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 Johnethia Archie, 52, a professional who balances a busy career with a variety of community volunteer positions.
This conversation, which took place through email, has been edited for length and clarity.
Good Day, Berks: Where do you live?
Johnethia Archie: Reading. I was born and raised here.
Tell us a little about your family.
My immediate family includes my parents, five sisters, one brother, and my son. Growing up in a large family has always made life interesting and lively. Each of us has different personalities, hobbies, and interests, which means there’s always something happening at home. My parents have always been supportive and encouraged us to stay close, and my siblings and I share a strong bond. Having a son adds a different dimension to our family, and he is adored by everyone. Family is very important to me, and I am grateful for the love and sense of belonging that we share.
Tell us about your work and what you like about it.
I serve as a supervisor at a leading revenue cycle management company, where I am responsible for overseeing a team and ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently. My role involves coordinating daily workflows, providing guidance and support to my colleagues, and helping resolve any challenges that arise in the process. I take pride in facilitating effective communication and promoting a positive work environment.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am actively involved in various volunteer initiatives within the local community. Currently, I am an executive officer and treasurer of the NAACP Reading, PA, and serve as secretary for the Berks Democratic Women. I previously held the position of principal of the Sunday school for the Islamic Center of Reading.
Volunteering gives me the opportunity to connect with others, make a difference, and learn from the diverse experiences of others. I find tremendous value in balancing my career with community service, as it allows me to grow both personally and professionally while giving back to those around me.
Tell us about a challenge you faced.
With the unwavering support of my family and the strength of my personal beliefs, I feel empowered to face whatever comes my way and have not met any challenges I could not handle. My parents and siblings have always been by my side, encouraging me to pursue my goals and reminding me of the value of perseverance and optimism. Their guidance and encouragement provide a strong foundation, making me confident that, together with my own determination, any goal can be achieved. This sense of belonging and belief in myself has helped me approach new situations with courage and resilience, knowing that I am capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Favorite place to eat in Berks County?
There's no place like home, especially when it comes to enjoying a homemade meal.
What book, poem, song, or artwork is meaningful to you?
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult explores the themes of racism, justice, and systemic inequality, which remain highly relevant in contemporary society.
Who in your life has had a great influence on you, and how did they influence you?
My parents imparted values and ethics that have shaped my character, teaching me from a young age the importance of honesty, kindness, and perseverance. Their guidance has influenced not only the way I approach challenges but also how I interact with others and strive to make a positive impact in my community.
Through raising my son, I have learned the importance of patience and gained an appreciation for balancing responsibility with enjoyable activities. Being a parent has taught me to adapt to new situations and to find creative ways to solve problems, all while nurturing a loving and supportive environment for him. I have also discovered the value of making time for fun and relaxation, which helps strengthen our relationship and brings joy to our family. These experiences, both as a child and as a parent, have deeply influenced who I am and how I strive to live my life with integrity, compassion, and gratitude.
This positive news for Berks County is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the United Way of Berks County, which is celebrating 100 years of service to the community. Learn more here | Become a supporter of Spotlight PA here.