Power of the W

qcywca
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement

Based in Rock Island, Illinois, YWCA Quad Cities has been working to empower families and women in our community for over 100 years. The ”W” in our name is more than just a letter in the YWCA acronym, it’s our whole purpose. The Power of the W Podcast aims to inspire, educate, and celebrate women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their stories, experiences, and insights to empower listeners in various aspects of their lives. The podcast will cover a wide range of topics, including personal development, career success, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and societal issues impacting women. Visit www.ywcaqc.org for more information about YWCA Quad Cities.

  1. 5d ago

    S2.EP 8- Choosing an uncharted path- how a young leader found her calling in non-profit work with Amy Schaefer

    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 for serving others and a journey into nonprofit leadership. Now, at just 32 years old, she leads a community resource center dedicated to supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. In this conversation, we explore what it means to be a young leader, navigating self-doubt, overcoming imposter syndrome, taking risks, and building trust while leading alongside people with decades of experience.  We also dive into the impact of the YWCA Empowerment Center, the importance of removing barriers for families, and the misconceptions surrounding people who seek support. From providing essential resources to creating opportunities for empowerment, the work happening at the Empowerment Center is a reminder that small acts of support can create lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding your path, embracing unexpected opportunities, and how the next generation of leaders is creating a stronger, more compassionate community.

  2. Jul 2

    S2.EP7 - The Joy of Starting Over with Kelly Kreiter Penning

    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 40s, getting off the “hamster wheel,” and redefining what happiness and success truly mean. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned through serving others, the importance of being authentically yourself, and why she believes comparison is the thief of joy. Whether you’re feeling stuck, considering a career change, or simply looking for inspiration to live more intentionally, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to create a life that feels meaningful on your own terms.

  3. Jun 3

    S2EP6 -The Power of a Girl Dad: Raising Empowered Daughters with JD Wilson & John Hawley

    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 daughters find their voices, they share honest stories, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs along the way. Together, we explore how fatherhood has shaped them as men, what they hope their daughters learn by watching them, and why empowering girls starts at home. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who has been influenced by a great father figure, this conversation offers meaningful insights on raising the next generation with confidence, respect, and compassion. Plus, hear the advice they would give to other dads raising strong girls. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about fatherhood, family, and the incredible privilege of raising daughters.

  4. May 6

    S2. EP 5 - Delivered: Turning Pain into Purpose with Bella McDaniel

    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 many athletes face but few openly talk about. In this episode, Bella shares her journey, the pressures athletes experience behind the scenes, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations is more important than ever. From breaking stigma to building community, her story is one of resilience, courage, and purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that strength doesn’t mean staying silent. Tune in and be part of the conversation.

  5. Apr 1

    S2EP4 - From Experience to Impact: Empowering the Next Generation with Edwin Salazar

    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 seen, heard, and valued. Together, we explore the powerful sense of belonging being built at ThePlace2B, challenge the stereotypes often placed on today’s youth, and talk about how communities can show up in meaningful ways to support the next generation. And stick around—there’s some exciting news you won’t want to miss.

  6. Mar 4

    S2EP3 - Style, Strategy, Sisterhood and Entrepreneurial Spirit with Haley Sparkman and Lauren Corwin

    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 balance entrepreneurship with personal life. They share the challenges that tested them, the surprises of running a business, and the moments that made them question everything—and how they pushed through. Beyond the hard work, we celebrate their successes and the impact they’ve made, offering insights for young women and sibling teams thinking about starting their own ventures. Plus, get a fun peek behind the curtain at their personalities, who’s the visionary versus the organizer, and what they’ve learned about each other along the way. Tune in for a candid, inspiring, and heartfelt conversation about sisterhood, entrepreneurship, and chasing your dreams together.

  7. Feb 4

    S2 EP2 - Rest, Recovery, and Reimagining Grind Culture with Dr. LaDrina Wilson

    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 requirement, not a reward you earn after burnout. Dr. Wilson shares how her personal story has shaped the way she views work, rest, and self-worth. She challenges the idea that productivity equals value and reframes rest as an essential foundation for sustainability, creativity, and confidence. This conversation will have you questioning hustle culture, redefining success, and reimagining what it looks like to live—and work—from a place of wholeness instead of exhaustion. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start building something sustainable, this episode is for you.

  8. 12/31/2025

    S2 E1 - Redefining Fitness: Mindset, Balance, and Sustainable Wellness with Shelby Ann

    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 Cities can help you kick off your fitness journey. With access to a full-court gymnasium, weight and cardio rooms, and an aquatic center, our facility makes it easy to stay active. Sign up through the end of January and receive $50 off an annual membership—all while supporting essential programs and services in the Quad Cities. Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and tips to make your wellness goals stick in 2026!

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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Based in Rock Island, Illinois, YWCA Quad Cities has been working to empower families and women in our community for over 100 years. The ”W” in our name is more than just a letter in the YWCA acronym, it’s our whole purpose. The Power of the W Podcast aims to inspire, educate, and celebrate women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their stories, experiences, and insights to empower listeners in various aspects of their lives. The podcast will cover a wide range of topics, including personal development, career success, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and societal issues impacting women. Visit www.ywcaqc.org for more information about YWCA Quad Cities.

Information

  • Creator
    qcywca
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Power of the W