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What Does Gratitude Mean to You?

Compiled by Aimee Greeter

It has been said that gratitude is the best attitude. As we navigate the complexities of our world, gratitude is not just a word; it is a profound and transformative experience that shapes our perspective, enriches our relationships, and fosters a sense of contentment within our souls.

Below, various WIF members share their perspectives on what gratitude means to them.

Erika Ross: Gratitude for me means acknowledging that we can’t do it all alone. Sometimes we have to ask for help and we realize how grateful we are for people who will offer support. The help doesn’t have to be something big and momentous – it can be as simple as someone offering encouraging words or volunteering to help on a project. However, the impact can be powerful.

Anna Grace Hawkins: To me, gratitude starts with recognizing all that there is to be grateful for in our lives. It’s easy to look around and be thankful for material things, but having awareness of all the intangible ways we are blessed is really important. Being able to then express that gratitude to those around us and use what we’ve been given to support others brings it full circle.

Lindsay VanGorden: Gratitude is like having a built-in mental app we can run at any point to reshape our perspective. No matter life’s circumstances, when utilizing the gratitude app, our minds search to uncover the good, the joyful, and other gems of insight we might otherwise miss at the moment. Gratitude kicks back an alternative set of search results that can direct our current focus toward the highest and most constructive paths of thinking. As a frequent gratitude user, I most appreciate the app’s noise-canceling feature — when in use, gratitude is incredibly good at silencing anxiety, anger, and selfishness.

As these members so astutely note, gratitude is more than a concept; it’s a cherished way of living that makes our lives richer, our hearts fuller, and our bonds stronger.

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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.