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Member Spotlight: Toni Freeman

As a founding member of Women’s Impact Fund, Toni shares both what she has loved about the legacy of WIF and what she is looking forward to in the future.

Tell us about YOU. What do you want other WIF members to know?

I have been actively involved in community engagement and service most of my adult life, both through board service, organizational initiatives, and personal volunteer efforts. What I value most about WIF is our success in creating a meaningful way for women to come together in support of our community. Beyond the significant financial investment we make, WIF is equally committed to cultivating philanthropic leaders who are passionate about creating lasting impact. Together, those efforts reflect a deep and enduring commitment to strengthening our community.

Which of WIF’s four Strategic Plan pillars — Give, Lead, Connect, or Sustain — feels most meaningful to you right now, and why?

    “Sustain” resonates most strongly with me right now. In part, that is because I see firsthand how much nonprofits need our support as they navigate uncertainty caused by shifts in charitable giving and changes in leadership across our community. I believe WIF can serve as a trusted bridge, helping nonprofit organizations remain resilient and weather these challenges. At the same time, we must be equally intentional about sustaining WIF itself by continuing to provide a meaningful, rewarding, and engaging experience for our members. By strengthening both our community impact and our member experience, we can ensure WIF remains vibrant and effective for years to come.

    What are you MOST looking forward to this year with WIF?

      I enjoy seeing how our leadership evolves each year to respond to the changing needs of our community. I’m also inspired by the individuals who choose to join WIF and the way our members come together around a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community.

      Being on the Board of Advisors must give a unique perspective to the work we do at WIF. How are you looking forward to guiding our organization into the 25-year anniversary?

        As a founding member of the Board of Directors and a past president, I have had the privilege of watching WIF’s leadership guide the organization with vision, passion, and purpose. While the BOA is always here to provide support when needed, nearly 25 years of success speaks to the strength of our leaders and members. Today, one of our most important roles is to be among your biggest champions as WIF continues to grow and thrive. Looking ahead, I hope WIF will continue to expand its impact and cultivate the next generation of philanthropists.

        As a Founding Member, I’m sure you’ve seen WIF evolve a lot over the last 20+ years. Share one of your favorite WIF memories and why it sticks out to you.

          One of my favorite memories is gathering at Mary Lou’s home with a group of women she had invited to learn about a new concept: women pooling their resources through a collective giving circle. It was there that I met Claire, and together she and Mary Lou made a compelling case for me to get involved. At the time, I had no idea that accepting an invitation to dinner would lead to such a rewarding and meaningful journey. What began as a simple conversation evolved into a movement, and more than 20 years later, it is incredibly gratifying to celebrate the lasting impact and success of WIF. Even more exciting is the promise of what lies ahead. As WIF continues to welcome new members, develop philanthropic leaders, and deepen its impact in the community, I am confident that the next chapter will be even more meaningful than the last.

          One cause you’ll never stop advocating for?

            I will never stop advocating for women to be recognized for their leadership and ability to make lasting change in our community.

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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.