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 Andrew Castellano spoke with Alexa Amato, a Content Manager at Love Social Media. Alexa talks about how she caught the eye of the agency through a standout, interactive LinkedIn application. She expressed her deep passion for the analytical side of the business as well as storytelling, viewing herself as a bridge to help clients share their narratives positively. Amato has worked on major projects, including a Times Square billboard book release and attending the "Realies", an awards event celebrating Instagram Reels. 

Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin reflects on her more than two decades in office and details what's currently happening in the Village while also laying the groundwork for what the future holds on Westchester Talk Radio, westchestertalkradio.com, the Cup of Joe Political Show with host John Marino, produced by Sharc Creative.

Westchester Magazine’s 2026 Healthcare Heroes Luncheon united an inspiring community to celebrate the extraordinary individuals whose dedication has profoundly shaped regional healthcare. Held on Thursday, May 14th, at Mulino's at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY, the event provided guests with a meaningful afternoon dedicated to honoring and connecting with this year’s honorees. Recognized for their exceptional compassion and excellence, the remarkable stories of these distinguished professionals will be featured in the upcoming May issue of Westchester Magazine.

Dr. Rafael Ortiz, the Executive Director of Neuroscience at White Plains Hospital, spoke with Bob Marrone about his dual clinical and administrative roles. As a neuroendovascular surgeon, Dr. Ortiz specializes in minimally invasive catheter procedures to treat brain aneurysms and strokes. Over the past three years, he has successfully built a comprehensive neuroscience team at the hospital, gathering experts from across the country to treat conditions like epilepsy, brain tumors, and Parkinson's disease. Dr. Ortiz revealed that his career path was personally inspired by his grandmother's experience with a neurodegenerative condition. He noted that his work is immensely rewarding because it directly impacts not just individual patients, but entire families and communities.

Westchester Magazine’s 2026 Healthcare Heroes Luncheon united an inspiring community to celebrate the extraordinary individuals whose dedication has profoundly shaped regional healthcare. Held on Thursday, May 14th, at Mulino's at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY, the event provided guests with a meaningful afternoon dedicated to honoring and connecting with this year’s honorees. Recognized for their exceptional compassion and excellence, the remarkable stories of these distinguished professionals will be featured in the upcoming May issue of Westchester Magazine.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti, a neurologist, neurocritical care specialist, and neuroendovascular surgeon with the Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, shared his professional journey with host Bob Marrone. He described the high-stakes reality of treating neurological catastrophes—such as brain hemorrhages, ruptured aneurysms, and acute ischemic strokes—both through emergency procedures and intensive care management. Dr. Al-Mufti, who began his medical career in emergency medicine with Doctors Without Borders, also serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at New York Medical College, where he oversees a broad range of medical research. Expressing deep passion for his field, he emphasized that it is an absolute privilege to care for his patients and credited his success to the collective efforts of his team at the Brain and Spine Institute.

Westchester Magazine’s 2026 Healthcare Heroes Luncheon united an inspiring community to celebrate the extraordinary individuals whose dedication has profoundly shaped regional healthcare. Held on Thursday, May 14th, at Mulino's at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY, the event provided guests with a meaningful afternoon dedicated to honoring and connecting with this year’s honorees. Recognized for their exceptional compassion and excellence, the remarkable stories of these distinguished professionals will be featured in the upcoming May issue of Westchester Magazine.

Dr. Erika Trovato, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at the Burke Rehabilitation Center, spoke with Bob Marrone about the comprehensive care her facility provides. Specializing in brain rehabilitative medicine, Dr. Trovato explained how Burke treats a wide array of vulnerable patients, including those recovering from strokes, brain injuries, and complex organ transplants. She highlighted the critical role of their recreation therapy department in utilizing a patient's personal life and interests to motivate them through the 21 hours of the day not dedicated to standard therapy. Dr. Trovato shared that her greatest focus is ensuring patients have a safe and supportive transition back into the community, while her greatest passion is standing by patients during their most vulnerable moments.

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Catniss Locati from 25 Van Zant spoke with host Joan Franzino. Catinissi shared her unique career path of solving real-world problems through fine art, including her work in medical pigment tattooing for cancer survivors. She also discussed her new venture into sustainable technology, specifically developing hydrogen-powered mini-grids for eco-friendly data centers.

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Bobbi Brown, CEO, #100 GirlsLeadingInc, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Bobbi discussed the mission of her non-profit to provide "interactive mentorship" to girls in Bridgeport. She emphasized the importance of showing young women career opportunities in diverse fields like the trades, medical science, and entrepreneurship to help them build their own legacies. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Symphony Paris, anchor Fox 61-Hartford, Hartford spoke with host Joan Franzino. Symphony was there supporting her husband, Corey Paris, State Representative & Chief Impact Officer at Person to Person. She discussed her husband’s dual commitment to legislative advocacy and grassroots social service. She highlighted his efforts to address food and housing insecurity through "Person to Person" and his legislative work regarding DCF reforms. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Julia Douglas, Community Relations Officer, Newtown Savings Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Julie explained how the bank's mutual structure allows her to focus on long-term community investments rather than shareholder returns. She discussed her work in affordable housing, financial literacy, and the importance of hiring leaders who understand the non-profit sector. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Deirdre Valinski, Director of Radiography, Sacred Heart University spoke with host Joan Franzino. Deirdre discussed moving from a decade of clinical work as an X-ray and CT technician into her role as an assistant professor and program director. She shared the challenges and rewards of balancing academia with her continued clinical practice as a Registered Radiologist Assistant.