Senator Mayer Honors Judy Troilo As 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

(Albany, New York) - Senator Shelley Mayer is pleased to announce Judy Troilo (she/her) as as her nominee for the 2025 Woman of Distinction award. Troilo is recognized for her leadership in Westchester County and dedication and service to the LGBTQ+ community throughout Senate District 37 and Westchester County. Troilo was honored as a Woman of Distinction alongside 62 other women from across New York State during a ceremony in Albany. 

Troilo served as the Chief Executive Officer of the LOFT, the largest LGBTQ+ based community center and service provider for Westchester County, for over eleven years. Under her leadership, the LOFT significantly expanded free programs and services, organized pride events that attracted thousands of attendees, and led the LOFT to be recognized at the local, state, and federal levels for its achievements in community building, public health, the arts, and activism. 

The Senate Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 to honor women across New York State for their achievements and accomplishments. The honorees are women who have made enriching contributions to both their local communities and the state.

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am honored to name Judy as a NYS Senate Woman of Distinction. During the eleven years she led The LOFT – and in her activism prior – Judy has led fiercely for the good of the community and to improve the lives of so many. I am proud to have people like Judy in our community and am honored that she is my nominee for the 2025 New York State Senate’s Woman of Distinction. Thank you Judy, for all you have done and continue to do for our community.”

Judy Troilo said, “It’s an incredible honor to receive the Woman of Distinction award for my work with the LGBTQ+ community, especially from Senator Shelley Mayer, whose leadership and dedication inspire me every day.”

Troilo began her time at The LOFT as Chief Executive Officer in November 2014. During her tenure, she increased the organization’s operating budget by over 400%, allowing the LOFT to increase staff and provide over 50 free programs, services, and events – serving thousands of LGBTQ+ community members in Westchester County each year. 

Under her leadership, The LOFT hosted Westchester Pride, a celebration that welcomes over 7,000 visitors annually, as well as the Hudson Valley TransForum, the largest annual conference for Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Non-Binary Communities in the Lower Hudson Valley. 

Recently, Troilo spearheaded – and still leads –  the development of The LOFT’s new facility, which will include 40 units of affordable housing, senior, LGBTQ+ affirming housing, directly above the new center complete with an LGBTQ+ affirming medical center.

Additionally, Troilo served on Westchester County District Attorney's Hate Crimes Task Force, the advisory committee for Equality New York, The Women's Advisory Board of Westchester County, and is a Board Member for Non-Profit Westchester. 

Troilo is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts (BFA) in New York City. She is also an artist, filmmaker, musician, and activist. 

Courtesy Photo: 

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Judy Triolo, Senator Shelley Mayer

Courtesy of the New York State Senate Photography