continual source of inspiration for me. Its prose captures life lessons beautifully. And when I need an energy boost, nothing works better than putting on some lively Bollywood music!

What are you most excited about for this year?

I am really excited about the winter break, which I plan to spend with my family and close friends.

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

I believe that Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) truly has something for everyone, allowing each member to tailor their experience to fit their own stage of life. If you are in a busy season, your membership alone creates impact. And if, like me, you are an empty nester with a bit more time, you can choose to get involved with one of the committees or take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities WIF offers.

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

I love to eat out in Charlotte. I really like some of the casual restaurants like Osteria LuCa on Park Road and Jimmy’s on Selwyn Avenue. Indaco and Napa on Providence are other favorites.

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.