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Stories of Impact: Spark Award

 

When the Spark Award was first conceived, it was in the knowledge that leaders working at the forefront of community change often dedicate far more time and energy than average employees in the course of their work. Fueled by a passion for the mission of their organizations/causes, they sacrifice their own well-being in pursuit of that mission. Many of these leaders also come from historically marginalized communities and have limited access to time off for rest, as well as fewer opportunities and/or resources to engage in other forms of personal and professional renewal. 

We were deliberate in not specifying how Spark recipients should use their award and were even reticent to give examples of how they might spend the funds. We trusted that leaders would have their own definitions of self-care, renewal, growth and/or healing based on their current needs and interests. All we asked was that they use the award for themselves, rather than their organization or community.

Three years into the award, we have seen a wide range of uses including gym memberships, chiropractic/massage sessions, retreats, vacations and more. While some recipients are proud to share their story of taking a long-dreamed-of trip or a transformational professional development experience, others are reluctant to admit that they used the money to pay off debt or cover an unexpected expense. The fact that some individuals face financial hardship should be no surprise in a sector characterized by exhaustion, low pay, and poor benefits. If Spark can relieve some of the burden of financial strain for these leaders, then we have accomplished our goal.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing some stories of what the Spark award has meant to women leaders. But there are some very personal stories we won’t be sharing, even though they’re just as important and impactful. Our hope is that Spark awardees feel empowered to spend the funds in whatever way brings them the most rest, relief and renewal.

– Liana Humphrey, 2026-2027 Spark Chair

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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.