Event Recap: Social Hour for Social Issues By Aimee Greeter & Patricia Massey Hoke This week’s Social Hour for Social Issues was a stimulating event that asked us to think differently about how we define philanthropy. For the array of WIF members and guests in attendance, it was a reflective exploration of what it truly […]
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National Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Culture and Impact in Charlotte By Kristin Keen (updated by Meaghan Dunham Arena, 2025) Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This 30-day observance serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and
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WIF Grants Update As of October 10, 2023 By Lily Iatridis On October 2, this year’s grants application cycle officially launched! Women’s Impact Fund is accepting grant applications through midnight on October 20, 2023. For those new to Women’s Impact Fund (WIF), grants are awarded annually in five areas: arts & culture, education, environment, health,
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History in Action: Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ Community and Philanthropy in the Queen City By Kristin Keen (2023), updated by Meaghan Dunham Arena (2026) The Queen City is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and a growing reputation for its inclusivity and acceptance of diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. As we transition from the heat
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International Day of the Girl By Lily Iatridis “Now more than ever, we must renew our commitment to work together so that girls enjoy and exercise their rights and can play a full and equal part in their communities and societies. Investing in girls is investing in our common future.” ~UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres What
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How are you…Really? 5 Self Care Tips for Busy Women By Kristin Keen World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize mental well-being. For busy WIF members like us, juggling career, personal and/or family responsibilities, and a slew of other demands, focusing on physical and mental health
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Member Spotlight: Christiane Felts By Kate Jostworth Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? I am a native Charlottean (very rare to find) and became a member of WIF in 2017 when I moved back to North Carolina with my husband following a few other stops along
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International Day of Charity; September 5 By Aimee Greeter Each month in our Member Connection and Newsletter, we will highlight one or more significant events or occasions that relate to the WIF mission and our members. For September, we wanted to draw your attention to the International Day of Charity, which took place earlier this week.
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Still Deciding? Here are the Three Biggest Reasons to Attend By Aimee Greeter Women’s Impact Fund events are a testament to the power of collective action, and attending them offers a multitude of compelling benefits. With WIF’s 20th Anniversary Launch Party just around the corner, here are three compelling reasons why you should consider attending
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Member Spotlight: Kristin Keen By Kate Jostworth Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? I grew up mostly on a Quaker homestead (yes, you read that correctly!) just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bryn Gweled (the name of the homestead) was a great place with a community pool,
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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.
