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Member Spotlight: Melissa Hovey

By Meaghan Dunham Arena

Learn more about the the thing Melissa loves most about our city!

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

I’m originally from Texas, where I spent 20 years at Dell Technologies in Austin leading global marketing and sales teams. In 2015, my family and I moved to Charlotte for my husband’s career with two young kids in tow and not knowing a single person here.

To connect with my new community, I began volunteering and joined the Women’s Impact Fund. That experience opened the door to Charlotte’s nonprofit sector, and I quickly discovered a deep passion for this work.

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

I’m inspired by the collective power of women coming together to create meaningful change in our community. One woman alone is a force but together, we are truly unstoppable.

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

Running is a big part of who I am. I’ve completed 15 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and there’s nothing that grounds me like getting outside and starting my day with a run in nature.

What are you the most excited about for this year?

I’m thrilled for what’s ahead in Charlotte. I truly believe this city has the potential to become a national model for how communities can come together to tackle community challenges and grow with intention and care.

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

Attend events and consider joining a committee. I know time is precious, but you’ll leave feeling more informed, energized, and inspired than when you arrived.

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

Running on the Sugar Creek trail. Charlotte’s expanding trail system is incredible, and it’s such a great way to feel the heartbeat and vitality of our city.

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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.