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.

 ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and hit the 🔔 bell so you never miss an episode!

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

 #LeadershipBackstage #MaryQuinn #NonprofitLeadership #YWCAHarrisburg #LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact #Resilience #LeadershipPodcast #WomenInLeadership #SocialImpact