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.
18 - Embracing Your Roots, Finding Your Voice & Taking Up Space with Daisy Ramirez
What does it mean to truly embrace where you come from and use your story to help create space for others?
In this episode of Power of the W, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Daisy Ramirez, an equity-centered leader and the inaugural Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
Daisy and Jenna talk about her family’s immigration story, embracing her Latina, Mexican-American, and Indigenous roots, and the importance of representation in leadership. Daisy also shares lessons from organizing a student-led rally supporting DACA students at the University of Illinois, navigating what it means to take up space, and finding the confidence to use your voice.
The conversation also explores Latina leadership, mentoring the next generation, and Daisy’s work helping local nonprofits build capacity and create lasting, community-centered change.
At the heart of it all is a powerful reminder: where we come from can shape how we lead, and our voices have the power to make room for others.
3 Sept 2026
Leading with Heart: Serving Moline with Purpose and Compassion - with Sangeetha Rayapati
On this episode of Power of the W, we're joined by Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. Her journey is anything but ordinary—from growing up with strong family values to pursuing careers in both nursing and music before stepping into public service.
Mayor Rayapati shares how her childhood shaped her passion for helping others, the lessons she's learned as a leader, and what it's like to navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in politics. We also talk about balancing life as a mayor, professor, wife, and mother, the future she envisions for Moline, and the advice she'd give to women who are considering leadership roles of their own.
5 Aug 2026
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 2026
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 2026
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.
6 May 2026
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.
1 Apr 2026
S2EP4 - From Experience to Impact: Empowering the Next Generation
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.
4 Mar 2026
S2EP3 - Style, Strategy, Sisterhood and Entrepreneurial Spirit
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.
4 Feb 2026
S2 EP2 - Rest, Recovery, and Reimagining Grind Culture
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.
31 Dec 2025
S1 E1 - Redefining Fitness: Mindset, Balance, and Sustainable Wellness
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!
4 Dec 2025
EP.8 - From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Women Leading Their Own Change
Happy 109th Anniversary, YWCA Quad Cities! For more than a century, the YW has been a place where women create solutions for women — a community built by women, for women, at a time when safety, opportunity, and support were not guaranteed.
Yet today, many of the same challenges persist. Economic insecurity. Access to child care. Safety. Equity. These issues are still shaping the lives of women in our community, especially those living in poverty.
In this episode, we put a human voice to the statistics: 1 in 3 female-headed households in the Quad Cities are living in poverty. Behind every number is a woman with dreams, resilience, and a story worth hearing.
Our guests, Bettina McWilliams and LaDericka Baker, bravely share their lived experiences, not to be defined by their struggles, but to help listeners better understand the realities so many families face daily. Their journeys reveal strength, perseverance, and the courage it takes to navigate systems that were not built with everyone in mind.
Join us as we honor 109 years of mission-driven work and deepen the conversation around poverty, stigma, and the change we can spark when we truly listen.
6 Nov 2025
EP. 7 - Rising Above: Turning Online Negativity into Strength
In a world where everyone has something to say, how do you stay true to yourself?
This week, we’re joined by two inspiring local TV anchors, Morgan Ottier and Shelby Kluver, who open up about navigating the pressures of being in the public eye and the impact of negative comments online.
They share real experiences, lessons in resilience, and the mindset shifts that help them rise above criticism and lead with confidence.
Whether you’re chasing your dreams, building your voice, or just trying to stay positive in a noisy world, this episode will remind you that your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s words.
Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about courage, confidence, and finding power in your own story.
2 Oct 2025
EP. 6 - Breaking Barriers, Building Justice
What does it take to lead with conviction in a male-dominated field? Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal joins us to discuss her path from defense work to prosecution, the sacrifices and supports that shaped her, and the lessons she carries into her role as the county’s top prosecutor. She opens up about moments of doubt, the extra burdens women often face, and how she’s working to change structural inequities in the legal system. With candor and inspiration, she shares her proudest career moments, her hopes for the future, and the advice she gives to the next generation of women in law.
Host: Jenna Panicucci
3 Sept 2025
Building Alan’s House: A New Hope for Youth
In this episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with our very own Nicole Sodawasser, a dedicated social worker who has been a driving force behind the creation of our brand-new youth group home, Alan’s House.
Nicole shares the story of how this project came to life and the passion that fuels her work with young people. Together, we talk about the unique challenges unhoused youth face compared to adults, what these struggles mean for our community, and how group homes like Alan’s House can offer not just shelter, but stability, hope, and a sense of belonging.
6 Aug 2025
EP. 4 - From the Principal's Office: How Parents Can Help Their Children Thrive
In this episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with two incredible elementary school principals, Ian Scott and John Hawley.
As parents gear up for another school year, Ian and John share heartfelt insights and practical tips on how families can truly make a difference in a child’s education, even with the busiest of schedules. From small, meaningful ways to stay engaged to building strong school-family partnerships, this episode is packed with powerful advice every parent and guardian should hear.
Whether you're a seasoned school parent or sending your little one off for the first time, you’ll walk away inspired and empowered to support your child’s learning journey.
2 Jul 2025
EP. 3 - Leap First, Laugh Later: Finding Power in the Unknown
Host interviews Erin Mahr, who shares her story of courage and humor, discussing the value of embracing discomfort and finding power in the unknown.
5 Jun 2025
Naturally Ebonie: Championing Black Maternal Health with Heart and Hustle
Ebonie Bailey discusses her journey as a doula and advocate for Black maternal health, addressing racial disparities and empowering women of color during pregnancy in this interview.
1 May 2025
Power of the W - Finding your Happy Place
In the first-ever episode of The Power of the W, we sit down with YWCA Quad Cities President & CEO Julie Larson.
Julie is one of the largest serving non-profit CEO's in the Quad City Area. She left her career in the corporate world for the non-profit world and hasn't looked back. In this episode, she talks about balancing career and home life, navigating male-dominated spaces, and answering that age-old question, "Can women really have it all?"
You can find this podcast on all your favorite streaming platforms. Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend!
Host: Jenna Panicucci
Guest: Julie Larson
Producer: Jenna Panicucci
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