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Member Spotlight: Beverley Francis-Gibson

By Aimee Greeter

Hear Beverley’s advice for how to make the most out of Women’s Impact Fund membership.

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

I am a wife, mother of three adult women and new grandmother to my grandson, Atlas. I was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and have lived in several states across the country. My husband and I moved to Charlotte, NC in 2022 to be closer to my oldest daughter. I have more than 35 years of experience serving nonprofits and community foundations and currently work as the CEO of the Together Women Rise, an organization focused on global gender equality.

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

WIF is important to me because it is a community of women who believe in using the power of collective philanthropy to affect changes in our local community. 

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

I am motivated by helping others and seeing how women flourish when they feel seen, loved and supported. I love traveling and meeting other people, learning about different cultures and enjoying different foods. Music feeds my soul–dancing frees me.

What are you the most excited about for this year?

I am so excited to spend more time with my grandson, travel to new destinations on my bucket list, and continue to grow as a person.

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

To get the most out of your WIF membership, you have to get involved in the organization. The more you give, the more you grow as a person. I’ve learned so much about my new community (Charlotte) by serving on the Grants and Spark committees and working with other WIF members who care as much as I do about making a difference.

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

As a foodie, this is a hard question. I have several favorites in Charlotte since I love seafood, cuban, Caribbean food, etc.

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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.