The Westfair Business Journal’s 2026 Doctors of Distinction Awards took place on Wednesday, May 20th, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, New York. The event celebrated exceptional medical professionals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to patient care, industry innovation, and community impact. This year’s event highlights the newly unveiled "Total Wellness" initiative, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness alongside traditional clinical excellence. Nominated by readers and carefully vetted by a panel of judges, the selected honorees represent a diverse cohort of healthcare leaders—ranging from established medical pioneers to emerging voices shaping the future of medicine. The annual celebration provides a premier platform for healthcare stakeholders to connect, share insights, and forge professional collaborations aimed at advancing community well-being.

Westchester Talk radio host Joan Franzino spoke with award honoree Dr. Julia Keltz, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, residency program director, and associate professor at Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College. Dr. Keltz discussed the dynamic nature of managing multiple roles, highlighting that June is a particularly demanding month due to transitioning residency classes. She expressed her deep passion for medical education and shared insights into her recent implementation of an AI companion tool in her clinical practice to improve the efficiency of medical charting. She noted that she was nominated for the award by her colleagues. 

The Westfair Business Journal’s 2026 Doctors of Distinction Awards took place on Wednesday, May 20th, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, New York. The event celebrated exceptional medical professionals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to patient care, industry innovation, and community impact. This year’s event highlights the newly unveiled "Total Wellness" initiative, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness alongside traditional clinical excellence. Nominated by readers and carefully vetted by a panel of judges, the selected honorees represent a diverse cohort of healthcare leaders—ranging from established medical pioneers to emerging voices shaping the future of medicine. The annual celebration provides a premier platform for healthcare stakeholders to connect, share insights, and forge professional collaborations aimed at advancing community well-being.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino talked with Adam Hammerman, CFO of New York Medical College (a member of Touro University) and a long-time volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Adam shared how a poignant family trip to Israel inspired him to become an EMT. He discussed his experience serving during historic crises, including the September 11 attacks and the emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. Hammerman emphasized the core EMT philosophy of "taking your own pulse" to maintain control in stressful situations, a practice he applies to both his medical and corporate roles. He noted that he was nominated by his co-workers for his dedicated volunteer EMT work. 

The Westfair Business Journal’s 2026 Doctors of Distinction Awards took place on Wednesday, May 20th, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, New York. The event celebrated exceptional medical professionals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to patient care, industry innovation, and community impact. This year’s event highlights the newly unveiled "Total Wellness" initiative, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness alongside traditional clinical excellence. Nominated by readers and carefully vetted by a panel of judges, the selected honorees represent a diverse cohort of healthcare leaders—ranging from established medical pioneers to emerging voices shaping the future of medicine. The annual celebration provides a premier platform for healthcare stakeholders to connect, share insights, and forge professional collaborations aimed at advancing community well-being.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino spoke with Kristine Sposato, Senior Director of Occupational Health and Employee Wellness Services at White Plains Hospital. Kristine described her department's role as providing holistic, comprehensive primary care and preventative resources to the hospital’s employees. Having spent her 26-year nursing career at White Plains Hospital, she detailed her professional evolution from a night-shift ICU nurse to her current leadership position. She credited the growth of the hospital's robust employee wellness program—which features corporate partnerships that bring on-site wellness and fitness classes directly to staff—as a key reason for her recognition by Westfair.

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Ryan Hirt, the Development Director for the Access Supports for Living Foundation, where he oversees fundraising and connects individuals to critical services across 16 New York counties. Ryan’s commitment to the non-profit sector is personal; after overcoming a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a childhood baseball accident, he dedicated his career to human services. He helps fundraise for programs spanning developmental disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, and a major new $5 million campaign centered around the Institute for Suicide Prevention and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training.

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Derick Ansah, Assistant Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Tompkins Financial Advisors, a sister company to Tompkins Bank. With over a decade of experience in private wealth planning, including a background working with Morgan Stanley and UBS, Derick focuses heavily on financial, investment, and trust and estate planning. He emphasizes the upcoming great wealth transfer and his desire to help families navigate legacy planning in the Westchester market.

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Laura Lulgjuraj, a residential real estate broker with Houlihan Lawrence in White Plains. Bringing a unique background in interior design to her real estate career, Laura uses her visual expertise to help clients envision how to live in and transform a space. She emphasizes the importance of genuine, face-to-face human connection in modern real estate transactions. She hopes to eventually improve industry standards regarding agent training and client communication.

914INC 2026 Wunderkinds, featuring 

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Kevin Olivero, a passionate restaurateur who operates Rizzotto Restaurant in Thornwood, Brothers Fish & Chips in Ossining, and Maya Riviera. A graduate of the Westchester BOCES culinary arts program, Kevin originally bought a 10% stake in Rizzotto back in 2014 before buying out the previous owner after five years of mentorship. He is heavily involved in his kitchens, frequently hosting wine dinners and preparing their famous "table-side pasta", a traditional Cacho Pepe tossed inside an 80-pound wheel of Pecorino Romano cheese right in front of guests.

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Teddy Bugniazet, a Property and Casualty Insurance Broker at Marsh McLennan Agency, specializing in risk management and insurance programs for small to middle-market businesses. A Manhattanville University alumnus who grew up in Rye and now lives in Port Chester, Teddy has built a robust local network over the last three years. He enjoys the dynamic challenge of analyzing corporate risk and helping business owners navigate changing exposures.

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Melissa McMonagle, the Development and Communications Manager at the Pace Women’s Justice Center, located at the Pace University School of Law. Managing all outgoing communications, social media, press releases, and outreach, Melissa focuses on securing independent funding for the center, which provides free legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. By framing the center's mission through creative, relatable storytelling, she has substantially increased donor revenue and social media engagement. 

On May 19, 2026, 914INC. proudly celebrated its 16th annual Wunderkinds Awards with a special cocktail reception at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. This year’s event honored 26 exceptional professionals under the age of 35 who were handpicked by the magazine's editors for their standout talent, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the Westchester community. Featured in the May/June 2026 issue, these rising stars represent the future of the region's business landscape. A warm congratulations goes out to all of this year's honorees, along with a sincere thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino Hediye Mamak, the First Deputy Commissioner of the Building Department for the City of Mount Vernon. Her day-to-day role involves reviewing plans, issuing permits, and coordinating inspections for everything from renovations to ground-up constructions. Hediye has been instrumental in shifting the department from traditional paperwork to a digital, transparent online permitting system called OpenGov. She is also leading an effort with Laserfiche to digitize historical property documents dating back 100 years to assist title companies and the public.