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Member Spotlight: Katherine Bunn

By Kate Jostworth

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

I grew up in North Carolina and went to Davidson College with a political science major, and then to UNC Chapel Hill for my MBA. Outside of a year in Japan and a year in Switzerland, I have lived in and around Charlotte for over 25 years. For much of that time, I was a single mom, having lost my first husband unexpectedly when my daughter was only 15 months old.

After a career in banking, I retired in mid-2018 to spend more time with family and pursue other interests. Since then, my daughter graduated from the University of Virginia and is now pursuing a healthcare career. In 2020, I married again, and retirement became even more fun despite getting married a month before COVID hit! Over the past 5 years, I have traveled extensively, become more involved in non-profit interests including WIF, joined a fantastic book club, exercised regularly across a variety of different practices, and rediscovered my old painting hobby, I would be remiss not to mention that we have two wonderful dogs!

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you?

I love the idea of a collective effort, where small gifts from many people focused on a great cause can make a real impact.  I value the opportunity to connect with incredibly accomplished women from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

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

Spending time with family and friends, great conversations, a good book, international travel.

What are you the most excited about for the upcoming year?

My husband and I have planned a 3-week hiking trip in New Zealand! We love to travel, and especially like to plan active trips to explore the outdoors.

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

Join a Grants team!! And I’m not just saying that because of my role next year. I think Grants is at the heart of what we do at WIF. It is a great way to build friendships within WIF and to learn about the needs of our community. I have been on a Grants team every year since I joined WIF and I always find it hopeful and inspirational. There are just so many good people doing good things — we need more of this in the world and it makes me want to fund all of the requests!

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?

My husband and I are regulars at Midwood Smokehouse, Park Road Sundries, and RuRus. I enjoy running through Charlotte’s tree-lined neighborhoods and parks.

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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.