Victoria Bruno
Business Development Manager
KINGS Capital Construction
If you want a job done right, do it yourself. If you want a job done right, effectively, and fast, ask Victoria Bruno. Bruno is a trailblazing leader known for her strategic vision and collaborative approach at KINGS Capital Construction, constantly ushering in new waves of advancement for the company. She has successfully implemented innovative marketing and sales strategies, including a targeted digital campaign that boosted lead generation and revenue growth. Her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry peers has been instrumental in driving business success, exemplified by her role as trustee and vice chair of the Commercial Builders Council for the Building & Realty Institute (BRI), where she has facilitated numerous networking events.
Bruno’s commitment to effective communication is evident in her initiatives to revamp KINGS’ website and enhance its social media presence, leading to increased online engagement and improved client satisfaction. She has also introduced a sustainability initiative that reduced operational costs and positioned KINGS as a leader in responsible construction practices.
Bruno actively contributes to community and industry organizations. As vice chair of BRI’s Welcome Home Westchester Campaign, she addresses housing issues while serving on BRI’s Women in Construction Committee and as co-chair for the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative. Her mentorship of emerging female leaders fosters a more inclusive environment in a traditionally male-dominated industry. “Sharing the the knowledge and experience I’ve gained with other women in this business is incredibly important to me,” says Bruno. “It’s about empowering the next generation to thrive in their own careers while building a stronger community together.”
Recognized as the 2023 Millennial of the Year by Westfair Business Journal and a 2020 Business Council of Westchester 40 Under 40 Rising Star, Bruno exemplifies excellence and dedication. Her leadership inspires others to embrace innovation, advocate for diversity, and pursue their full potential regardless of the industry they’re in. —CC
Farida Lynch
Owner
Farida Studio
Farida Lynch wants everyone to feel confident and proud in their own skin — even if they don’t believe they can. The visionary leader and founder of Farida Studio, Lynch’s 23 years of extensive experience as a skincare educator and senior esthetician began as a teacher at a beauty school in India, where she empowered countless young women. After relocating to New York in 2011, she rose to head of the esthetics department at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Her commitment to mentorship and training has built a loyal following among clients and team members alike.
When Red Door closed in 2020, Lynch used family capital to finance her venture, maintaining ownership without outside investors. Starting with one treatment room in a shared workspace, she responded to growing demand by expanding her team and services, which now include facials, hair removal, lash and brow treatments, and massage.
Within two years, Farida Studio grew from one to six treatment rooms and from one employee to a dedicated team of 15 women. In March 2023, she opened a beautifully designed 4,500-square-foot facility at 120 Bloomingdale Road, adding advanced treatments such as laser hair removal, laser skin treatments, and body contouring–and earning Best of Westchesters in 2023 and 2024 in the process. The company has experienced remarkable revenue growth, achieving $1.2 million in 2023 and projected to reach $2 million in 2024. “To me, being small business means following your passion, working 24/7, and loving it,” says Lynch.
Lynch uses her platform to raise awareness for breast cancer, donating more than $25,000 to research initiatives and contributing to local nonprofits. Farida Studio embodies her vision of being “a small company with a big heart,” prioritizing exceptional customer service and community devotion. —CC
Marissa Madonia
Business Development Executive
Corporate Audio Visual Services
At any given moment, anywhere in the county, you can find Marissa Madonia bringing people together. Madonia is a dynamic leader in the audiovisual industry, recognized for her creativity, positive disposition, and community impact. As a senior development manager at Corporate AV, Madonia spearheads business development efforts, contributing significantly to sales and revenue goals. Her exceptional networking skills and detail-oriented approach ensure that her team delivers top-notch audiovisual production for events, from galas to town halls. Madonia is also a founding member of the Cultural Task Force at Corporate AV, focusing on building an inclusive and vibrant workplace culture that attracts top talent.
Don’t try to tell Madonia she can’t — she’s already proven she can do it with her eyes closed. With achievements such as a New York Emmy Award nomination as a producer for Feeding Westchester’s: Westchester Strong Text-a-thon during the pandemic, as well as a successful childhood career as an actress touring globally with Annie, there is no option not to be remarkable. Madonia’s ability to connect with diverse audiences stems from her unique educational journey, which involved nontraditional learning experiences while traveling with a tutor.
A dedicated mentor and panelist, she supports emerging leaders through various initiatives, including sitting on the Rising Stars Leadership Committee for the Business Council of Westchester. Madonia’s commitment to collaboration and change-making, paired with her artistic integrity and professionalism, make her a formidable force. —CC
Tara Di Luca
Owner
Viper Sports Managment LLC
Tara Di Luca is still brushing the glass off her shoulder for shattering her share of ceilings. As an NFL agent and NFLPA certified contract adviser, Di Luca is making her mark as one of the few female representatives in this competitive, historically male-dominated field. As a Partner at Schiavetti, Corgan, DiEdwards, Weinberg & Nicholson, LLP, in Westchester, she specializes in medical malpractice defense while also running her own company, Viper Sports Management LLC. In 2023, Di Luca combined her expertise with the International Sports Agency to further enhance her representation of NFL players and collegiate athletes, focusing on Name, Image, and Likeness contracts.
A graduate of Fordham University, Di Luca was fascinated by her political science and communication classes, while also breaking records as a member of the NCAA Division 1 Track & Field team. She later earned her law degree from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and completed a certification in global sports management at New York University. Di Luca’s diverse skill set extends beyond law; she is a certified personal trainer (NASM) and specializes in training athletes, professionals, and children and adolescents with special needs. A current Master’s athlete with USA Track & Field, she recently won a national title in 60-meter hurdles.
Di Luca’s day from start to finish centers on service to her clients, offering personalized support in navigating life on and off the field. She empowers athletes to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their bodies, minds, and futures. “My goal is for my players to feel comfortable enough to come to me with any concerns or issues so we can address it and get ahead of it,” Di Luca says. “My players know I do not sugarcoat. We are a team.” Di Luca aspires to continue to represent and advocate for her clients in the courtroom and her players on the field. Through her writing, mentorship at Fordham, and media appearances, Di Luca remains an influence at the intersection of sports and law while inspiring the next generation of athletes, brokers, and women to succeed in place that worked so hard to keep them out. —CC
Barb Vinciguerra
Owner
Fit House New York
Barb Vinciguerra, owner of Fit House New York, is a force in the fitness world with more than 30 years of industry experience and two decades as a university-level exercise science professor. Her journey began as an NCAA Division 1 Field Hockey player and co-captain of a nationally ranked team; she earned the title of Senior Female Athlete of the Year at Springfield College, where she also obtained a master’s degree in sports psychology.
Vinciguerra’s expertise extends beyond academia, having worked with a range of athletes, including the 1996 USA Women’s Olympic Field Hockey team. She also has an intense sense of commitment to her current community in Ardsley.
As the leader of Fit House New York, she oversees a team of five coaches, guiding hundreds of clients in Westchester County. During COVID, she expanded her reach nationwide through a robust live program. Her efforts have helped thousands of women embrace healthier lifestyles, creating a supportive network beyond the gym.
Vinciguerra’s resilience is further highlighted by her battle with breast cancer. Even during treatment, she continued to lead classes, inspiring others with her strength in survivorship and determination. Through Fit House New York, she has also raised thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, making her a pillar of strength and leadership in Westchester. —FK
Tahirah Foxton, MBA
Co-Owner
Jungle Restaurant
Tahirah Foxton, MBA, is a dedicated entrepreneur, mother, and wife who co-founded Jungle Restaurant with her husband, Duran. What began as a small kitchen operation grew into a beloved local establishment, thanks to Foxton’s strategic use of her skills in marketing and business development. The restaurant now offers private events and catering services, and has become a cornerstone of the Fleetwood and Mount Vernon communities.
Beyond her business resume, Foxton is deeply committed to giving back. She hosts charitable events around Thanksgiving and Christmas at Jungle to support those in need. These efforts have earned the endorsement of local politicians, including the mayor of Mount Vernon — an achievement she touts with community pride.
Foxton’s ability to connect with her customers and her dedication to supporting local businesses have made her a respected figure in the community. She’s also an inspiration to many young locals, whom she mentors and advises on entrepreneurship and business success. Under her guidance, many teens and young adults have pursued their entrepreneurial dreams and gone on to build successful businesses. And through it all, she still finds time gracefully balance her children’s busy schedules with her own. —FK
Jiyon Chung, M.D.
Associate Medical Director, Patient Care Coordination and Management
White Plains Hospital
Dr. Jiyon Chung is a champion for the people, leading efforts to streamline the patient experience from admission to discharge at White Plains Hospital (WPH).
Her work ensures that every patient receives the right care at the right time, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. Under Chung’s leadership, the hospital has achieved remarkable results, including a 35% reduction in average length of stay between 2021 and 2023, which has led to lower health care costs, improved patient outcomes, and a significant decline in hospital-acquired infections.
Chung helps optimize the hospital’s resources, ensuring diagnostic procedures are prioritized for the most critical cases. Her collaborative approach extends to working closely with external partners, such as rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes, to enhance communication and streamline patient transitions. Her compassion and emotional intelligence are evident in her hands-on leadership style, which has fostered a culture of shared understanding among staff.
A dedicated wife and mother, Chung inspires her colleagues by balancing a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. She also participates in community education, helping families understand post-hospital care. Dr. Chung’s pivotal work has earned the Patient Safety Excellence Award and the Outstanding Patient Experience Award and recognition for WPH as a CMS 5-Star Hospital. —FK
Sharon Matthie
Court Attorney Referee, Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator
Westchester’s 9th Judicial District
Sharon Matthie has been a dedicated public servant in Westchester County since 2007, with a career that includes roles in the Westchester Family Court and as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) coordinator for the 9th Judicial District. In her current position, Matthie has advanced the use of mediation across Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. Under her leadership, the 9th Judicial District has become a model for mediation in New York State, helping to resolve court cases more efficiently and often at a lower cost than traditional trials.
Matthie’s commitment to justice and mentorship is evident through her many accolades, including the Finer Womanhood Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 2019 and the Westchester County Bar Association’s Mentor Award in 2023. As president of the Westchester Black Bar Association from 2018 to 2022, she was the youngest ever in that position, and instrumental in facilitating mediation training for members during the pandemic.
Matthie stays deeply involved in initiatives that promote diversity and education in the legal field. As co-chair of the Diversity Pipeline Initiative with the New York State Judicial Institute, she helps underrepresented high school seniors explore careers in law. Matthie’s influence extends to her work on the nominating committee and the board of the Westchester County Bar Association, where she champions balanced leadership and community-focused programs.
Matthie’s dedication to mentoring is transformative; whether she’s guiding a secretary to law school or mentoring a high school intern who is now a prosecutor. Her passion for empowering others, especially young women of color, makes her a sought-after speaker while her energy and commitment to her community make her an inspiring leader and a role model for many. —FK
Sara Meyers, Esq.
Partner
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
Sara Meyers has been a pivotal force in elder law since joining Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, as the firm’s first associate in 2007. Rising to partner in 2014, Meyers has been a large part of the firm’s expansion, now staffing three partners, four associates, and four paralegals.
As one of fewer than 40 New York State attorneys to hold the prestigious Certified Elder Law Attorney designation, Meyers has shown unparalleled expertise in guardianship litigation, protecting vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation in outcomes that include the removal of a long-serving guardian and the recovery of more than $1 million misappropriated by a fiduciary.
Meyers also helps her clients secure Medicaid eligibility to safeguard their assets from the high costs of longterm care. Her dedication to education is evident in her frequent speaking engagements and published works on elder-law topics, contributing to the firm’s reputation as a leader in the field. Recognized annually by New York Metro Super Lawyers, Meyers’ impact extends well beyond her firm.
Balancing her career with raising three daughters, Meyers is a role model for younger women attorneys. She instituted “Friday Lunch and Learns” at her firm and she mentors new attorneys in guardianship matters through the Westchester County Bar Association. Her commitment to philanthropy is reflected in her roles with the Alzheimer’s Association, UJA: Westchester Business & Professional Division, and AMIT Children. Meyers is not only a leader in her field but also a dedicated community advocate, making her a truly inspiring figure in Westchester County and beyond. —FK
Jackie David (Freund)
Founder and Director
Academy of Skin and Beauty
With a passion for skincare and for teaching others, Jackie David had a vision to advance esthetics education while using the newest procedures, technologies and equipment. In 2022, she founded the Academy of Skin and Beauty, a New York State licensed trade school in White Plains, and saw enrollment triple in 2023; more than 75 students have completed the 600-hour New York State licensure course. As a licensed esthetician and certified cosmetics professional who also holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications, David entered the industry in 2008 after a career in television sales and marketing, when she launched Jackie David Skin Care in New York City. Opening a school in Westchester allowed the Rye Brook-based entrepreneur to share expertise and guidance in the field she has always loved. Her team of educators also helps industry veterans complete advanced coursework in disciplines like oncology skin care and permanent makeup.
“It is an industry that has really grown,” says David. “Especially with social media, seeing all the beauty trends — it’s not always about looks, we are always trying to make ourselves feel better and it starts with having good skin, so it is important to teach how to take care of it.” —JJ
Jennifer Fields-Tawil
Owner
Lean on Me Westchester Doula LLC
Jennifer Fields-Tawil will never forget the comfort and relief she felt thanks to a doula’s care more than 20 years ago, following the birth of her son. After a career in public policy, she decided to switch gears and become certified as a postpartum doula herself, and now runs a thriving service that supports local families. Fields-Tawil says her specialty is daytime support — she shows up to provide support and instill confidence during this important period. “I am a good listener,” Fields-Tawil says. “I don’t really offer advice unless my clients ask; I really want them to be empowered as new parents.”
She remembers feeling clueless and exhausted as a brand new mother and says having a doula helped melt away a lot of anxiety and discomfort. “It was a giant exhale,” she recalls. “She even made me a quiche.” After training to become certified, including in CPR and first aid, Fields-Tawil wanted to offer that same assistance to moms and dads through her small business, which she has built and marketed herself. “I feel like I am making a difference, and I will be happy if they can look back and say it was hard, but it was less hard because we had Jennifer.” —JJ
Katharine DeCicco
Owner and Operator
Walter’s Hot Dogs
Thanks to Katharine DeCicco, Walter’s Hot Dogs, the Westchester County institution with roots in Mamaroneck, has maintained its storied legacy while reaching new heights as a business. A fourth-generation member of the family-owned business, which she calls “a magical, memorable place that everyone loves,” DeCicco is fully devoted to the 105-year old brand. She has spearheaded initiatives that include launching Walter’s food trucks, creating a shipping division for Walter’s products nationwide, and growing a retail division that oversees relationships with 40 grocery stores — while cultivating a social media presence to reach new customers. The beloved hot dog is a mix of beef, pork, and veal, split down the middle, grilled in a “secret sauce,” and served on a toasted bun. Carrying on the legacy is what motivates DeCicco. “Some people are driven by money, or by fame or by success, and for me it’s the in-between that keeps me motivated — the day-to-day logistics, the grind, and the path to get to success and growth,” says DeCicco.
“There is nothing better than stepping out of the office, walking outside, and meeting a customer who says they are here with three generations of their family, have been coming to Walter’s for over 60 years, and knew our grandfather, Gene.” —JJ
Nicole M. Lucas, RN
Vice President of Patient Care Services & Women’s Health and Perinatal Services
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital & Westchester Medical Center
Guided by a belief in the highest standards of family-centered care for all children, Nicole Lucas has devoted her 30-year career to advocating for patients, parents, and family members. As vice president of patient care services at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and for women’s health and perinatal at Westchester Medical Center, Lucas relies on her longtime clinical expertise in pediatrics, pediatric intensive care and perioperative and emergency services — along with her many nursing leadership positions — to empower her to transform health care teams and shape systems toward compassionate-care models. She also serves on the hospital’s advisory board and Family Council Committee.
“It’s the golden rule: family-centered care and promoting healing and wellness for all the children we serve,” says Lucas. What drives her, she adds, is “understanding workflows as they are intended and designed, as a staff nurse and even as a patient; understanding what families go through, never losing sight of that no matter where we go in our leadership journey, it is keeping that center focus and goal of the patient. What an honor it is to serve a family and our workforce because I’m only as good as my teams.” —JJ
Joanne Dunn
Executive Director
Youth Shelter Program of Westchester
Earning distinction as the first woman to lead Westchester’s Youth Shelter Program since it began in 1975, Joanne Dunn has always been a take-charge person with a firm belief in restoration and second chances. “Life’s battle wounds have actually helped me be authentic to my leadership style,” Dunn says. “I’ve been through stuff in my life, and I think that’s helped me to understand the complexity of life, whether you’re a janitor or CEO.”
Dunn has shaped this program into a more homelike alternative to jail for young men, emphasizing empowerment and narrative change. She’s transformed the organization’s culture, increasing staff retention with improved accountability, increased salaries, and upgraded benefits. She’s secured substantial funding for several initiatives, such as the Mount Vernon Emerging Adult Justice initiative, offering alternatives to conventional prosecution for young people aged 18 to 25, and YouthCRED, an antigun violence initiative harnessing the talents of justice-involved youth to make a positive impact. Under her leadership, the shelter received a $250,000 grant from the Vera Institute of Justice and a $1.6 million federal grant to pilot YouthHEAL for mental health and educational support for at-risk Mount Vernon youth.
Since she was a little girl roping in her neighbors to sweep sidewalks and pick up trash, Dunn has been driven to mobilize the community and advocate for young people of color. “It’s servant leadership,” Dunn says. “I’m not above them; I’m not below them; I’m with them.” —AS
Jennifer Flowers
Founder and CEO
Accreditation Guru
Jennifer Flowers’ career took a sharp turn when she lost her director position at one of the nation’s major accrediting bodies during the Great Recession of 2009. That same day, she appeared on national and global news while she stood on Wall Street with a poster board saying, “LAID OFF TODAY 9:30 A.M. HIRE ME.”
That redirection signaled her take-charge attitude and sense of humor, serving as her catalyst toward entrepreneurship. Within months, Flowers established Accreditation Guru, which has since grown into a thriving consultancy with expert team members nationwide and clients worldwide.
By making the process easier and more efficient, more than 350 organizations, including behavioral health, substance addiction and recovery, and child and family services organizations have been able to achieve accreditation and higher quality standards than licensing alone. Her efficient, systematic approach helps clients navigate the often painstaking process of earning accreditation. The company also provides strategic planning, board of directors development and education, risk management, and quality improvement programs.
Flowers has won three awards from Business Council of Westchester, supported Nonprofit Westchester, served on the board of Northeast STEM Starter Academy in Mount Vernon and co-chaired Westchester Companies for Kids. “Focus on what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing and bring in other experts when necessary, because you cannot be all things to all people and do it all by yourself if you’re looking to grow a business,” Flowers says. —AS
Cindy Kanusher, Esq.
Executive Director
Pace Women’s Justice Center
People afraid for their lives are safer because of Cindy J. Kanusher. As a lawyer at Pace Women’s Justice Center for more than 25 years, Kanusher has dedicated her career to providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive legal services to victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse. She’s trained thousands of people on the dangers of intimate partner violence and the legal tools they can use for safety.
Kanusher created a specialized team to help those at the highest risk of being killed and established an attorney-run walk-in clinic for victims of abuse. Because of her efforts, there’s a satellite office in a local family court to provide emergency legal services for people who need an orders of protection.
Besides hiring staff who better reflects their community, Kanusher focuses on their welfare as well: “We have to make sure we’re supporting each other … with work-life balance and secondary trauma, particularly when you can’t help someone the way you want to; that’s really hard.”
She developed programs that train hundreds of law enforcement officers and social service providers and partnered with the Hebrew Home at Riverdale to create a first-of-its-kind program to provide domestic violence training to employees at long-term care facilities. She also coordinated the county’s Abuse in Later Life program, the only one awarded in the Northeast, with local law enforcement. —AS
Noel D’Allacco
Founder and President
Operation Prom National Network
Noel D’Allacco makes dreams come true. As an event planner in college, she collected gently used bridesmaids’ gowns, showed up with the dresses at her former high school in Yonkers, and was inspired to do this “little project” every year, not realizing how big it would become.
In 2005, D’Allacco started Operation Prom to provide free formal attire for high schoolers. Today, as its volunteer CEO, she manages all aspects of the business, which has expanded to 11 locations across the U.S. She marshals a legion of volunteers and partners with the Westchester social service agenices, while managing her nonprofit’s marketing, public relations, and logistics.
The organization relies on monetary donations (mostly earmarked for students who can’t afford prom tickets) and clothing donations; it also addresses environmental concerns by reusing and recycling clothing and reducing waste in landfills.
D’Allacco has seen students cry when they try on donated items. “They never imagined they would be wearing a $500 brand-new sequin gown or a $2,000 Burberry suit,” she says. “Is it the financial aspect, yes, but it’s [also] the self-confidence and the self-esteem … It may be the first time they’ve ever been styled and really felt good about themselves; The whole process leaves the students feeling like somebody really took the time and cared for them that day.”
Beyond a busy schedule teaching business at the College of Westchester, D’Allacco dedicates countless hours to Operation Prom, including securing grants. She sees the impact on students’ lives reflected in their thank-you letters and prom photos, and she seizes the opportunity to teach her two young daughters about giving back to the community. “It’s all about being determined and humble,” she says. “I just feel like I was meant to do this.” —VA
Grace Ferri
Chief Marketing Officer
United Hebrew
Grace Ferri is a tireless advocate of quality health care, particularly for the elderly. “I’m an old soul,” she says. “I’ve always been in senior services; it’s something that really resonates with me.”
Now in her 17th year at United Hebrew in New Rochelle, one of Westchester’s largest senior living providers, Ferri leads branding, advertising, sales, and marketing efforts, which have boosted occupancy rates to record levels at the 105-year-old facility and bolstered its national reputation for excellence. Her skillful management of the nonprofit’s donor relations, annual appeals, targeted campaigns, and events, has generated more than $8 million to support programs, services, and activities that enhance the quality of life for the residents.
Ferri’s inspiration and compassion stem from her traditional Italian family values and personal experiences. When her own mother needed full-time care, Ferri entrusted her to the caregivers at Willow Towers, United Hebrew’s assisted living division. “I’m a daughter first,” she says, adding, “My role here on the campus is to provide the information [a family] needs because they can get lost” in the elder care maze. “You don’t know what you need until you’re in crisis mode.”
During the COVID-19 crisis, reassuring families about the safety and quality of care at United Hebrew was “crucial,” she says. Her messaging then and now: “This is a place where your mom or dad can really live a better quality of life and not be socially isolated at home. We want to empower our residents to live the best quality of life that they can and to meet them where they are, whether it be physically challenged, cognitively challenged. or in [need of] skilled nursing.” —VA
Sophia Gilkes, MBA
First Vice President | Market Business Service Officer
Morgan Stanley
Sophia Gilkes personifies resilience and determination. An internship at UBS wealth management sparked her interest in finance in addition to finding a meaningful work-life balance. She went on to earn an executive MBA while caring for twin daughters, one diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Working at UBS, she quickly ascended to become one of the youngest managers on Wall Street at age 25.
Gilkes’ management philosophy is to be “soft on people, tough on issues,” always prioritizing connections with team members. “You’ve got to be human first and remind yourself … that the people are what make you great,” she says.
Inspired by her Jamaican-immigrant roots, Gilkes values connecting with underserved communities. She’s been involved with the Money Smart Christian program in Mount Vernon (where she grew up) and with the Mind Shapers program, which helps young people prepare for college and explore career paths. “I absolutely love giving back,” she says. “I think of it as almost a requirement for all the blessings I have in life.”
Gilkes emphasizes the importance of education and opportunity, of showing that one can balance professional and personal life. “I try hard to brand myself as an overcomer, and then [to stand] as an example that you can do all things” — though not all at once, she adds. “You can make it out of anything, and you can be anything.” Even if you don’t have everything you need to succeed, she says. “Somehow we can kick through the door just the same.” —VA
Mooyeon Oh-Park M.D., MHCM
Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
In each decision Mooyeon Oh-Park, MD MHCM makes as chief medical officer and senior vice president at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, her patients come first. Overseeing clinical operation and care quality of inpatient services at White Plains’ Burke Rehabilitation Hospital as well as outpatient services at Burke locations in Westchester, Hudson Valley, and the Bronx, Oh-Park is also a professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System.
It is under Oh-Park’s guidance that her department has transitioned from orthopedic rehab to more “heavily neuro-rehab, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, as well as more complex transplant patients,” she says. “My job is developing the relationships and service line, and to make sure we can increase our capacity to handle those patients, provide the best care, and return them to the communities where they enjoy their lives.”
Oh-Park has also been passionate about expanding Burke’s Graduate Medical Education or GME program. “We created two fellowships, one in brain injury and one in sports medicine, and we roughly tripled the size of the residency program,” says Oh-Park.
But above all, honestly, authenticity, and truth guide Oh-Park in her daily duties. “I never acted differently because of how I look, how I speak, or due to my accent,” says Oh-Park. “Everything I did, I did it because that is what I like to do. It important to just be yourself and do what’s close to your heart and then everything else will follow.” —PA
Elena Rivera-Cheek MBA
Founder and CEO
C&A Digital
Elena Rivera-Cheek has lived her life breaking boundaries. Although only approximately 1% of America’s ad agencies are owned by women, that never stopped Rivera-Cheek, who started C&A Digital in her White Plains basement more than 13 years ago. Since then, C&A Digital has grown to become one of the county’s premier strategy and communications agencies and was named among the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the America by The Inc. Magazine.
As founder and CEO, Rivera-Cheek provides cuttingedge business strategy and innovative marketing and communications to a host of companies. “I am responsible for heading up the executive leadership team, ensuring our clients are raving fans and we’re always exceeding their expectations, and our employees feel important, valued, and are always given opportunities for growth,” she says.
Rivera-Cheek, who is also a mentor for Her Honor Mentoring and serves on the board of Yo Digo No Más — a nonprofit working to prevent sexual abuse — was named a Notable Hispanic Leader by Crain’s New York Business, earned Schneps Media’s Latin Impact Award, and was dubbed a Hispanic Woman of Distinction by the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Rivera-Cheek remains deeply passionate about women’s issues. “We have traits and qualities that are unique, and companies market to women by an overwhelming majority,” she says. “Doesn’t it make sense to have women shape the strategies, objectives, and practices of companies that market to women as consumers? Makes sense to me.” —PA
Blanca Lopez
Commissioner
Westchester County Department of Planning
Westchester is a prosperous county due largely to dedicated public servants like Blanca Lopez. Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, Lopez has more than two decades of experience in community development, urban planning, public transit, and housing, which she leverages each day to help the people of Westchester.
“I oversee a department of 35 professionals working on a wide variety of programs and projects,” says Lopez. “Our scope of work focuses on undertaking multiple studies in land use, transportation, housing, and community development that lead to recommendations that aim to improve the quality of life of our residents.”
Lopez led the way in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Department of Planning, personally overseeing the housing, transportation, and administrative units. She is additionally responsible for the administration of community development and affordable housing programs and for aiding municipalities, developers, and nonprofit agencies to identify and address the needs of their low- and moderate-income residents.
For Lopez, by simply holding such a prominent position, the county is moving in the right direction. “It is extremely important to continue to have women leaders in areas where they have been underrepresented,” says Lopez. “The planning profession, for example, has historically been dominated by white men, and I want to change that composition moving forward.” —PA
Lead stylist: Robin Halperin
Clothing and accessories: Neiman Marcus
Hair/Makeup touch ups: Asia Geiger
Location: 25 North Lex, White Plains
