Stories of Impact: Arts+ Arts+ was founded as Community School of the Arts in 1969 by Henry Bridges, the organist and choir director of the First Presbyterian Church in Uptown Charlotte. He envisioned the program after realizing the church had 15 unused pianos in its basement and was surrounded by an urban neighborhood with children who […]
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Supporting Charlotte Families in Need by Meaghan Dunham Arena, Communications & Engagement Coordinator Recent events in our community — from heightened concerns among immigrant families to the temporary pause in federal benefits — have spotlighted the urgent need for mutual aid and local support, especially as we approach the holidays. Here’s how Women’s Impact Fund
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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
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Rising Together: How Juliana Lozano and Despierta Are Transforming Mental Health and Empowering Latina Women “I grew up in a house where we didn’t talk about mental health,” Juliana shares. “I experienced domestic violence and pregnancy at a young age and all of that drove me to seek support. Through that journey, I realized how
Stories of Impact: NC Wildlife Federation By Kate Greiner, VP Philanthropy and Communications, NCWF Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary, a splendid 24-acre site along Briar Creek, is just minutes from uptown Charlotte. This lush pollinator meadow provides a vital habitat where birds—from warblers to herons—along with bees, butterflies, and small mammals can find food, water, shelter, and
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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
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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
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Member Spotlight: Jessica Freely By Meaghan Dunham Arena Learn more about how Jessica resonates with the mission of WIF, and why she decided to join! Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? As a Midwesterner from Des Moines, Iowa, I’m someone who believes in rolling up my
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The Soul of Philanthropy: A Conversation with Valaida Fullwood by Meaghan Dunham Arena When author and changemaker Valaida Fullwood began co-creating the award-winning book Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists in 2007 with photographer Charles Thomas, she envisioned more than a coffee-table collection of stories and portraits. From the beginning, she
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Member Spotlight: Beverley Francis-Gibson By Aimee Greeter Hear Beverley’s advice for how to make the most out of Women’s Impact Fund membership. Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? I am a wife, mother of three adult women and new grandmother to my grandson, Atlas. I was
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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.
