Kenya Gadsden
Kenya has been dedicated to improving the lives of others throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector and through her longstanding volunteer service in Dutchess County.
After receiving her Associate’s Degree from Iona College and her BA in Behavioral Studies from Concordia College, Kenya went to work for Lifespire for three decades supporting people with intellectual disabilities. She began as a direct support worker and, through her dedication and demonstrated compassion for her clients, rose in the organization to become the Residential Program Coordinator.
In addition to serving in the not-for-profit sector, Kenya has invested in her community for years. She served on the Beacon City School Board from 2014 until 2017, where she was elected as Vice President for two years. Additionally, she served on the Fishkill Town Board from 2020 to 2021 where she advocated for increased transportation services for senior citizens and WiFi for the town recreation center. For both of these initiatives, Kenya received buy-in from the board to achieve them. Kenya also advocated for and supported historical preservation efforts, including funding the Daniel Nimham statue.
Above: Kenya with NY Governor Kathy Hochul
Kenya also jointly oversees the Open Arms Christian Ministries International Food Pantry and supports the Class in a Bag Initiative, which supplies backpacks filled with school supplies for children in the Beacon City School District. She also launched the Youth Equipped for Success program, which teaches life skills to local youth.
Above: Kenya with her family.
One of Kenya’s most important and rewarding jobs has been mother to three children, all of whom attended Beacon City schools, and proud grandmother of two. She and her husband, Bernard, love the beauty and friendliness of the Hudson Valley, where they chose to raise their family and have called home for 16 years.
Kenya will work hard every day to serve you as Dutchess County Clerk and make it easier, simpler, and faster for residents and taxpayers to receive the many services they need and deserve. Learn more about Kenya’s priorities for the county clerk’s office.
#YoucanwithKenya2024
Kenya Gadsden
Kenya has been dedicated to improving the lives of others throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector and through her longstanding volunteer service in Dutchess County.
Kenya Gadsden
Kenya has been dedicated to improving the lives of others throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector and through her longstanding volunteer service in Dutchess County.
Kenya has been dedicated to improving the lives of others throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector and through her longstanding volunteer service in Dutchess County.
Kenya Gadsden
