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Dark chocolate, a fairy godmother, Acapulco, equity, and trust-based philanthropy. What connects these things? A wide-ranging and delightful conversation between Dianne Bailey, Chair of Women’s Impact Fund’s Board of Advisors and Managing Director of Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America, and Sara Lomelin, Executive Director of Philanthropy Together. Dark chocolate and a cup of coffee at her father’s house in Acapulco are some of Sara’s favorite things. Dianne is a fairy godmother of Philanthropy Together. Equity is what we all need to strive for, and trust-based philanthropy is the path forward in giving. Watch the full recording here. 

Sara Lomelin and Dianne Chipps Bailey

Sara Lomelin, internationally recognized for her social impact and philanthropic work, now heads Philanthropy Together (PT), a global initiative, seeded with funds from the Gates Foundation. PT has big goals to scale, grow, and sustain the international giving circle movement in the next five years, adding another 1,000 circles and giving another $1 billion. Currently, there are 2,000+ giving circles with more than 150,000 members who have given $1.29 billion worldwide.

The evening’s conversation explored the power and promise of giving circles. Sara believes that they diversify and democratize philanthropy. She noted philanthropy is no longer the exclusive domain of the very wealthy. Giving circles fill funding gaps; more than 80% give locally, and 70% are led by women. “We all need to move toward trust-based philanthropy.” Unrestricted grantmaking allows nonprofits to be flexible and nimble in meeting needs. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how agile local nonprofits could be and how necessary unrestricted funds were in responding during a crisis.

This event kicked off the program year for Women’s Impact Fund at a fun space in Norfolk Hall in Southend. The crowd was hybrid, some members attending in person and others via zoom. Board Chair, Ellen Rankin, shared some thoughts about goals for the year. Key among them is a commitment to unrestricted funding and to be part of the philanthropic movement toward trust-based philanthropy. Interested area nonprofits are encouraged to apply for a grant. Members who have not yet joined a committee and are interested should contact Fielding Williams, Membership & Operations Coordinator at fwilliams@womensimpactfund.org

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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.