A resident of Reading has been recognized for her significant contributions to community service by the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club. Suzanne Cody, director of business development at Muhlenberg Greene Architects, was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow title and the club’s inaugural People of Action Award. This recognition highlights her commitment to supporting women and girls in need through the annual Help a Girl Out campaign in Berks and Schuylkill counties.
A Grassroots Initiative for Essential Supplies
Cody co-founded the Help a Girl Out initiative alongside Alison Pakradooni. The grassroots program aims to collect and distribute menstrual hygiene products and diapers to assist low-income women and girls. This effort addresses a vital need in the community, ensuring that essential supplies are accessible to those who may struggle to obtain them.
During the award ceremony held at the Berks YR Club in Wyomissing, Gail Landis, the public image director for Rotary District 7430, praised Cody’s leadership. “Through her outstanding leadership in establishing the Help a Girl Out initiative, Suzanne has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Berks and Schuylkill counties,” she stated. “Her ongoing efforts provide essential supplies, ensure menstrual security, and uphold the dignity of those she serves, exemplifying the values and mission of Rotary.”
Significance of the Awards
The Paul Harris Fellow designation is a tribute to individuals who align their efforts with the humanitarian objectives of Rotary. Deb Brubaker, foundation director, emphasized the importance of the People of Action Award, which is given to leaders who positively impact their communities and embody the Rotarian principle of “service above self.”
“A world of goodwill and better understanding comes closer to reality today because of the efforts of Suzanne Cody,” Brubaker remarked during the ceremony.
Mary Cook, district governor of Rotary District 7430, presented the awards to Cody, who expressed gratitude for the honor. “This honor will sustain me on the hard days, the long days, and the tired days,” Cody said. “It refills my glass, while I in turn fill the glass of others.”
With this recognition, Cody joins a distinguished group of individuals worldwide who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to “Service Above Self,” the official motto of Rotary International. Rotary Clubs are composed of proactive individuals dedicated to improving lives and fostering positive, lasting changes in their communities.
The values of Rotary extend into various core focus areas, including promoting peace, combating disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, fostering local economic growth, and protecting the environment. According to Landis, Cody’s recognition is a reflection of the impact that dedicated community leaders can have in advancing these humanitarian objectives.
