2017-2018 Annual Report

We hope you enjoyed receiving our inaugural Annual Report! 

Here is the link to share a digital version with friends and family.
Volunteers Needed! Tutor Charlotte 

By Kathleen O'Bannon

We are so excited to support Tutor Charlotte with our recent SPARK grant of $50,000 and to join them in recruiting volunteers to help the 20,000 kindergarten children in CMS schools increase their reading proficiency.

We need at least 20 volunteers to support one classroom at Billingsville Elementary beginning in Fall 2018. Once enrollment and bell schedules have been determined, we will be able to provide specifics regarding an assigned day and time for our group. We do know that the expected time commitment involves 90 minutes of Active Reading training and then tutoring for 30 minutes each week. Tutor sessions generally occur first thing in the morning (approximately 8:00 a.m.) or at lunch (approximately 11:15 a.m.) on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Tutoring will most likely begin the first week of October.

Please join your fellow Women's Impact Fund members and the greater Charlotte community in this critical initiative to double third-grade reading proficiency from 39% to 80% by 2025.

Visit the Tutor Charlotte website:

Ready to sign up? 
Click HERE to submit your name.
Leadership Luncheon Series
By Pia Millican

Our Women's Impact Fund membership gives us access to some phenomenal women; many have left impressive footprints in leadership and philanthropic roles throughout Charlotte. At the annual meeting in May, Sonja Nichols introduced the "Board of Advisors Leadership Luncheon" series beginning in September. Last month I invited her for coffee to find out more, and I'm happy to share what I learned.

All members of Women's Impact Fund will receive a mailed invitation in early August. This will be followed by monthly email invitations, starting in August 2018 through June 2019, to have lunch with two members of the Board of Advisors.. The luncheons are made possible by the generosity of U.S. Trust - Bank of America Private Wealth Management and will be hosted by our members - Jennifer Winstel, U.S. Trust Private Client Advisor; and Sonja Nichols, Women's Impact Fund Board of Advisors. Seating for each luncheon will be limited to ten members per month for ten months.


Welcome New Members!
  • Jayna Altman
  • Katrice Boland
  • Jonell Logan
  • Kerbie Neal
  • Kati Small
Member News
  • Arlene Ferebee, Senior Director of Strategic Development at Novant
    Health, has been elected to serve as board chair of Opera Carolina for the 2018-2019 season.  Arlene has actively participated on the Opera Carolina board since July 2016.  Celebrating seventy years in greater Charlotte, Opera Carolina serves the community with excellence through its Grand Opera performances, education programs, and other engagement initiatives. Congratulations to Arlene on this notable community leadership role!
  • Debra L. Foster has been designated by SuperLawyers as a top estate planning attorney in N.C. and one of the 50 top female attorneys in the state in any field of legal focus.
  • Supportive Housing Communities, led by Executive Director and Women's Impact Fund member Pamela Jefsen received the 2018 Leadership Charlotte Community Service Award.
  • Pam Schneider earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UNCC in May and accepted  a part-time job working for Almasi Arts Alliance as their new Administrator. Almasi works to empower African artists by conducting training and exchange programs between America and Zimbabwe.  
Members, we want to hear from you! Send us news of a new job, new volunteer leadership role, a new addition to your family, a big move or anything else you'd like to share with your family of Women's Impact Fund friends. Email:  [email protected] .
Upcoming Events

August Summer In-Home Social!


We're happy to announce a second in-home social for summer 2018. This social will be hosted by WIF member Ann Marie Williams at her Ballantyne home.

In-home socials are smaller, more intimate events organized in Charlotte neighborhoods designed to provide an informal opportunity for members to get to know each other better. They are a great way to socialize, network, mentor, recruit and learn! All members (and guests) are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine or an appetizer to share.

Date: Thursday, August 16
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: 14617 Rudolph Dadey Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
 
RSVP Here!
The mission of Women's Impact Fund is to strengthen communities by maximizing women's leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education and engagement.
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