
Getting to know The Plus Collective, Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ Collective Giving Organization
Getting to know The Plus Collective, Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ Collective Giving Org By: Haley Arellano Started in 2003, then known as

Getting to know The Plus Collective, Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ Collective Giving Org By: Haley Arellano Started in 2003, then known as

Better Profile = Better WIF Experience! By Chelsea Gaesser WIF needs your input! Would you take 3 minutes to sign

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Member Spotlight: Kate Jostworth By Kate Jostworth Hi, I am the problem–it’s me. Thank you for reading and supporting Member

2024 Annual Meeting Reflection By Anna Grace Hawkins This year I attended my first WIF Annual Meeting and was blown

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Past Annual Meetings By Aimee Greeter As we prepare for next week’s 2024 WIF Annual Meeting and eagerly anticipate some

Member Spotlight: Savannah Keith Gress By Kate Jostworth Savannah Keith Gress’ reflections on her upbringing and the cultures she’s experienced
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.