Our Sponsors
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, TRIBA held its 2nd Annual Merit Awards at The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island, honoring outstanding individuals in our community who have made a significant impact: Dr. Nina Tandon, Judy Berdy, and Leitner-Poma of America. The evening featured an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a sit-down dinner, and inspiring stories about our honorees:
Dr. Nina Tandon: is the CEO and Co-Founder of EpiBone, Inc., a groundbreaking biotech company revolutionizing skeletal reconstruction with AI-designed, 3D-fabricated living bone and cartilage. A 2001 graduate of Cooper Union with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, she also holds a Ph.D. and postdoc in tissue engineering and stem cells from Columbia University, as well as an Executive MBA in healthcare entrepreneurship.
With over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Tandon’s visionary leadership is driving innovation in regenerative medicine, redefining personalized care, and shaping the future of skeletal health.
Judy Berdy: has been the President of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) since 1999 and a pillar of historical preservation on the Island. Judy served as Historical Consultant with Becker & Becker architects for the Octagon restoration Project 1997-2006, and set-up the RIHS office in Octagon, along with archives and collection of artifacts.
In addition, Judy has served on Community Board 8 and the Coler Community Advisory Board. She gives tours and lectures on the history of Roosevelt Island, and has actively worked with local politicians and the MTA on projects that improve life on Roosevelt Island.
Leitner-Poma of America
Darren McCarthy – On-Site Manager of Tram Operations
Mike Manley – Director of Sales
Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) has been instrumental in designing, upgrading, operating and maintaining the iconic Roosevelt Island Tramway—one of only two commuter aerial trams in North America. The company brings decades of global expertise to innovative cable transport solutions that connect people and communities.
While the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) owns and manages the system, LPOA was responsible for the design-build and fabrication of the system’s modernization in 2010 and has been operating and maintaining the tram for the last 15 years.
To see all photos from the 2025 event, click here
To see all photos from the 2024 event, click here
Videos from the 2025 event:
Nina Tandon Merit Award Presentation
Judy Berdy Merit Award Presentation
Leitner-Poma of America Award Presentation