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About Us

Our Team

Our Team

Janet LaBar

Executive Director

Shannan Younger

Membership & Operations Manager

Meaghan Dunham Arena

Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Board of Directors

Board of Advisors

MARY LOU BABB

Founder

CLAIRE TATE

Founder

Judy Allison

DIANNE BAILEY

ROBIN BRANSTROM

ANNE ESSAYE

JILL FLYNN

TONI FREEMAN

MARY GALLIVAN

ELAINE LYERLY

DEBORAH MAJEWSKI

CAROLYN MEADE

LISA MILLER

ARRINGTON MIXON

Chair

SONJA NICHOLS

PATTY NORMAN

SUSAN PATTERSON

ELLEN RANKIN

SALLY ROBINSON

RUTH SHAW

MATTYE SILVERMAN

JEANETTE SIMS

Nikki Jarrell

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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.

SHANNAN YOUNGER

Membership & Operations Manager
syounger@womensimpactfund.org

Shannan Younger earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). She recently obtained a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, as well as the Google Project Management Career Certificate. Originally from Ohio, Shannan practiced law in Illinois before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. There, she has contributed as a writer, social media strategist, and project manager for mission-driven organizations.

Since 2020, Shannan has resided in Lake Norman with her husband and their dog, Quincy, a former research beagle. Her volunteer work includes advocating for global health initiatives through the U.N. Foundation and supporting local organizations focused on increasing food access. She enjoys traveling, both for international adventures and to visit her daughter, who is pursuing her master’s degree at UNC Chapel Hill. Fun fact: She has appeared on Jeopardy!

Meaghan Dunham Arena

Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Meaghan Dunham is the Administrative Coordinator for Women’s Impact Fund, as well as a small business owner in the Charlotte area. With 15 years of experience in public education, corporate marketing, and small business management, Meaghan is excited to bring her variety of skills to the Women’s Impact Fund. As an adult, Meaghan’s commitment to social justice and equity began when, as a public school teacher in rural North Carolina, she witnessed first-hand the struggles of her students and their families to secure even their most basic needs. Meaghan has volunteered with many organizations over the last 15 years, including social impact coffee companies, a start-up emotional intelligence organization, and the Charlotte affiliate of the Women’s March. In her spare time, Meaghan enjoys hiking, camping and supporting local organizations with her soon-to-be husband and their rescue pup.