Blog

2024

Recap: An Evening at The Penguin

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

Members

Member Spotlight: Lakisha Rios

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.

Members

Member Spotlight: Maudelyn Greene

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

Members

2023-2024 Member Survey Summary

2023-2024 Member Survey Summary By Katie Susong, Board Chair Thank you to all who were able to fill out our 2023-2024 Member Survey, as it

Members

Member Spotlight: Mary Behler

Member Spotlight: Mary Behler By Kate Jostworth Mary shares what she’s most looking forward to in our 20th anniversary year. Can you provide a brief

Members

Member Spotlight: Joelle Dugue

Member Spotlight: Joelle Dugue By Kate Jostworth Joelle Dugue shares advice on making the most out of WIF by knowing your WHY and what makes

Members

Member Spotlight: Kate Jostworth

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

Education & Events

Past Annual Meetings

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

Members

Member Spotlight: Savannah Keith Gress

Member Spotlight: Savannah Keith Gress By Kate Jostworth Savannah Keith Gress’ reflections on her upbringing and the cultures she’s experienced living across multiple continents have

Scroll to Top

Janet LaBar

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.