Stories of Impact: DigiBridge By Gigi Egge 2024 WIF grantee Digi-Bridge is focused on promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) learning among students in underrepresented communities. Since 2014, they have provided hands-on STEAM experiences to more than 20,000 CMS K through 8th grade students, primarily from Title 1 schools. On October 3, Digi-Bridge kicked off their […]
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Recap: An Evening at The Penguin By Zoë Playe On Thursday, November 14, members gathered at the old-new Penguin Drive-In on East Blvd for a night of fun and festivities. The smiles and conversations were fantastic. Over 20 women showed up, including a number of new members who left the evening feeling inspired and excited
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Member Spotlight: Lakisha Rios by Fielding Williams Lakisha shares her mantra for the last 2 years and how just being you can make an impact. Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you?I was born and raised in Queens, NY and have lived in Charlotte with my husband
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Stories of Impact: JazzArts Charlotte By JazzArts Charlotte JazzArts Charlotte, founded in 2009 by Lonnie Davis, is the premier jazz organization in the Carolinas. JazzArts’ mission is to connect the cultural community and develop an audience for jazz through quality education, performance excellence, and musician support. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, JazzArts has flourished into one
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Stories of Impact: Circle de Luz By Circle de Luz Circle de Luz is a Charlotte-based Latina-guided nonprofit organization established in 2008. Latina youth are offered crucial support through programming, mentoring, wraparound services, and scholarship funds to those going on to college or other post-secondary education options. The organization has around 60 alumnae who are
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Member Spotlight: Maudelyn Greene by Fielding Williams Maudelyn shares her childhood background which drives her meaningful contributions as a member of WIF. Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? I was on born in Liberia, West Africa and my life has been an interesting journey – from
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An Evening with Heart Recap By Cathia Friou Members and guests of WIF were treated to an evening with heart this week as part of the Social Hour for Social Issues series. Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist whose mission is to help others harness the power of the mind-heart connection and create a kinder, more
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Recap: River and Root: Understanding Charlotte’s Treasures By Srujana Kanchibhotla, Communications & Marketing Committee As we greet the crisp embrace of fall, we’re excited to recap our recent event celebrating the beauty of nature while emphasizing the importance of our local water resources as we set off to appreciate Freedom Park in all its autumn
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Wrapping Hispanic Heritage Month: A Look at Latino Volunteering Trends By Amy Yowell, Communications & Marketing Committee Latino is the largest ethnic group in the US but has the least amount of active participation in volunteering efforts according to data collected by Americorp. Why is volunteering so low within this community and what are the
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Hurricane Helene Relief and Humanitarian Aid By Patricia Massey Hoke, Executive Director We are devastated by the tragedy Hurricane Helene brought to western North Carolina on Friday, September 27. I, like many of you, have family and friends in that area. If you are looking for ways to support please consider: *Please note: This blog
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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.
