Member Spotlight: Blanca Gonzalez
As a longtime WIF member and part of our Governance Board, Blanca shares more about how WIF has helped her be more intentional about philanthropic giving.
Which of WIF’s four Strategic Plan pillars — Give, Lead, Connect, or Sustain — feels most meaningful to you right now, and why?
This year I’m stepping into new governance responsibilities and deepening my nonprofit board service. That’s why “Lead” resonates most right now. It’s about strengthening women’s leadership in collective giving and broadening our community of leaders who give to, volunteer with, and serve local nonprofits.
What are you MOST looking forward to this year with Women’s Impact Fund?
I’m joining WIF’s governance committee this year, helping identify and select our future leaders, work I have done before with the Junior League. I’m also starting my board service with Circle de Luz, a nonprofit I connected with at our 2026 grant recipient celebration. WIF funded their six-year mentoring program for Latina students back in 2024, and I’m glad to now support their work from the board.
Tell us about a moment when you saw the power of collective giving in action.
A nonprofit once came to us with an urgent funding request outside our normal grants cycle, a gap created by a broader pullback in funding across the sector. The board moved quickly and decisively to support them, right when they needed it most. That’s when I really understood what collective giving makes possible. Not just the dollars, but a group of women able to act fast when it matters.
What’s one way you’ve grown personally or professionally since becoming a WIF member?
WIF has changed how I think about philanthropic giving. I give in a more organized, intentional way now, rather than on instinct alone. It’s opened up my world to the nonprofit work happening across Charlotte, and introduced me to inspiring women I might never have crossed paths with otherwise.
A word you hope people associate with WIF?
Momentum. With the launch of the 3-year strategic plan and a new executive director on board, there is real momentum building, and I hope WIF becomes known as a multiplier for good across Charlotte.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage you to learn more about these local nonprofits who are supporting the Hispanic/Latino community here in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County.
