Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) has announced its 2026 Take the Lead Berks County honorees – four female leaders who exemplify the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
This year’s honorees are leaders in both their professional industries and communities, serving as positive role models for Girl Scouts in Berks County through their careers and dedication to local causes they support. The honorees will be recognized at a special Girl Scout-led event at Redner’s Event Center on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
2026 Take the Lead Berks County Honorees
Meggan Hannigan, Associate Vice President of Development Advancement, Alvernia University: As a dedicated and experienced leader within fundraising, Meggan is committed to building local relationships through a focus on community engagement and economic leadership. Through her leadership of the Alvernia University Women’s Council and her involvement with Women2Women, Power of the Purpose, and serving as a mentor for women of all ages, Meggan works to meet the demand for women’s advocacy within the region and inspires women to set goals and to pursue leadership roles that make an impact.
Radha Pyati, PhD, Chancellor & Dean, Penn State University: Serving as the Chancellor and Dean of Penn State Berks, Radha is responsible for supervising all aspects of college administration, including academic programs, student affairs, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more. As the first female Chancellor of Penn State Berks since 2011, Radha is focused on creating equal opportunities for female students and faculty. She has contributed to women’s leadership programs throughout her career, guided students and early-career faculty in building strong academic pathways, and championed professional development for women in the community.
Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs & Initiatives, Berks County Community Foundation: Through her involvement at Berks County Community Foundation, Monica oversees the organization’s grantmaking and spearheads major initiatives that improve the quality of life for Berks County residents in the following areas: Arts & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Health & Human Services, and Energy & Environment. As an influential leader, Monica’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to social justice and her deep-rooted connection to Berks County, allowing her to serve and strengthen the community she calls home.
Karen Wang, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, Berks Community Health Center: As Chief Medical Officer of the Berks Community Health Center, Dr. Wang is a well-respected medical professional dedicated to caring for and advocating for the health of underserved populations in the region. As a pediatrician, she has championed innovative programs like Centering Parenting and Reach Out and Read.
“Through their vision, resilience, and commitment to excellence and lifting others in the community, our 2026 Take the Lead Berks County honorees truly exemplify Girl Scout values,” said Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer of GSEP. “We are thrilled to honor these women and celebrate both their individual accomplishments and the impact they have in strengthening our community. We look forward to Girl Scouts from Berks County learning firsthand from these women what it takes to lead a life of purpose.”
Beyond serving as an opportunity to acknowledge women leaders in the region, Take the Lead is also a unique leadership opportunity for Girl Scouts. As part of the program, high school-aged Girl Scouts are paired with each honoree to shadow them for a day to gain impactful career and leadership insights, as well as receive guidance on building their own professional networks. The girls, who are selected through a competitive application and interview process, then creatively reflect on the experience and deliver presentations at the Take the Lead event. The program provides unparalleled public speaking, creative writing, and relationship management opportunities. In addition, Girl Scouts will serve as presenters, emcees, event hosts, social media influencers, and chorus members – because GSEP’s signature fundraising event, Take the Lead, is truly an event for girls, by girls.
Take the Lead Berks County is co-chaired by past Take the Lead Honoree, Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., President of Alvernia University and Natalie Ruppert (Auman), Process Engineering Manager at East Penn Manufacturing Co.
“Each year, our Take the Lead Berks County event raises critical funds for Girl Scouting in Eastern Pennsylvania. We are grateful to our co-chairs and committee members whose tireless efforts help continue the success of this program and ensures that every girl has access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Fraites-Dow.
This year, guests are welcome to enjoy a reception including Girl Scout-led activities followed by an inspiring program celebrating outstanding leaders and girls who are making a difference in our community.
For more information about Take the Lead sponsorships and tickets, visit www.gsep.org/takethelead or call 267-332-5483.
