Sue Serino’s ‘The Lives We Touch’ Networking Event Brings Together Nearly 200 Women from Across Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino welcomed nearly 200 attendees to Locust Grove Thursday evening for her tenth Women’s Networking Event, for an evening of connection, inspiration and celebration of the strength that builds when women show up for one another.

“Every year I look forward to this event because when women come together, we don’t just empower one another – we witness the incredible strength and resilience that exists in every corner of our community,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “I am so grateful to Renee, Micah, and Fallon for courageously sharing their stories. They reminded us that the lives we touch, whether through service, compassion, or simply believing in someone, can leave a lasting mark.”

This year’s theme, “The Lives We Touch,” showcased three dynamic speakers including:

• Renee Fillette-Miccio, PhD, Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach, shared her journey from being involved with the Grace Smith House helping domestic violence victims to her current role helping others find food security with Dutchess Outreach. She shared moving stories of those she’s met and helped along the way and how, even when they are going through their own struggles, individuals find the strength to help others.
• Micah Smith, President and Founder of Micah Abigail LLC, shared her story of faith and surrender in finding her sobriety and finding her purpose in helping others build their credit and find financial freedom. She emphasized that sometimes, the things that try to break you can be the same thing that becomes the foundation you build your life on.
• Fallon Meneses, Emergency Room Technician at Vassar Bothers Medical Center and rare disease awareness advocate, shared her journey of meeting life’s challenges with resilience, transforming her view of hardship into one of compassion, hope and courage. She emphasized that even small gestures such as showing up, listening and advocating for what you believe in can profoundly change someone’s life.

Renee Fillette-Miccio, PhD said, “What made tonight so memorable is that while we all come from different backgrounds, we’re united in a shared belief in the power of connection. There’s something so special when we come together, to listen and lend a helping hand and tonight showcased just that. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak and thank County Executive Serino for hosting an event that continues to foster this environment.”

Micah Smith said, “Silence is expensive; I know, I paid it twice - once through addiction and once through financial shame I wouldn't acknowledge to anyone. What breaks that silence isn’t advice, but someone standing up and sharing their similar experience and how they got through it. Last night was a room full of women gathered to be themselves; you could feel the weight of expectations lift. I walked out reminded that connection doesn’t happen through a screen, it happens when we show up for each other.”

Fallon Meneses said, “I was humbled and grateful to be part of this event. I meet a lot of people every day, and you never know what will resonate or give someone the hope they need to keep moving forward. I was so inspired by my fellow speakers' stories and thank County Executive Serino for bringing us all together to share our inspiration, our motivation and our purpose.”

Event attendees had the opportunity to learn about various Dutchess County Government resources available to them at information tables hosted by various County agencies including Dutchess County Public Transit, Department of Health, Veterans Affairs and Office for the Aging.

Serino launched the Women’s Networking Event during her time in the New York State Senate and has since welcomed thousands of local women to come together to support one another and make new connections that extend well beyond the event.

To learn more about the speakers, watch the event online.

To learn more about future networking events, contact the Dutchess County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or CountyExec@dutchessny.gov.