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Member Spotlight: Lakisha Rios

by Fielding Williams

Lakisha shares her mantra for the last 2 years and how just being you can make an impact.

Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you?
I was born and raised in Queens, NY and have lived in Charlotte with my husband and 2 boys for the past 18 years. Out of my passion for seeing individuals feel supported, included, and protected in the workplace,  I recently started a consulting business, Rios Consulting. I get the opportunity to develop leaders and help organizations empower, equip, and retain them. As for fun, those closest to me would say dance is where my heart resides. I have been a dancer most of my life and currently dance with Shae Movement African Arts. Trying to find a way to incorporate my love for the arts and heart for the community,  I joined the Women’s Impact Fund in 2022. I currently serve as an At-Large Board member.

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 
There’s something about women coming together to create change, to educate, to learn, and to empower one another. I’m excited to see the evolution of the organization and how it has pivoted to better serve the community and create meaningful change that’s reflected in how we fund. More importantly, it’s realizing that that work doesn’t stop.

What energizes/ motivates you? It can be anything from a quotation, a song, a person, workout routine etc.
Being in the company of people but specifically women who see you and are rooting for you to win at everything energizes me. So many aspects of our lives require us to give a lot of ourselves. I am actively seeking spaces that require me to sit, receive, and exhale. More importantly, that want nothing in return but my presence. There is nothing like being connected to people, places, and things that give me the confidence and space to be me unapologetically and without explanation.  

What are you the most excited about for the upcoming year?
I’m excited to see the impact I will have as I continue to bet on me. My mantra for the last 2 years as been, “Do it scared.” Moving into 2025 it is, “YOU are worth the risk.”

Advice to make the most out of your Women’s Impact Fund membership?
Get involved while doing what you have the capacity to do. Jump in and don’t be afraid to ask questions, offer up suggestions, and participate. You and all that you bring are valuable to this organization. 

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte?
Having recently had some “framily” move to Charlotte, I’ve been enjoying rediscovering the city again. Some of my favorite places are, Beyond Amazing Donuts, Queen City Roti (order the doubles), Mi Tierra II, Yunta, and Haraz Coffee House. 

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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.