Serino’s ‘The Faces Of Resilience’ Networking Event

HYDE PARK – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino welcomed more than 100 women to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum’s Henry A. Wallace Visitor & Education Center on Thursday evening for her ninth Women’s Networking Event, an evening dedicated to connection, storytelling and celebrating the quiet strength women demonstrate every day.

“This night is always a highlight of my year because it proves that when women show up for one another, incredible things happen,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Karmen, Epiphanie and Britney each brought a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t limited to dramatic comebacks, but in the quiet, everyday moments that shape who we are. Their stories touched every person in the room, and I’m so grateful they were willing to stand up and share them.”

Speakers at this year’s event included:
• Karmen Smallwood, Dutchess County Assistant Commissioner for Youth Services, who shared her journey as a young single mother and how receiving a car through what is now the County’s Way to Work program changed the trajectory of her life. She reflected on the full-circle moment of now helping oversee the very programs that once helped her build a better future.

• Epiphanie Musabyemariya, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, spoke about the pain of unimaginable loss, the courage it took to leave an abusive relationship, and the faith that helped her build a new life in Dutchess County. Her story, filled with strength, grace and hope, served as a powerful reminder that resilience sometimes means starting over – not once, but many times.

• Britney Ettinger, Program Director of Bolger House at Mental Health America of Dutchess County, discussed her lived experience with addiction and recovery, and how those experiences led her to become a strong advocate for others walking similar paths. She emphasized the importance of meeting people where they are, building trust and creating spaces where individuals in recovery feel seen, supported and empowered.

Karmen Smallwood said, “What made this night so special was the sense of shared experience in the room. Resilience isn’t always loud – it’s steady and it shows up in the ways we care for others and keep going, even when it’s hard. I’m grateful for the chance to share my piece of that, and to be reminded that none of us are in this work alone.”

Epiphanie Musabyemariya said, “I was humbled and grateful to share my journey. To be in a room like that – so full of strength, compassion and hope – reminded me just how powerful community can be. We don’t all walk the same path, but we can walk beside each other.”

Britney Ettinger said, “There’s something so powerful about being in a space where vulnerability is met with understanding and strength. The response in that room reminded me why we do this work – because healing doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens in community. I left the event feeling uplifted, connected and proud to be part of a County that creates space for real conversations.

Serino launched the Women’s Networking Event while serving in the New York State Senate. Since then, more than 1,000 local women have taken part, forming new partnerships, mentorships and friendships that extend well beyond the event itself.
Those interested in future networking opportunities are encouraged to contact the Dutchess County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or CountyExec@dutchessny.gov.