The Community Impact Committee met with Jim Dukes, the executive director of the 2022 WIF grantee Charlotte Art League in their new space at the Trailhead
On any given night, over 3,000 people are experiencing homelessness within Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In an informative Lunch & Learn on November 9, two community leaders –
Now that the costumes have been put away, the candy has been inventoried and the candles in our jack-o-lanterns have been blown out, we’ve found
Women’s Impact Fund had an outstanding, in-person Social Hour for Social Issues event at Charlotte’s Innovation Barn on Monday, October 17. It was interesting, inspiring,
Ms. Dean Thompson, VP of Advancement, and Men Tchaas Ari, President, and CEO of Communities in Schools were delighted to share updates and gratitude for
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Thursday, September 15 to Saturday, October 15 with the goal of celebrating all Latin cultures, their contributions and influence, and
The Community Impact Committee initiated our Anniversary Connections with past grantees in 2021-2022. We recently visited Matthews Free Medical Clinic. Amy Carr, the executive director, was enthusiastic
The Community Impact Committee checked in with Goodyear Arts Co-Director/Co-Founder, Amy Herman. Amy shared the creative ways they worked through 2020 and COVID, and what
As we begin a new program year at Women’s Impact Fund, I find myself reflecting on what impact looks like and how we can invest
August is Black Philanthropy Month. Created in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network, Black Philanthropy Month celebrates giving by
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.
