The Roosevelt Island Business Alliance (TRIBA) was formed in 2023 to represent the local business community and make a positive impact for the entire Roosevelt Island Community.

Among TRIBA’s goals are:

  • Creation of a mobile app to provide directions, news updates, and other useful information for both residents and visitors to Roosevelt Island
  • -A gala to honor accomplished residents of the community
  • -Coordination with state and city leaders to extend the ground lease that almost all Roosevelt Island buildings are subject to.

TRIBA reports:

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, TRIBA will hold 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 will feature 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.

All proceeds wil go to Roosevelt Island non-profit organizations and TRIBA’s special projects that contribute to the vitality and quality of life on the Island.

Click here to purchase individual tickets (beginning at $105.00) or tables at various price points.

As reported February 2025:

… approximately $60 thousand was netted and awarded to these 17 Roosevelt Island organizations from the October 23, 2024 TRIBA Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner….

iDig2Learn was one of the recipients last year of the TRIBA Gala funds. According to IDig2Learn Founder Christina Delfico:

Here are some scenes from the TRIBA 2024 Merit Awards Dinner honoring:

  • Nancy Brown for her lifetime work on behalf of the disabled community,
  • Sonal Bhatia for her work identifying and developing cures for rare diseases and
  • Red Apple/Foodtown for its business commitment to Roosevelt Island.

Click here for more info about TRIBA and the 2025 TRIBA Merit Awards.

For disclosure purposes, I am a member of TRIBA and a Marketing Consultant.

Roosevelt Islander

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