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Stories of Impact: BOOM Charlotte

By Susan Adams

With the use of a WIF Grant, BOOM Charlotte successfully strengthened and united our community this April through multifaceted and immersive art experiences. The three-day BOOM Charlotte festival allowed the public to explore art through two distinct experiences at Camp North End: BOOM Fringe and BOOM Intersection. 

BOOM Fringe offered ten original shows in intimate venues, showcasing original works of experimental art. Audiences could view a comedy/horror play that spoofed an AI takeover or explore an African dance that honored the contributions of women. The viewers were even able to go on a scientific journey through the sounds of the saxophone. Luvleeh, a spoken word poet, also performed the Calm Oasis, where she explored innovative ways to foster spiritual growth, healing, and accountability. 

BOOM Intersection, another vibrant part of the festival, offered an eclectic mix of art displayed on an outdoor stage and throughout the Camp North End campus. From interactive art installations to captivating music, dance, poetry, and theater performances, the festival offered something for everyone. And the best part? It was free and accessible to all, allowing the audience to walk between events in one immersive environment. 

Founded by a group of artists in 2016, the BOOM Charlotte festival has quickly become one of the city’s largest, most diverse, creative gatherings.  

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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.