Women-focused organizations create positive change in the Quad Cities

It’s Women’s History Month. And the Quad Cities Community Foundation is proud to partner with many women-focused and women-led nonprofit organizations that are working to make the Quad Cities region a better place to live and work.

“The Community Foundation recognizes the women who are leading the way in the Quad Cities region,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “We also recognize the particular challenges and obstacles that continue to stand in front of women—that’s why we partner with nonprofits who are facing these challenges head-on.”

Recently, two women-focused nonprofits have opened endowment funds through the Community Foundation. Endowment funds allow generous donors to contribute directly to the organizations they support. The funds are invested to ensure long-term support for the organization as they grow their mission in a sustainable way.

Interested in learning more about an endowment fund for your organization? Reach out to Anne Calder (AnneCalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org) at (563) 326-2840.

Jodie Shagrin Kavensky is the founder and CEO of the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative, which enriches lives through early detection education, patient support services, and research funding for ovarian cancer—a disease that impacts approximately one in 78 American women. “If we detect it early, there is an 85-90% chance for a cure,” said Shagrin Kavensky. “However, there is a big gap when it comes to education and early detection. We’re trying to close that gap and get information to as many people as possible.”

NormaLeah was established in 2008. The organization honors the memory of two sisters, Norma Yecies Shagrin and Leah Yecies Hantman, whose lives were cut short by ovarian cancer. The organization was started by Norma’s two daughters (Jodie and Kim) and Leah’s daughter (Deborah).

“From day one, the Community Foundation was there,” said Shagrin Kavensky. “They guided us as we set up the nonprofit and got it off the ground. We’re growing, and we’re always adapting to national trends—this endowment fund means sustainability and stability for the future of the organization.”

Dress for Success was launched in 2011. The organization empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a support network and professional attire to help women thrive in work and life. “Our goal is building confidence inside and out,” said Mauricio Diaz, executive director of Dress for Success. “It’s 2024, but women still make 83 cents on the dollar compared to men. We’re trying to close that gap. We work with women in all professional fields to help them grow personally and professionally.”

Dress for Success provides a range of services to women who are currently employed and those who are seeking a job. Women can attend career coaching and professional development workshops designed to build a successful career. “Women who have an upcoming interview can come in and get an appropriate outfit to make a good first impression,” said Diaz. “When they get the job, we can help put together a full wardrobe.”

Dress for Success relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers. “The endowment fund through the Community Foundation is about building sustainability financially,” said Diaz. “It also communicates with potential donors that we are local, and we’re here to stay.”

Together, these organizations are helping women in the Quad Cities region take on some of the biggest challenges they face. The Community Foundation is honored to partner with both groups and house the endowment funds that will allow their work to flourish for years to come.