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Recapping Women LEAD 2024 

By Anna Grace Hawkins, Communications and Marketing Committee 

This year’s Women LEAD education series concentrated on showing up authentically in community leadership roles. The three-part series included insightful panels and thoughtful discussions on myths and misconceptions of board service, what it is like to serve on a nonprofit board, and why it is important to show up as your authentic self.

Women LEAD #1 – The series kicked off with Mindset, Myths, and Misconceptions that Limit Board Participation by breaking down the false perceptions of board service. A panel of speakers debunked the assumptions many of us have around the professional experience, seniority, philanthropic giving, and background required to be “good board member,” and emphasized the value of diversity in an effective board.  

Women LEAD #2 – The second session, Nuts & Bolts: Training for Effective Board Service, focused on how to identify nonprofits, ways to get involved, and what questions to ask when considering board service. One point that stood out was the importance of finding an organization whose mission and culture align with your values. A great way to do this is to attend events, seek volunteer opportunities, and get to know the people involved in the organization. Lastly, the speakers outlined the responsibilities of board service and how those may differ depending on the size and structure of the organization, highlighting the need to ask questions and understand these elements when considering a board position. 

Women LEAD #3 – To finish the series, the focus was on Authenticity in Community Leadership. As the panelists shared stories of how their willingness to be vulnerable and offer unique perspectives has positively impacted the organizations they help lead, we too can be empowered to do the same.  

Over the last few months, the Women LEAD series has brought information and inspiration to WIF members and guests. We look forward to seeing how these topics spark action within the nonprofit community in Charlotte and beyond! 

Women LEAD team plus #1 Panelists: Mary Scott Kennedy, Andrea Smith, Molly Shaw, Helen Hope Kimbrough, Savannah Keith Gress, Janeen Bryant, Connie Thomas, Whitney Feld and Patricia Massey Hoke
Women LEAD #2: Kristin Beck, Margaret Marshall, Patricia Massey Hoke, and Heather-Camille Hewett
Women Lead #3: Dae-Lee Arrington, Veronica Calderon, Patricia Massey Hoke and Carrie Cook
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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.