Berks County community leaders working to address workforce housing challenges were honored during a ceremony Friday.
Neighborhood Housing Service of Greater Berks and Tec Centro Berks hosted the second annual Luminary Awards at Tec Centro.
The event brought together local leaders, financial institutions and community advocates to celebrate those driving meaningful change in the area of workforce housing. Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, who won Super Bowl XVII, served as keynote speaker.
During the event, four leaders were recognized for their contributions to Berks:
• John Weidenhammer, CEO and founder of Weidenhammer Systems Corp., Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Dr. Khalid Mumin, Reading School District superintendent, Visonary Award.
• Rick Perez, Olivet Boys & Girls Club CEO, Community Impact Award.
• Rosa Julia Parra, Palo Magazine CEO, Community Catalyst Award.
The event also recognized significant investments that have been made to support affordable housing across the county:
• Customers Bank, $3.25 million.
• Ephrata National Bank, $3 million.
• M&T Bank, $2 million.
• Reading, $1.2 million.
• Community Workforce Fund, $500,000.
• Berks County, $300,000.