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Member Spotlight: Allyson James

By Aimee Greeter

Find out what quote motivates Allyson and how she chose to become a member.

Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? 

I’m the big sister to a great brother and the proud auntie of two nephews. I’m also a dog mom to Marley, a cute and sassy miniature schnauzer. I’m a bit of a unicorn in that I’ve lived in Charlotte for over 33 years. I love to travel and try new restaurants with friends.

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

My very first WIF event was the annual meeting, which motivated me to become a member. Seeing the impact that WIF made on the organizations that received funding was very inspiring. I’ve been a mentor at a local nonprofit for the past 7 years so I know firsthand how important these funds are to nonprofit organizations.

What energizes/ motivates you? It can be anything from a quotation, a song, a person, a workout routine, etc.

A quote that is always in the back of my mind is something my mother said to me growing up, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” which brought me through difficult situations. 

What are you the most excited about for this year?

This year I am excited about spending as much time with my nephews as I can. They live in Raleigh, so luckily it’s not too far away.

Advice to make the most out of your Women’s Impact Fund membership?

I would say to plug in where you feel comfortable and have the time. There are so many opportunities to get involved so use them to network with other like-minded women. Also, joining a committee is a great way to get an inside look into the great ways WIF is making a difference in the community.

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

I am not sure I have a favorite restaurant, but I love trying new restaurants whenever possible. One of the most recent restaurants I visited was Sixty Vines which is really great.

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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.