Lead(h)er celebrates with birthday bash, Girl on Fire Awards 

As preparations are being made to celebrate its 6th birthday, Lead(h)er still is accepting nominations for its annual Girl on Fire Awards.

The awards recognize local women who are fueling career and community engagement in the workforce. Nominations close Sunday, Sept. 18.

The 6th annual Birthday Bash will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at Common Chord (formerly River Music Experience) at 129 Main St., Davenport. 

The circus-themed bash under the Big Top will be complete with carnival games, sideshow acts, dinner and drinks. The Main Event will be the Girl on Fire Awards, which honor Lead(h)er’s Strike a Match mentors and mentees and the extraordinary achievements of women who participate in the program.

The 2022 Birthday Bash is sponsored by Davenport-based Northwest Bank & Trust. 

“I am so excited to share the impact that Lead(h)er has on the Quad Cities area over the last six years,” Megan Brown-Saldana, the nonprofit’s executive director, said in a news release. “Lead(h)er’s success proves that mentorship matters, especially for women in the workplace.” 

Since Lead(h)er’s inception, the organization has matched 1,000 women with mentors in the Quad Cities. Thanks to the sponsorships of area organizations and businesses, the program is made available to all women in the region. Free individualized mentorships are available. 

“Our annual birthday party is not only important because it allows us to celebrate over 1,000 women matched, but also because it helps honor the everyday contributions, successes and relationships of Strike a Match mentors and mentees,” Ms. Brown-Saldana added. 

Girl on Fire recipients, who are nominated by fellow program participants, must demonstrate a unique and substantial commitment to the value of mentoring. The winners are chosen in a blind vote by a group of peers. 

The Mentor and Mentee of the Year, who will be announced at the Birthday Bash, will receive a beautiful blown glass award from Hot Glass, Inc., Davenport. 

To nominate a mentor or mentee, visit www.LeadherQC.Org/GirlOnFire.

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