Suzanne Cody, a resident of Reading, has been recognized as the latest recipient of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award. She is also the inaugural recipient of the club’s People of Action Award. Cody received these honors for her significant contributions to the annual Help a Girl Out campaign, which has positively impacted women and girls in Berks and Schuylkill counties.
Cody serves as the director of business development at Muhlenberg Greene Architects in Wyomissing. She co-founded the Help a Girl Out initiative with Alison Pakradooni, a grassroots effort dedicated to collecting and distributing menstrual hygiene products and diapers for low-income women and girls.
Recognition for Community Leadership
Gail Landis, public image director for Rotary District 7430, praised Cody’s leadership, stating, “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.” Landis highlighted that Cody’s efforts to provide essential supplies and ensure menstrual security reflect the core values and mission of Rotary.
The Paul Harris Fellow award is an honor bestowed upon individuals who align their efforts with the humanitarian goals of Rotary. Deb Brubaker, foundation director for the Rotary Club, emphasized that the People of Action Award is given to leaders who have made a tangible difference in their communities, exemplifying the Rotarian value 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.
Mary Cook, district governor for Rotary District 7430, presented the awards to Cody during a ceremony at the Berks YR Club in Wyomissing. In her acceptance speech, Cody expressed gratitude to club members for their support and the work they do in the community. “This honor will sustain me on the hard days, the long days, and the tired days,” she said. “It refills my glass, while I in turn fill the glass of others.”
Impact of Rotary’s Humanitarian Goals
With the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellowship, Cody joins a distinguished network of individuals recognized globally for their commitment to the motto “Service Above Self,” which is central to Rotary International. According to Landis, Rotary Clubs consist of “people of action who strive to improve lives and create positive, enduring changes in communities around the globe.”
Rotary’s focus areas encompass promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, fostering local economic growth, and protecting the environment. Landis concluded by stating that the recognition of Suzanne Cody aligns with these humanitarian objectives and underscores the significant impact of dedicated community leaders.
Cody’s achievements through the Help a Girl Out initiative exemplify how grassroots efforts can create meaningful change, reflecting the spirit of Rotary’s mission to empower individuals and communities alike.
