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Member Spotlight: Jessica Freely

By Meaghan Dunham Arena

Learn more about how Jessica resonates with the mission of WIF, and why she decided to join!

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

As a Midwesterner from Des Moines, Iowa, I’m someone who believes in rolling up my sleeves, showing up fully, and doing the work. I’ve always been energized by solving problems and helping people do their best work. Currently, I serve as Information Manager at The Leon Levine Foundation, where I help lead the daily operations of our grants and investments. Before that, I led operations and HR at Sustain Charlotte. I’ve been a WIF member since 2022, and I love being part of a community that supports bold ideas that move Charlotte forward. 

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

Women’s Impact Fund’s mission resonates deeply with me because it illustrates the power of collective giving, bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences, and resources to create a larger impact than any one individual could achieve alone. I also appreciate the WIF’s dedication to providing unrestricted grants, demonstrating trust in nonprofit leaders and giving organizations the flexibility to respond to real-time needs and opportunities.

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

I’m motivated by supporting and uplifting women, creating spaces where we can lead, grow, and challenge the status quo together. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, building inclusive systems, or collaborating through Women’s Impact Fund, I find energy in helping other women thrive.

What are you the most excited about for this year?

This year, I’m especially excited about The Leon Levine Foundation’s recent announcement to double its funding, which will support bold strategic initiatives and expand our impact across the Carolinas. On a personal note, I’m looking forward to traveling with my family (my husband and two sons, 13 and 15 years old), soaking up the sun, and creating memories in both Naples and Tulum.

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

Get involved, whether it’s joining a committee, attending events, or simply reaching out to connect with fellow members. The more you engage, the more meaningful relationships you’ll build and the more inspired you’ll feel by the collective power of women driving change together.

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

One of my favorite spots in Charlotte is Urban District Market, where I especially enjoy grabbing quesabirrias from the El Dorado stall. They’re absolutely amazing.

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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.