8th Annual Sue Serino Women’s Networking Event

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – “I think what everyone wants is hope.”

These seven words, delivered by Dutchess County Executive, Sue Serino, at Wednesday’s 8th Annual Women’s Networking Event captured the essence of yet another incredibly successful evening, filled with perseverance, inspiration, bonding and empowerment. Inside of Poughkeepsie’s Locust Grove Estate, an impressive turnout of females filled the room, celebrating one another’s talents, grit and accomplishments. The event, created by Serino in 2018, and growing in size and influence ever since, is a testimony to much that the veteran politician holds close to her heart.

“Looking around the room, it is packed with powerhouse women,” Serino welcomed in excited guests. “I have said it before: When women come together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish; women do whatever they need to survive, and we don’t run and hide, but pull ourselves up, empowering others.”

Three individuals who epitomized those words were this year’s guest speakers: Malia Du Mont, Samantha Brittain, and CaraMia Bacchiochi. Each laden with special talent, unwavering motivation and determination, the trio also encountered transformative challenges, cementing their strength and overriding visions.

First to relate her journey was Du Mont, Chief of Staff and Vice President, Bard College and an Army Reserve Officer. Discussing the importance of asking oneself questions when at a crossroads, such as: “Do I have a vision or a plan?” and “What truly inspires me?” Du Mont delivered details of what she mistook as her dream job, something that ultimately led her to her true passion-life’s work.

“Self confidence is not always the key as much as those self doubts which are so important to listen to.” Said Du Mont. “Confidence comes from community; the best thing is to be able to reach out to people; don’t feel like you have to rely upon yourself entirely, and always listen to that intuition you have.”

Brittain, the next guest speaker, symbolized much of that need for community and a strong vision that Du Mont alluded to during her remarks. Now working in a role she absolutely loves for Green Teen Program Cornell Cooperative Extension, honing youth development and their education, Brittain too elaborated upon how her road to bliss was not always straight, chock-filled with an assortment of obstacles that tested her spirit. Drinking and partying at an early age, Brittain, raised in a single-parent household, led a free-spirited lifestyle void of what she deemed as any real consequences. With the help of some special people in her life, Brittain was able to get clean from painkillers, extricate an abusive relationship and discover her life’s purpose.

“I started working at Green Teen when I was 16 years old, and I later realized what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” recalled Brittain.” When I was in the dirt, working with teenagers, I was actually happy.”

After defeating some lingering demons, Brittain was able to return to that Green Teen “dream job,” and in January of 2022, secured her present full-time position.

“If it wasn’t for challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” reflected Brittain, who thanked her mother, who was on hand, for always being there and providing for her. “It can be incredibly hard to ask for help, but people who love you want to be a part of your success story.”

Rounding out the event speakers was another one of those success stories, guided by that critical need to lean on others in times of need. Bacchiochi, Founder of Hope on a Mission, Inc., aimed at helping and bringing comfort to women who are caught in the same cycle of homelessness, abuse and addiction she once was, was the final speaker. After reading the book, A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, while an in-patient at an addiction treatment center, Bacchiochi unveiled her life’s mission, never looking back.

“The challenge was always me,” affirmed Bacchiochi about her journey and recognition of purpose. “When I was in jail 11 years ago and had to finally really face myself, I surrendered and it’s been working out really, really well.” She added, “You need to have confidence in your vision; we now serve 500 meals a week, and the very coolest part is God provides it all.”

Serino, along with so many others in the room, left the event different from when they entered it, a large reason behind her continued belief and need for its annual occurrence.

“Since 2018, the women who attend this event have proven to be an inspiration to me, and it is your stories and experiences that you share that make this event so special,” said Serino. “I hope you all leave here tonight and feel that type of empowerment.”