Lead(h)er marked its seventh anniversary with a “dazzling” Birthday Party celebration and the 2023 Girl on Fire Awards which honored three outstanding Quad Cities women for their community contributions.
The Sept. 23 bash at Mercado on Fifth brought together what the organization described in a news release as a “dynamic group of supporters, mentors, mentees and partners for a memorable evening filled with connection, inspiration and empowerment.” The night also doubled as an open house for Lead(h)er’s new Executive Director Hannah Howard.
The annual Girl on Fire Award winners, who are part of Lead(h)er’s Strike a Match Mentoring Program, are leaders who have exemplified the organization’s mission of fueling career and community engagement in the workforce. They also received a custom glass trophy from Hot Glass Inc.
“At the celebration, three remarkable women were honored for their outstanding achievements and commitment to mentorship and Lead(h)er’s mission,” the organization said in a news release.
Who won in 2023?
The 2023 Girl on Fire Award winners are:
Mentor of the Year: Samantha Widener has consistently gone above and beyond to guide and support her mentee in 2023, Lead(h)er said. For example, she supported her mentee “with outstanding empathy, leadership and charisma,” and “jump-started her mentee’s involvement in volunteering and networking in the Quad Cities community.” Her dedication to mentorship has had a profound impact on her mentee’s personal life and career, making her a true inspiration to the Lead(h)er community.
Mentee of the Year: Emily Cummings has displayed remarkable determination and growth under her mentor, Irene Borys, according to Lead(h)er. Ms. Borys nominated Ms. Cummings for her outstanding achievements and continuous commitment to personal and professional development, which made her a shining example for others to follow. Not only was Ms. Cummings a model mentee, she also has become a mentor to another Quad Cities woman.
Found(h)er of the Year: LuAnn Haydon is one of the visionary leaders behind Lead(h)er and was recognized for her tireless dedication to empowering and creating opportunities for women, the organization said. “Her warm demeanor and willingness to mentor so many individuals through big and small ways alike have transformed countless lives in the Lead(h)er community. LuAnn believes in the mission of Lead(h)er, is a dedicated founder and donor and supports the organization in creative ways going above and beyond whenever possible!”
In the release, Lead(h)er also thanked the generous sponsors whose support and leadership made its Birthday Party and Girl on Fire Awards possible. They include Ring Leader Sponsor Northwest Bank and Trust, and Girl on Fire Awards Sponsor Necker’s Jewelers.
Lead(h)er is a mentorship program dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the Quad Cities area by fostering career growth and community engagement. The organization strives to create opportunities for women to excel personally and professionally through mentorship and networking. To learn more, visit the website or Facebook page.
