Stories of Impact: Spark Award When the Spark Award was first conceived, it was in the knowledge that leaders working at the forefront of community change often dedicate far more time and energy than average employees in the course of their work. Fueled by a passion for the mission of their organizations/causes, they […]
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Member Spotlight: Sabrina Clark By Caylin Haldeman Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? I’m a Bronx, NY native who has lived in Charlotte for just over 10 years now. Professionally, I’m a social worker of close to 25 years with a strong passion for supporting caregivers
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Stories of Impact: Wayfinders This Story of Impact highlights Wayfinders, a Women’s Impact Fund grantee. Wayfinders’ mission is to ignite students’ potential by expanding their confidence, connections, and horizons and they achieve this through summer camps, year-round enrichment programs, and mentor relationships for self-motivated, underserved students. Itzel and her growth and development are a remarkable example
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12 Weekend Events in Charlotte to Celebrate Black History Month By Meaghan Dunham Arena, WIF Staff Throughout February, the Queen City comes alive with events, exhibitions, and community gatherings that honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, artists, and activists. Whether you’re exploring local Black-owned businesses, attending historical tours, or have fun at
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Founders Fund Investment Strategy By Lea Fitzpatrick In the spring of 2024, as the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) celebrated its 20th Anniversary, we proudly launched the Founders Fund, securing the future of our mission and honoring the vision of our founders, Mary Lou Babb and Claire Tate. The Babb family’s generous $100,000 initial gift allowed
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Spotlight on Charlotte’s Local News: Insights from Our January 2025 Salon Meeting By Cathia Friou On the evening of January 14, 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting our second Salon Social at the lovely home of one of our members. The evening featured an enlightening conversation with two prominent figures in Charlotte’s media landscape:
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Recap: A Festive Finale for 2024 By Kristin Keen On December 4, WIF members and friends came together at LoSo’s Thousand Hills Coffee event space to raise a glass (of wine and mashed potatoes) for the 2024 holiday season. Among the highlights were Q&A mixer activities, opportunity to write cards of encouragement supporting our Western North Carolina neighbors impacted by
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Lunch & Learn: Understanding Medicaid Expansion and Transformation in NC By Srujana Kanchibhotla In our November 7, 2024, Lunch & Learn: Understanding Medicaid Expansion and Transformation in NC, we were joined by a powerhouse panel featuring Dr. Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, Executive Vice President of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust; Madison Allen, Senior Program Officer at
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Member Spotlight: Varsha Mathur by Fielding Williams Varsha shares what motivates her to achieve her own goals! Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you?I am a virtual relationship and dating coach and help singles and couples find and keep healthy, passionate and happy relationships. It is especially
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Reflecting on 20 Years: Women’s Impact Fund By Fielding Williams and Meaghan Dunham Arena Can you believe it? Just five months ago, we wrapped up the 20th anniversary celebration of the Women’s Impact Fund! This milestone was not just a celebration of two decades of impactful philanthropy but also a powerful reminder of the community
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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.
