‘REBUILDING IN THE WAKE OF A CHALLENGE:’ SERINO BRINGS AREA WOMEN TOGETHER FOR ANNUAL NETWORKING EVENT

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY –In an effort to bring local women together to help expand their personal and professional networks, Senator Serino held her Annual ‘Women’s Networking Event’ this week at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. With over 150 RSVPs for the in-person event, and even more attending virtually, this year’s networking event was the largest on record since Senator Serino launched the series in 2018. 

This year’s dynamic speakers addressed the theme, ‘Rebuilding in the Wake of a Challenge.’

“Since launching the Annual Women’s Networking Event, it’s been incredible to see the connections made and relationships that have been formed, and I am thrilled that we were once again able to bring this event to the community,” said Senator Sue Serino. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may feel a little overwhelming to look toward the future when you are just trying to get through the day, but the event’s amazing speakers reminded us all that it is these moments—the ones that challenge us the most—that show us what we are really made of. With a little inspiration and determination, and a supportive network behind us, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.”

Speakers for this year’s event included:

• Sabrina Cruz, Owner of Ultimate Auto Detailing and Senator Serino’s 2021 NYS Women of Distinction Nominee, who spoke about the personal experiences that inspired her to create her brand ‘Wake up Dress up Own your Day’ where she inspires other women to stay positive, attentive and grateful for the day ahead;
• Kelly Formoso, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Hudson Valley Chapter, who discussed her unique path to the disaster preparedness field and how natural challenges encouraged her to get involved to make change; and 
• Satara Brown, Founder of Rebuilding Our Children and Community Inc, who touched on her work in the community with children and future leaders and shared her journey of creating a non-profit at a young age.  

Sabrina Cruz, Owner of Ultimate Auto Detailing said, “What an incredible, inspiring and motivational night. The room was packed with such empowering woman that all deserve the most out of this life. I was honored to be a guest speaker. Sue Serino and her team are the definition of woman empowerment.  Don't ever forget to Wake up Dress up and Own your Day.” 

Kelly Formoso, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Hudson Valley Chapter said, “Thank you to Senator Serino for harnessing the power of the amazing women in the Hudson Valley. Energy like this was channeled into the blood drive that Senator hosted that potentially saved one hundred lives in our community. Everyone left this event feeling more empowered because of the connections made during the event. I look forward to seeing the positive impact in our community because of this event.”

Satara Brown, Founder of Rebuilding Our Children and Community Inc., said, “I am absolutely blown away by Senator Sue Serino’s Annual Women’s Networking event this year. The room was filled with over 140 amazing women and it was an honor to have had the opportunity to share my story along with two other astonishing women. Thank you to Senator Serino and her incredible team for providing this platform specifically for women. I certainly networked with outstanding women of the community who are doing great things and am grateful for the connections that were made last night.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Women’s Professional Network and Women’s Leadership Alliance of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce who sponsored the event, this event was free for the public to attend. 

Lea Bishop, President of the Women’s Professional Network said, "Throughout time, great women have shaped our communities, but they are often overlooked and rarely remembered. We all move forward when we recognize how resilient and striking the women around us are. We owe it to these hardworking women to raise our voices about their amazing accomplishments. Kudos to Senator Serino for recognizing these 3 inspiring women and all their contributions to our communities."

“The Women’s Leadership Alliance of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Sen. Serino on this event,” said Chamber President and CEO Frank Castella, Jr. “Bringing community members together and bolstering leadership opportunities for women is at the heart of our mission, and we commend the Senator for helping further these efforts.”

Those who were unable to attend the event can view a full recording by clicking here. Those interested in participating in future events should call Senator Serino’s Hyde Park Office at 845-229-0106 or email serino@nysenate.gov.

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