TRIBA Merit Awards

Welcome to the TRIBA Merit Awards! Join us for a night of celebration and recognition at The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island. Get ready to honor outstanding individuals in our community who have made a significant impact: Sonal Bhatia, Nancy Brown, and Red Apple Group/Foodtown. Dress to impress and be prepared for an unforgettable evening filled with music, food, and inspiring stories. Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and show appreciation for those who go above and beyond.

Sonal Bhatia: A longtime resident of Roosevelt Island, Sonal Bhatia is currently Senior Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs, Specialty Care at Pfizer. Dr. Bhatia is passionate about finding solutions for patients on a large scale in partnership with innovative science and new technology to ensure access to new medicines for patients.

Dr. Bhatia is actively involved with non-profit organizations focused on reducing healthcare disparities, access to cardiovascular health, healthy living and being a catalyst for change in women’s health. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association (AHA) and is on the Executive Leadership Board for AHA Go Red for Women.

Nancy Brown: Nancy Brown’s work on behalf of the disabled in New York City is legendary. Disabled herself since the age of 7, now 83, she is a longtime Island resident who remains active in her motorized chair with a ventilator. She has successfully advocated for public policies that educated and addressed the challenges faced by disabled persons.

She championed the FDR Hope Memorial, helping to raise funds for the Southpoint Park statue of President Roosevelt sitting in his wheelchair with another disabled young person. She has been the forever Vice President of the Roosevelt Island Association for the Disabled that provides trips, other social activities, and a food pantry that serve the disabled, the poor, and the elderly.

Red Apple Group/ Foodtown

John Catsimatidis, Jr. President/Red Apple Group

Joe Parisi President/Foodtown

Foodtown Supermarkets, converted from a Gristedes Supermarkets store on February 7, 2020, has been a vital part of the Roosevelt Island community since 1976. Over the years, the store has undergone multiple renovations to serve the community better, continually improving its offerings and facilities.

Foodtown at Roosevelt Island provides approximately 100 jobs, playing a key role in the local economy. Foodtown remains dedicated to providing quality groceries and essential services, supporting the island’s residents for nearly five decades.

Host or Publisher TRIBA (The Roosevelt Island Business Association)