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Member Spotlight: Paula Goolkasian

By Kate Jostworth

Paula Goolkasian’s perspective on how WIF’s mission overcomes the challenges of deciding on local nonprofits to support is a perfect way to kickstart our January 2024 Member Connection.

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

I am a professor emeritus at UNC Charlotte who retired after 42 years on the psychology faculty.  Retirement has been quite enjoyable, allowing me the time to remain professionally active as a member of a few research teams and to continue my editing for some of the psychology journals.  Most importantly, however, I have the time to serve as a member of the governing board of ANSWER Scholarship and engage with my family and friends in travel and social activities.  I enjoy living at Lake Norman with my husband, working in my garden, and paddleboarding on the lake. 

What makes the mission of Women’s Impact Fund meaningful to you?

I am very grateful for the many opportunities that I have enjoyed throughout my lifetime, and it is a pleasure to be able to give back to others who have had a much more difficult life journey.  There seems to be so much need and it is difficult for me to decide which causes to support.  For some reason, I have an easier time choosing among the international and national nonprofits than local groups. They all seem so compelling, and I am overwhelmed.  As a member of the WIF grants committee, I have had the opportunity to learn about the community groups in an in-depth manner and combine my financial support with others to have a much greater impact than I would have had alone.  

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

I am motivated by a desire for lifelong learning.  Each decade of my life has brought new challenges and opportunities that I have relished.

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

I am impressed by the Women’s Impact Funds’ ability to change and grow in response to life’s challenges, and I am proud to participate in that growth.

What is your favorite activity in Charlotte?

I enjoy being out and about in the Charlotte metropolitan area.  Long walks and hikes with my friends in the many parks and greenways are my favorite activities in 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.