'Vision Beyond Challenges:' Serino Brings Local Women Together for Annual Networking Event

Poughkeepsie ... In an ongoing effort to bring local women together to help expand their personal and professional networks, this week Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino hosted her annual Women’s Networking Event at Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie. Over 150 individuals attended the event to hear from three dynamic speakers who spoke to the theme ‘Vision Beyond Challenges.’

“This event is always one of my favorite events because of the connections that are formed throughout the evening, and this year was no different,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Hearing how our extraordinary speakers used their own strength and personal experiences to overcome challenges and move forward was inspiring and it was clear that their stories made an impact on all those who attended. I always say our personal stories propel us forward, and these three women have refused to let these challenges define them and have become trailblazers in our community."

Speakers for this year’s event included:

• Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff at Bard College and an Army Reserve Officer, shared her own techniques and strategies to overcome her own personal challenges, especially when she was deployed to Afghanistan and living in a war zone. She also spoke to the feeling of uncertainty and how that feeling can cause you to ask the questions you need to move forward;
• Samantha Brittain, Green Teen Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, bravely shared her struggles with mental health and addiction. She also encouraged attendees to ask for help when you need it, even when it may not be the easiest to do, and to remain resilient in times of struggle; and 
• CaraMia Bacchiochi, Executive Director of Hope on a Mission, Inc., shared how her experience in a jail cell led to her taking herself out of victimhood. Through her non-profit, she now serves 500 meals a week in the City of Poughkeepsie and continues to stay focused on the good. 

Malia Du Mont said, “Being part of this event was moving and inspiring; I am so grateful that County Executive Serino asked me to participate. The best part was connecting with so many amazing women who all have unique stories and want to support each other. Since this was my first year, I wasn't sure what to expect, but by the end of the evening I had made lots of great connections and had a feeling of energized happiness from being part of such a wonderful group.”

CaraMia Bacchiochi said, “I was filled with gratitude and honor by the request to speak at County Executive Sue Serino's event. Challenges I have faced in my lifetime have given me a vision to help other women see beyond their challenges!”

Samantha Brittain said, "After hearing Sue Serino tell her story with such vulnerability and bravely at a conference earlier this year I felt compelled to model after her example and be brave when telling my story at her Women’s Networking Event.  I felt incredibly lucky and honored to have been chosen as one of the speakers."

Serino hosted her first ‘Women’s Networking Event’ in July 2018, while serving as a State Senator, with the goal of bringing women in the community together to help foster the development of a strong, united network. Since the event’s inception, Serino has hosted seven additional networking events and has brought together over one thousand local women together. 

Those interested in participating in future events should call the Dutchess County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or email CountyExec@dutchessny.gov.