Events

Fuel The
Fire Gala

Four women standing together at an evening event with a background that says 'Fuel the Fire' in bright orange neon lights. They are smiling and dressed in semi-formal attire, with some wearing earrings and necklaces. One woman in the center is holding a trophy or award.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Old Oaks Winery 10814 1st St W, Milan, IL 61264

5:30 to 8:30 pm

Lead(h)er invites you to the 2026 Fuel the Fire Gala to enjoy a beautiful evening celebrating over 1,300 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.

Doors open at 5:30 pm for attendees to enjoy music, drinks, networking with inspiring QC women, dinner, photo booth, a silent auction, wine pull, and more. Stay for the main event at 7:30 pm, the Girl on Fire Awards, honoring the extraordinary achievements of the women who participate in the program who are making a huge impact in the Quad Cities.

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PAST EVENTS

Event poster for 'Leather + Within: Designing New Connections' by Conceptual Designs. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 11th, from 5 to 7 PM. The background features a stylish, cozy interior with sofas, lamps, and art on the wall.

Designing New Connections

2026 Lead(h)er Summer Social

Thursday, June 11th

Within by CDI, Bettendorf
5:00 - 7:00 PM

What to expect:
-Signature cocktail and snacks
-"Design your connections" Networking Activity
-Plenty of time to mingle and connect!

Join us at the next Lead(h)er social where we will be "Designing New Connections" at Within’s beautiful showroom!

What’s a Lead(h)er Social?
Lead(h)er’s Socials are free, all-women networking events designed to provide professional development and support for QC women across all industries. Whether you're looking to build your network, gain new insights, or simply be in a room filled with inspiring women, this event is for you. Big thanks to our sponsor, Within, for making this free event possible!

2026 Lead(h)er Annual Golf Outing

A promotional flyer for the Lead(h)er Annual Golf Outing event held at Palmer Hills Golf Course on May 15. The flyer features a scenic image of a golf course with trees and blue sky, and includes details about the event schedule, registration, and sponsorship, emphasizing mentorship support for women.
Three women smiling and posing together on a golf course, holding golf clubs, wearing athletic clothing and visors.

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Enjoy breakfast, a catered lunch, fun on the fairway, contests, prizes, and 18 holes for just $150 per player/$600 per team while empowering women in the workforce!

Start building your teams of friends or co-workers and get ready for a day full of fun, food, and friendly competition. Lead(h)er's Annual Golf Outing is our largest fundraiser, providing more support than any other event for our Strike A Match Mentorship Program. Your sponsorship allows us to continue growing our organization, mentor more women, and make an even bigger impact for women in the Quad Cities!

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SAVE THE DATE: 2027 Lead(h)er Annual Golf Outing set for Friday, May 14th at Palmer Hills Golf Course!

Group of five people, three women and two men, standing on a golf course grassy area surrounded by trees, smiling and posing for a photo during daytime.

Cookies & Couture

Event flyer for Cookies & Couture: Lead(h)er's 2026 Winter Social, featuring Girl Scout cookies and wine pairing, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Putnam Museum in Davenport. The flyer includes event details, logos of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, Lead(h)er, and Putnam Museum, an image of a dress, and pictures of cookies and a glass of wine.

Thursday, February 26th

Putnam Museum
5:00 - 7:30 PM

What to expect:

🤝This Lead(h)er social is open to any working women in the Quad Cities! New to Lead(h)er? We’d love to share our community with you. This is an open house-style event, feel free to arrive anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 PM, there will be a program beginning at 6:00 PM.

🍷🍪 Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairing (Optional Activity: $10): Tickets are available for $10 for those who would like to participate in the pairing activity. Girl Scout cookies will also be available for purchase from a local Girl Scout Troop!

👗 Behind-the-Scenes Museum Vault Tours: Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours featuring historical fashion and dresses. Tours will take place in small groups of 10 every half hour or so beginning at 5:45 PM.

🥨Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided, with a cash bar available for alcoholic beverages.


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Psychological Safety

Informational poster for a women's leadership event focused on psychological safety, featuring speaker photos and event details, with a vibrant pink, yellow, gray, and maroon color scheme.

Thursday, Nov 6th, 2026

What to expect:

🤝Come fill your cup with conversation, connection, and community, plus enjoy refreshments, networking starting at 5 PM in the Last Picture House Lobby, and a meaningful opening presentation and closing discussion led by Dr. LaDrina Wilson, founder of GLOW.

We’ll explore how psychological safety empowers women to lead authentically and foster inclusive cultures, presented by Dr. Jennifer Palar. We’re also collecting new hygiene items to support the YWCA Quad Cities Empowerment Center, an easy way to spread a little good this season. (Donations optional!)


2025 Fuel the Fire Gala

A group of eight women dressed in formal attire, standing together outdoors at night in front of a decorated backdrop with flames and the text "Fuel the Fire".

Thursday, October 9th

Old Oaks Winery

5:30 to 8:30 PM

Join us as we celebrate 9 years of mentorship for

QC women on Thursday, October 9th!

Doors open at 5:30 pm for attendees to enjoy music, drinks, networking with inspiring QC women, dinner, photo booth, a silent auction, wine pull, and more. Stay for the main event at 7:30 pm, the Girl on Fire Awards, honoring the extraordinary achievements of the women who participate in the program who are making a huge impact in the Quad Cities.


Lead(h)er Summer Social

Floral watercolor poster for a summer social event at a coffee house, scheduled for Wednesday, August 6 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, sponsored by PER MAR Security Services.

Wednesday, August 6

Coffee House Café & Goods
1315 Jersey Ridge Rd, Davenport
5:00 - 6:30 PM (STOP BY ANYTIME)

Whether you’re a Strike a Match Mentee, Mentor, or new to Lead(h)er — ALL QC working women are welcome! This is the perfect chance to meet new faces, grow your network, and enjoy a fun and casual evening with your drink of choice (coffee, tea, wine or beer will be available). Big thanks to our sponsor, Per Mar Security Services for making this free event possible! Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you there!