Locust Grove hosts annual women’s networking event

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and other community members hosted the annual women’s networking event at The Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday, July 17.

“One of the best parts of running for office is getting the chance to meet women who are on the ground making a difference in our community,” Sue Serino said in her opening remarks.

The first women’s networking event was launched in 2018, and it now hosts over 1,000 local women. This event aims to bring local women together to develop a strong and united source of professional networks.

“I came here for the first time last year, and it was so motivational that it inspired me to start working again since Covid,” said Rita Longo, a retired veteran and professor.

Speakers for this year’s event were Malia Du Mont, Samantha Brittain, and CaraMia Bacchiochi, who all shared parts of their struggles. Du Mont is a Chief of Staff at Bard College and an Army Reserve Officer who “found happiness” while deployed to Afghanistan. Brittain, a Green Teen program manager at Cornell Cooperative, shared her struggles with mental health and addiction. Lastly, Bacchiochi, executive director of Hope on a Mission, talked about her addictions and homelessness, which led her to create her non-profit, which now serves 500 meals a week in Poughkeepsie.

“I hope that tonight all of you feel that sense of empowerment and support from the other women here, and I hope you feel empowered to tackle the challenges you are facing,” Serino said.

The guest speakers were asked to stay on the “Vision Beyond Challenges” theme, sharing how they have grown and overcome different obstacles. The Women’s Networking Event not only gives women a chance to connect with one another and to grow professionally, but it also allows women to relate and make personal connections.

“Always remember that one door opens when another door closes, but it is up to us to find another one to open,” said Serino, “In the face of adversity, women don’t get to run and hide.”