Power of the W

What does it mean to truly embrace where you come from and use your story to help create space for others? In this episode of Power of the W, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Daisy Ramirez, an equity-centered leader and the inaugural Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Daisy and Jenna talk about her family’s immigration story, embr...

On this episode of Power of the W, we're joined by Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. Her journey is anything but ordinary—from growing up with strong family values to pursuing careers in both nursing and music before stepping into public service. Mayor Rayapati shares how her childhood shaped her passion for helping others, the lessons she's learned as a leader, and what it's like to navigate the c...

In this episode of Power of the W, we sit down with Amy Schaefer, Executive Director of the YWCA Quad Cities Empowerment Center, to talk about the unexpected twists, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her leadership journey. While her degree was in marketing, her career path began in a very different place — as a lifeguard at the YWCA. What started as a part-time role turned into a passion...

What happens when you spend 30 years building a successful career… and then realize you’re being called to something different? In this episode of Power of the W, Jenna sits down with Kelly Kreiter Penning, Executive Director of a local nonprofit, to talk about courage, reinvention, and finding purpose beyond the corporate ladder. Kelly shares her journey of leaving the corporate world in her late...

Just in time for Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the unique journey of being a girl dad. In this special episode, we sit down with two educators, fathers, and proud girl dads to talk about the joys, challenges, and life lessons that come with raising strong, confident daughters. From learning unexpected parenting skills and navigating tough conversations to building traditions and watching their d...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of The Power of the W dives into a conversation that’s often overlooked—mental health in athletics. We’re joined by Bella McDaniel, a young changemaker who turned her personal struggles into a powerful mission. At just 17, Bella founded her own nonprofit after experiencing what it felt like to be lost and battling her mental health, something...

In this episode of Power of the W, we’re sitting down with one of our own—Edwin Salazar, the passionate leader behind ThePlace2B youth program. Edwin opens up about his personal journey and the experiences that shaped his commitment to empowering young people. From hard-earned lessons to heartfelt moments with the teens he serves, he shares what it really takes to create a space where youth feel s...

What happens when family and business mix? In this episode of Power of the W, we talk with two sisters who decided to start a business together. They open up about the moment their idea turned into action, the fears they faced, and how their family and friends reacted. We dive into the unique dynamics of being sisters in business—how they divide responsibilities, navigate tough conversations, and...

We’ve all said it—or at least thought it: “I just have to make it through this week.” But what happens when survival mode becomes a lifestyle? In this episode, Dr. LaDrina Wilson joins us for a powerful conversation about rest, recovery, and reimagining grind culture. Together, we explore how to build a successful career without participating in the conspiracy of busyness—and why rest is a require...

We’re kicking off the new year with practical tips for staying on track with your health and wellness goals—even with a busy schedule. In this episode, we sit down with Shelby Ann, fitness coach and owner of Serenity Strong Movement & Massage Therapy. Shelby shares how to set realistic goals, build sustainable habits, and incorporate wellness into your daily routine. Plus, learn how YWCA Quad...

Happy 109th Anniversary, YWCA Quad Cities! For more than a century, the YW has been a place where women create solutions for women — a community built by women, for women, at a time when safety, opportunity, and support were not guaranteed. Yet today, many of the same challenges persist. Economic insecurity. Access to child care. Safety. Equity. These issues are still shaping the lives of women in...

In a world where everyone has something to say, how do you stay true to yourself? This week, we’re joined by two inspiring local TV anchors, Morgan Ottier and Shelby Kluver, who open up about navigating the pressures of being in the public eye and the impact of negative comments online. They share real experiences, lessons in resilience, and the mindset shifts that help them rise above criticism a...

What does it take to lead with conviction in a male-dominated field? Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal joins us to discuss her path from defense work to prosecution, the sacrifices and supports that shaped her, and the lessons she carries into her role as the county’s top prosecutor. She opens up about moments of doubt, the extra burdens women often face, and how she’s working to...

In this episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with our very own Nicole Sodawasser, a dedicated social worker who has been a driving force behind the creation of our brand-new youth group home, Alan’s House. Nicole shares the story of how this project came to life and the passion that fuels her work with young people. Together, we talk about the unique challenges unhoused youth face compared t...

In this episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with two incredible elementary school principals, Ian Scott and John Hawley. As parents gear up for another school year, Ian and John share heartfelt insights and practical tips on how families can truly make a difference in a child’s education, even with the busiest of schedules. From small, meaningful ways to stay engaged to building strong scho...

When was the last time you tried something new?   This episode is all about being brave enough to take that leap. I chat with Erin Mahr. Her story is filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of courage.   We’ll talk about embracing the discomfort that comes with doing something new, and how sometimes, failing can actually be the best part. So take a listen, you’re in for some laughs, some insight...

In this episode, we chat with Ebonie Bailey, a powerhouse advocate for Black Maternal Health and a true changemaker in her community. Ebonie is the owner of a doula service company, Naturally Ebonie Doula Services, and co-founder and chair of the Iowa Black Doula Collective, a nonprofit that focuses on uplifting and supporting bipoc families. As a mom of five, Ebonie brings both personal experienc...

In the first-ever episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with YWCA Quad Cities President & CEO Julie Larson.  Julie is one of the largest serving non-profit CEO's in the Quad City Area. She left her career in the corporate world for the non-profit world and hasn't looked back. In this episode, she talks about balancing career and home life, navigating male-dominated spaces, and answering t...