Even though Virginia Dodge is a business owner in the Reading area, she remains connected to the Owen J. Roberts (OJR) School District, where she lived and attended school and was the drum major for the OJR High School marching band,. "I still attend the Cavalcade of Bands every year at Owen J. Roberts High School," said Dodge, who was recently named a 2023 Berks County Take the Lead Honoree by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP).

According to http://www.gsep.org, Take the Lead recognizes woman leaders from the community who serve as positive role models for girls and promote the Girl Scout values of courage, confidence and character.

Dodge, a graduate of OJR High School and West Chester University, is president and executive producer at VA Productions Inc., which she founded 29 years ago after being laid off from another production company in the 1990s.

As part of the Take the Lead awards program, Girl Scouts of high school age are paired with an honoree whom they shadow for a day to learn about a potential career. "I (plan) to bring her back to my video production studio and give her an assignment to talk about places she would like to see in the world and then put her in front of a green screen (where she will be pictured) with the Eiffel Tower or any place she wants to be," Dodge explained. "I will have her see what it is like behind the camera and get experience with editing."

The Scouts will discuss their experiences and deliver presentations at the Take the Lead awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading.

"At the awards night, I don't get up to speak. She will speak about me and her day with me. The whole night will be driven by girls," Dodge said, noting that Girl Scouts will serve as presenters, masters of ceremonies, event hosts and members of a chorus.

Dodge, who has achieved many accomplishments throughout her career, currently serves as the production manager for the Reading Symphony Orchestra and has served as a committee or board member for organizations such as the John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Reading Musical Foundation, Leadership Berks, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Bethany Children's Home and GSEP. She also is a Lifetime Girl Scout.

She also makes jewelry and has turned this hobby into a way to raise money for charity. The proceeds from her custom-made jewelry have contributed to her "Gifts That Give Back Charitable Fund," which was administered through the Berks County Community Foundation.

One of her programs is Princess With a Purpose, which she offers at Bethany Children's Home. "It is a self-esteem program for young girls. It talks about how you picture a Disney princess, but that is not what being a princess is about, It's about helping others and having a good heart and believing in yourself," noted Dodge. "I give (the girls) a plaque and a little tiara, and we make jewelry. Seeing the faces of the young women I interact with makes my day."

For more information about the Take the Lead program and to view a list of other award winners, visit http://www.gsep.org/en/support-us/events/take-the-lead.html.