This article originally appeared in Good Day, Berks — Spotlight PA’s free daily newsletter for Berks County and your daily dose of Berks County essentials. Sign up here.
This week’s Community Spotlight honoree is Christine Kreisher, 55, executive director of the Emerging Entrepreneurs Leadership Academy, a Berks County summer educational program for high school students working toward owning their own businesses.
This conversation, which took place through email, has been edited for length and clarity.
Good Day, Berks: Where do you live?
Christine Kreisher: Fleetwood
Tell us a little about your family.
I absolutely love my family. I’ve been married to my husband and best friend, Jim, for nearly 32 years and together we’ve raised three incredible sons. Our family has grown to include their brilliant and beautiful significant others, along with four grandchildren. I call them my “Bellababies,” and they are truly the light of my life. Family is at the heart of everything I do.
Tell us about your work and what you like about it.
I’m the executive director of the Emerging Entrepreneurs Leadership Academy (EELA) and the founder of Irresistible Teams, where I coach leaders and organizations on building healthy, high-performing cultures. I’ve also owned the Bagel Bar Cafe in Kutztown for over 30 years and am thrilled that our youngest son, Jimmy, is the manager there.
What I love most about my work is helping people see what’s possible in themselves and having the privilege of walking beside them as they step into it. Through EELA, I get to work with high school students and young adults, connecting them to real-world business experiences, mentors, and opportunities that build confidence and direction. I also get to lock arms with an incredible team of volunteers who pour their time, wisdom, and hearts into these students. There’s something powerful about watching a community come together to invest in the next generation.
Seeing a student walk into our six-week summer program unsure of who they are or what they’re capable of, and then just weeks later having them stand in front of a panel of investors presenting a business idea with clarity and confidence, is amazing. It’s emotional every time. This is, without a doubt, the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.
Tell us about a challenge you faced.
Growing up as the oldest of three sisters in a home impacted by addiction and instability, I learned early on how to be resilient. My childhood and teenage years were challenging and I often lacked clear direction and support, but those experiences shaped my strength, perspective, and drive. I learned to be adaptable and quickly learned the power of the right support system.
Favorite place to eat in Berks County?
That’s a tough one as a foodie and coffee lover. I love variety and especially love supporting local small businesses, so it’s hard to choose just one. Of course, the Bagel Bar Cafe is close to my heart. My son Jimmy has created a culture there that’s better than it’s ever been. It’s not just about great food and drinks. Our team genuinely cares about making your day.
Where would you take a visitor to in Berks and why?
I would start in Kutztown by grabbing a monthly drink special at the Bagel Bar Cafe, then head over to West Reading to explore the shops and restaurants. We’d finish at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. To me, that would be the perfect blend of local culture, art and entrepreneurship — all the things I love most about Berks County.
What book, poem, song, or artwork is meaningful to you?
I’m drawn to anything that speaks to growth and potential. Recently, I’ve been influenced by Richard Rohr’s book, Falling Upward, which challenged me to see growth through a new lens. At the same time, Carol Dweck’s writing on growth versus [a] fixed mindset in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success continues to resonate.
Who in your life has had a great influence on you, and how did they influence you?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from so many mentors and leaders over the years, including my sons, who continue to teach and inspire me. I think, though, that my father had the greatest influence on my life. He instilled in me a deep love for all people. He was an entrepreneur, incredibly brave and carried a positive outlook even while battling pancreatic cancer for 18 months. He encouraged me to take risks, pursue my passions and invest in others — values that continue to guide everything I do today.
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