Local Women Work Wonders for Marginalized Communities [Westmore News]

Even as an Assemblywoman, now State Senator Shelley Mayer has made a tradition of recognizing empowering local women every March to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Women are selected as honorees based on substantial contributions they’ve made to the community. While searching for candidates, Mayer and her team give special consideration to those who have benefitted issues relevant to Westchester.

As evident from the 2019 honorees, Port Chester bears witness to several extraordinary women who are dedicated to serving minority populations. On Saturday, Mar. 23, Mayer hosted her third annual Women’s History Month Celebration at the Rye Arts Center in Rye. There, five women were esteemed for their humanitarianism, two with lives entwined with the Village of Port Chester.

As director of the Don Bosco Community Center Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, Carmen Lopez de Liñero was recognized for her caretaking of the immigrant community.

Judy Troilo, a Port Chester resident, is the executive director of the LOFT Community Center, a White Plains-based LGBT support, education and advocacy non-profit.

“It’s a great honor to be honored by somebody who I respect so much,” Troilo said. “Shelley Mayer is a great representative. She’s done a lot for the people of Westchester.”

In addition, other honorees included Jay Heritage Center Board President Suzanne Clary, Community Center of Northern Westchester Executive Director Clare Murray and American Women of African Heritage Inc. President Francine Shorts.