Empowering women’s career growth and leadership in the Quad Cities.
We’re not just a program, we’re a movement.
At the heart of Lead(h)er is Strike A Match, our free 1:1 mentorship program that intentionally pairs Quad City women with experienced local women mentors.
Each match is thoughtfully made based on professional goals, lived experience, leadership style, and transferable skills - connecting women across industries in every season of their working lives.
Every connection is personalized to help both mentors and mentees grow.
Who We Are
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Mentorship
At the heart of Lead(h)er is out 1:1 mentorship program, intentionally pairing early- to mid-career women with experienced mentors in the Quad Cities. Each match is careful made based on professional goals, lived experience, and industry fit. No algorithms here.
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Huddle Events
Each Huddle features a new topic or guest speaker covering everything from leadership development and salary negotiation to boundary-setting and burnout recovery. They’re free, they’re fun, and they’re built to help you grow one conversation at a time.
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Signature Events
We believe progress deserves to be celebrated.
Our annual Golf Outing and Fuel the Fire Gala are signature Lead(h)er events that rally the Quad Cities community around women’s leadership and help fund our mentorship program.
The Fuel the Fire Gala also features our Girl on Fire Awards, recognizing extraordinary women who inspire others to lead, grow, and lift those around them. Whether you attend, sponsor, or volunteer, these events are powerful celebrations of the Lead(h)er spirit.
“Before Lead(h)er, I was feeling stuck in my career and disconnected from other women in my field. Through mentorship and Huddles, I gained the confidence to apply for — and land — a leadership role I never thought I could go for. My mentor changed my life, but so did the community.”
Danielle S., Mentee Alumni
“At our first meeting, we discussed my outcome goals and how we can achieve them. I want to gain confidence entering a new career field. I would like to gain experience through volunteer opportunities. I want to improve my resume writing abilities as well as my interview skills. And lastly, I want to network and build professional relationships. That’s a lot, but my mentor has assured me all is POSSIBLE! I would like to thank you and the Lead(h)er organization for this opportunity.”
Tiffany, Mentee
“At our first meeting, we discussed my outcome goals and how we can achieve them. I want to gain confidence entering a new career field. I would like to gain experience through volunteer opportunities. I want to improve my resume writing abilities as well as my interview skills. And lastly, I want to network and build professional relationships. That’s a lot, but my mentor has assured me all is POSSIBLE! I would like to thank you and the Lead(h)er organization for this opportunity.”
Tiffany, Mentee
Here’s what happens when women support women.
1,400+
Mentorship Matches
100%
Free Programming
5x
More Likely
to Lead
Find your people. Fuel your path.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career, give back through mentorship, or simply surround yourself with supportive, driven women, Lead(h)er is here to help you lead with confidence.
As a nonprofit women’s mentorship and leadership organization in the Quad Cities, we offer career development opportunities, free networking events, and meaningful ways to get involved.
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MAKE ME A MENTEE
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BECOME A MENTOR
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SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER
Events
2026 Fuel the Fire Gala
Thursday, October 8th, 2026
Old Oaks Winery
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of mentorship for QC women!
Lead(h)er invites you to the 2026 Fuel the Fire Gala to enjoy a beautiful evening celebrating over 1,400 women empowered by mentorship over the past 10 years. It’s a momentous occasion that brings our community together to support and uplift women in the Quad Cities Area.
For more information, contact Hannah at Hannah@leadherqc.org.
Support our growth.
Stories that inspire. Voices that lead.
Meet the women shaping the Quad Cities, one story at a time. Her Stories is a podcast spotlighting the real experiences of mentors, mentees, and leaders in our community. From career leaps to personal growth, these conversations are honest, uplifting, and inspiring.