I had the privilege of sitting down with Mary Quinn, CEO of YWCA Harrisburg, for one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had on Leadership Backstage.

Mary’s story moved me deeply—from growing up in a poor, working-class family in Detroit to leading a major nonprofit that impacts thousands of lives. She opened up about balancing full-time work with night school, overcoming the devastating loss of her husband, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership.

What struck me most was Mary’s unwavering commitment to discipline, education, and integrity. She also shared eye-opening insights into the essential services YWCA provides, the challenges of funding, and how we can all play a role in supporting their mission.

If you’ve ever wondered what resilience looks like in action, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 – Loneliness and Struggles

00:49 – Introduction to Leadership Backstage

01:20 – Meet Mary Quinn

02:31 – Mary’s Journey to CEO

09:07 – Balancing Personal and Professional Life

12:16 – The Challenges of Leadership

26:09 – Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership

29:03 – The Work of YWCA Harrisburg

36:34 – The Importance of Nonprofits in Community Safety

37:00 – Challenges of Funding and Budget Management

37:24 – The Role of Leadership in Nonprofit Success

38:22 – The Importance of Accountability and Transparency

39:03 – Community Support and Fundraising

39:49 – The Impact of Budget Impasses on Nonprofits

40:27 – The Value of Donating to Well-Run Nonprofits

40:48 – Taking Over Dress for Success

41:34 – Vetting Nonprofits for Financial Health

42:46 – Personal Life and Hobbies

44:47 – The Importance of Community and Support Systems

49:27 – Empathy and Leadership

53:08 – Balancing Empathy with Accountability

56:00 – Post-Pandemic Shifts in Employee Expectations

01:00:45 – The Importance of Integrity and Notice in Employment

01:08:20 – Supporting the YWCA

01:10:23 – Conclusion and Call to Action

👉 Watch now and be inspired by Mary’s incredible story of perseverance and leadership.

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💬 Comment below: What’s your biggest takeaway from Mary’s journey?

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