Lead(h)er celebrated its ninth year of providing free mentorship for Quad Cities women at the sold-out Fuel the Fire Gala recently at the Old Oaks Winery in Milan, where the 2025 Girl on Fire Award winners were announced.
The awards, presented Thursday, Oct. 9, recognize outstanding women in the Lead(h)er Strike a Match Mentorship Community who demonstrate dedication to mentorship, professional growth and community empowerment.
After all costs, the gala raised an estimated $27,000 to fuel the next 100 mentorship matches. The gala supported the empowerment of more than 1,300 women matched through Lead(h)er’s Strike a Match Mentorship Program.
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The 2025 Girl on Fire Award Winners are:
- Kris Kellenberger, Mentor of the Year
- Brooke Keck, Mentee of the Year
- Anika Martin, Found(h)er of the Year
Ms. Kellenberger was honored for her advocacy and commitment to her mentee, Kate Rothenberger. Over the past eight months, she has helped Ms. Rothenberger grow personally and professionally, building confidence and creating career opportunities.
“When Kris makes an introduction for me — she does it in a way that makes me see myself differently and has significantly boosted my confidence,” Ms. Rothenberger said.
Brooke Keck’s two-year mentorship journey with Sammy Widener evolved from a search for career clarity into a story of confidence and courage. Ms. Keck has embraced new leadership opportunities, negotiated her salary, hired her first employee, and became a first-time mother.
“Brooke’s journey embodies the power of mentorship, proving that when women lift each other up, everyone rises,” the organization stated. Ms. Keck also serves on the Lead(h)er Gala Planning Committee, Match Support Committee and as board vice president of Dress for Success Quad Cities.
Found(h)er of the Year
Anika Martin received the Found(h)er of the Year award for her leadership, heart and vision. Ms. Martin served as both president of the board of directors and acting executive director for two years, guiding the organization through a period of transition.
Hannah Howard, Lead(h)er’s current executive director, praised Ms. Martin’s leadership, rooted in community, connection and purpose. “As a mentor, advocate, and friend, Anika has shaped not only Lead(h)er’s story but the lives of countless women within it,” Ms. Howard said.
All nominees were selected by their mentors or mentees in the Strike a Match Mentorship Program. The 2025 Mentor of the Year nominees included: Mary Snyder, Mariah Lanning and Kris Kellenberger. The 2025 Mentee of the Year nominees were: Alexa Bennett, Kaitlin Clevenger, Kate Rothenberger, Kylie Vandersnick, Brooke Keck and Holly Galvin. Nominees were scored anonymously by members of the Strike a Match community and the 2024 Girl on Fire Winners.
Lead(h)er extended a special thank you to Empeople Credit Union, the presenting Girl on Fire Sponsor, for its commitment to supporting Lead(h)er’s mission of mentorship and making a difference in the lives of Quad Cities women. For more information about Lead(h)er and the Fuel the Fire Gala, visit www.leadherqc.org/fuelthefire or email Hannah Howard, at [email protected].
