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Stories of Impact: Right Moves for Youth

This Story of Impact highlights Right Moves for Youth, a Women’s Impact Fund grantee. Right Moves for Youth’s mission is to help students in grades 6-12 make the most out of their education, connections, and opportunities, setting themselves up for future success. Its vision is a city where all youth have the opportunity to thrive—graduating with a plan for what’s next and the confidence to pursue it.

For the first time, Right Moves For Youth is serving students at Turning Point Academy, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ alternative middle and high school designed to support young people navigating behavioral or academic challenges. In a setting where students often feel unseen or underestimated, RMFY has become a steady source of encouragement, accountability, and possibility.

Recently, a group of TPA students participated in a series of experiences that opened doors to new futures. The journey began at the Charlotte Hornets’ Careers in Sports event, where students met professionals across sales, graphic design, event operations, and more. For many, it was the first time they saw themselves reflected in high-energy careers connected to an industry they already love.

The momentum continued with a guided tour of the Charlotte Government Center, where students explored how local government functions, learned about civic responsibility, and imagined themselves sitting in the very council seats where community decisions are made. Their reflections afterward were powerful; several students shared that it was the first time they had considered their voice as something that could shape Charlotte.

The experience culminated in a night to remember: attending a Hornets game in an all-inclusive suite. The view was incredible, and the real highlight was the meaningful connection between students and the adults who believe in them. Conversations about goals, confidence, and second chances flowed as naturally as the excitement on the court.

Together, these moments embody our mission: helping students see what’s possible – and believing in their potential until they believe in it themselves.

To learn more about Right Moves for Youth, visit their website: https://www.rightmovesforyouth.org/

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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.