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Women LEAD 2025: Empowering Women to Shape Wealth, Giving, and Legacy

By Whitney Feld

Women’s Impact Fund recently wrapped up our annual transformative three-part series, Women LEAD. This year’s focus was on empowering women to shape their financial futures, redefine the role of philanthropy, and build legacies that will endure for generations.

Each session brought together influential speakers from various sectors—including finance, philanthropy, and community engagement—to explore how women are making significant strides in these key areas. From breaking down myths about women and money to redefining the concept of wealth and legacy, the discussions offered invaluable insights on how women can make a lasting impact in this community through their financial decisions and community involvement.

Session 1: Women and Money – Breaking Barriers and Making an Impact

The first session focused on women’s roles in financial conversations and investment decisions. Moderated by Amy Jacobs, the panel debunked myths about women and money. Femi Lamikanra emphasized the importance of financial literacy, while Marcia Dawood discussed impact investing—generating financial returns while supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Robin Mermans shared the success of the Empower HER Fund, where eleven women invested in the Charlotte Ascent women’s soccer team, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Session 2: Redefining Wealth – Women Leading with Purpose

The second session shifted to philanthropy, exploring how women can redefine wealth through intentional giving. Kerri Mast highlighted trends in philanthropy, including the rise of giving circles and a focus on environmental causes. Meredith Heimburger debunked the myth that impact investing sacrifices returns, while Valaida Fullwood shared a framework for thinking about philanthropy, focusing on relief, improvement, social change, and civic engagement. Melissa Hovey noted that volunteering often leads to deeper philanthropic involvement. The session emphasized the collaborative and relationship-driven approach women bring to both wealth and philanthropy.

Session 3: Building Legacy – Creating Lasting Impact

The final session focused on building legacy. Derick Close shared how his family’s success in the textile industry shaped their commitment to give back and the role his mother, Anne Springs Close, played in passing down the “generosity gene.” William McNeely discussed how his life-threatening pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis served as a catalyst to create Do Greater, Inc, a nonprofit that brings technology-focused programs to youth across Charlotte empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. Reminding us all that what we spend our time doing is an essential part of the legacy we create. 

Qiana Austin from the Foundation For The Carolinas reminded participants that there are two sides to a balance sheet, sharing the incredible story of Katherine and Jane McKay. These sisters, life-long elementary school teachers, established a multi-million dollar scholarship fund by living modestly and leveraging their considerable estate to make a profound difference for students. 

Finally, Laura Yates Clark spoke about how institutions like FFTC and United Way create long-term impact by bringing together resources and amplifying voices. She underscored the importance of being open-minded and centering community sharing that those most proximate to the challenge are often best positioned to create solutions. 

The Women LEAD 2025 series showcased how women are transforming wealth, giving, and legacy. Through financial literacy, intentional philanthropy, and community-driven efforts, women are not only securing their futures but also shaping a better world for the next generation. 

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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.