East Hudson Valley News

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

The speakers for this year’s event included:

Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff at Bard College and an Army Reserve Officer, shared her techniques and strategies for overcoming personal challenges, particularly during her deployment to Afghanistan. She discussed the feeling of uncertainty and how it can prompt necessary questions for moving forward.

Samantha Brittain, Green Teen Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, spoke about her struggles with mental health and addiction. She encouraged attendees to seek help when needed and emphasized resilience in times of struggle.

CaraMia Bacchiochi, Executive Director of Hope on a Mission, Inc., recounted how her experience in a jail cell led her out of victimhood. Through her non-profit organization, she now serves 500 meals a week in the City of Poughkeepsie and remains focused on positive outcomes.

Serino hosted her first Women’s Networking Event in July 2018 while serving as a State Senator with the goal of fostering a strong, united network among women in the community. Since its inception, Serino has organized seven additional networking events, bringing together over one thousand local women.

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