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Member Spotlight: Mary Behler

By Kate Jostworth

Mary shares what she’s most looking forward to in our 20th anniversary year.

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

Hi! I’m Mary Behler. I moved back to North Carolina two and a half years ago and am SO glad to be back in the Carolinas after 10 snowy years in Milwaukee, WI. I’m originally from East Tennessee and South Carolina.  

I currently work for Wells Fargo in marketing. I’ve been married to my husband Russ for 12 years, and we have two daughters: Vivienne, 8 and Lydia, 6. 

I love to spend time with my family–preferably outdoors! We like going to new parks, going for hikes, traveling and trying new activities together for the first time, like ziplining or amusement park fun. 

What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you? 

I can’t believe I get to be a part of an organization of women who care deeply about the surrounding community and give back to it in such a significant way.  

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

A desire to be a good mom and help my children be the best people they can be. And a motivation to never stop learning (just got my MBA earlier this year!). I just want to be the best version of myself I can be–both for me and for my family. 

What are you the most excited about for the 20th anniversary year? 

Continuing to build on the legacy started two decades ago. It’s so wonderful that the foundation this organization is built upon is so strong. That paired with all the new members and new energy and new ideas just means so much more exciting philanthropy and community impact is in store in the months and years ahead. 

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

Jump in the deep end! Attend events, meet people, get involved. You won’t regret it! 

What is your favorite restaurant or activity in Charlotte? 

I never turn down a chance to go Amelie’s for a cafe au lait or a macaron. I love a glass of wine at Foxcroft or Dilworth Tasting Room. Symphony at the Park, shows at Blumenthal, and Charlotte FC matches are all quintessentially Charlotte. 

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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.