Author name: Meaghan Dunham

Stories of Impact: Freedom Communities

Stories of Impact: Freedom Communities by Barbara Holt Freedom Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty in the Freedom Drive Corridor of West Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 2018, their mission centers on “family-centered community transformation,” focusing on three key areas: family stability, affordable housing, and early education. A

Stories of Impact: Freedom Communities Read More »

Moving Forward Together: A Profile of Charlotte Storyteller, Hannah Hasan

Moving Forward Together: A Profile of Charlotte Storyteller, Hannah Hasan by Cathia Friou Women’s History Month, observed every March since 1987, is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together,” and it is a delight to spotlight master storyteller, spoken word poet, and playwright, Hannah Hasan. 

Moving Forward Together: A Profile of Charlotte Storyteller, Hannah Hasan Read More »

Stories of Impact: The Learning Collaborative

Stories of Impact: The Learning Collaborative by Laura Boorman Truesdale The Learning Collaborative (TLC) is the 2024 WIF Education Grants partner and an inspiring example of the incredible impact that access to excellent early education can have on children and families in the Charlotte community.  Founded in 1987, TLC is Five-Star licensed and the only

Stories of Impact: The Learning Collaborative Read More »

Women & Wisdom 2025: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy

Women & Wisdom: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy By Meaghan Dunham Arena On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Women’s Impact Fund brought together an inspiring panel of powerhouse women for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and the importance of lifting others as we climb. Hosted at The Mint Museum on Randolph, this event featured insights

Women & Wisdom 2025: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy Read More »

Celebrate Women’s History Month: Your WIF Membership is the Impact!

Your Membership is the Impact By Angela Scholl and Meenakshi Mahajan March is Women’s History Month – a time to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women throughout history. As we reflect on the power of women’s leadership, we want to extend a special thank you for your Women’s Impact Fund membership. Your membership is the

Celebrate Women’s History Month: Your WIF Membership is the Impact! Read More »

February Lunch and Learn – Elevating Women’s Well-Being: Addressing Opportunities, Inspiring Solutions

February Lunch and Learn – Elevating Women’s Well-Being: Addressing Opportunities, Inspiring Solutions By Aimee Greeter February’s Lunch & Learn was an informative discussion on the state of women and girls in North Carolina. This session, entitled “Elevating Women’s Well-Being: Addressing Opportunities, Inspiring Solutions,” was held on February 11, both in-person and virtually. It included several

February Lunch and Learn – Elevating Women’s Well-Being: Addressing Opportunities, Inspiring Solutions Read More »

Galentine’s Day Recap: A Night of Connection, Celebration, and Community

Galentine’s Day Recap: A Night of Connection, Celebration, and Community By Meaghan Dunham Arena The Women’s Impact Fund recently gathered for a heartwarming Galentine’s Day celebration, bringing together a dynamic group of women dedicated to philanthropy and community impact. Hosted in the private event space at Birdsong Brewing in NoDa, the evening was filled with laughter, connection, and

Galentine’s Day Recap: A Night of Connection, Celebration, and Community Read More »

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.