Serenity Belo, director of resource development with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS; www.nhsmass.org), the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts, recently served as a panelist for the 5th Annual South Shore Conference for Women, which was held on October 19 at the Hotel 1620 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Belo, along with fellow panelists Karen Marinella Hall, principal of Marinella Hall Associates, and Rose Arthur, founder of McKaskie & Associates, discussed the topic, “Ignite Success: Cultivating Authentic Relationships for Lasting Impact.” Moderated by Pascale Cook-Fernandes, member of the South Shore Conference for Women Board of Directors, the panel highlighted the importance of getting “out of the bubble” to connect with new people, and how to create a different way for living and working through quality relationships. Key takeaways included exploring strategies to ignite genuine relationships, understanding the importance of humility and vulnerability, and discovering ways to nurture relationships that support collaborative opportunities for lasting success.
Belo brought to the panel a unique perspective, sharing her own personal story that demonstrated her vulnerability and emphasized the importance of having and being able to rely on your personal and professional network to help during challenging periods in life and career. The panel discussed the importance of relationship building and how effective genuine relationships can sustain women during good and challenging periods.
“I really appreciated the opportunity to talk and listen to my fellow panelists and attendees,” said Belo. “Thank you to the South Shore Conference for Women for pulling together such a thoughtful and inspiring day. The South Shore has so many talented and accomplished women leaders, and I was grateful to be part of this panel highlighing the importance of relationships.”
The mission of the South Shore Conference for Women is to create lasting experiences for women, close to home. Since 2019, the South Shore Conference for Women volunteers have created an annual sold-out event that brings together as many as 400 guests of all backgrounds. The conference features compelling local speakers and opportunities to connect with the region’s vendors and sponsors, business owners and community leaders together in one space to support and learn from one another. For more information, please visit https://sheslocal.org/south-
About NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions
NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions is the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts. NHS has more than 70 years of combined experience in the community development field and provides services to more than 20,000 households in over 75 cities and towns across the region. In addition to building and managing nearly 900 units of housing for veterans, homeless families and others in need, the agency offers a wide range of housing services, including foreclosure prevention counseling, home rehabilitation loans and grants, financial coaching and first-time homebuyer workshops. For more information, contact Serenity Belo, Resource Development Director, at 617-770-2227 x123 or sbelo@nhsmass.org, or visit: www.nhsmass.org.
