Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. (WCFR) will honor Dr. Mukul Arya with its inaugural Global Healthcare Leader of the Year Award during the organization's 15th Anniversary & Fundraising Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Hotel Nyack – JDV by Hyatt in Nyack, New York.
Dr. Arya is a distinguished gastroenterologist whose career reflects excellence in medicine, education and healthcare leadership. He practices at Eastside Medical PC and serves as a part-time faculty member at South Brooklyn Health. Throughout his career, he has held several leadership positions, including Director of Advanced Endoscopy at White Plains Hospital and clinical leadership roles at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Arya recently completed the prestigious Harvard Medical School Global Healthcare Leaders Program alongside Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol, founder and president of WCFR. The program brings together accomplished healthcare professionals from around the world to strengthen their leadership skills and advance meaningful change within healthcare systems and communities.
Through his commitment to advancing patient care, mentoring healthcare professionals and strengthening communities, Dr. Arya embodies the values represented by WCFR's Global Healthcare Leader of the Year Award.
WCFR is also proud to recognize the Arya Family Foundation and Unapologetic Foods as Premier Sponsors of this milestone celebration. Their generous support will help WCFR continue its mission to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training.
The Arya Family Foundation demonstrates the family's dedication to philanthropy and improving the lives of others. Unapologetic Foods, the acclaimed restaurant group supported by the Arya family, has earned recognition for celebrating authentic Indian cuisine while building meaningful connections through food, culture and community.
"We are deeply honored to recognize Dr. Mukul Arya as our inaugural Global Healthcare Leader of the Year," said Dr. Cassagnol. "Having completed the Harvard Medical School Global Healthcare Leaders Program together, I witnessed his passion for healthcare leadership and service firsthand. We are equally grateful to the Arya Family Foundation and Unapologetic Foods for serving as Premier Sponsors and supporting WCFR's lifesaving mission."
The gala will bring together healthcare professionals, community leaders, supporters and friends to celebrate WCFR's 15 years of service, recognize outstanding honorees and raise funds for the organization's lifesaving programs.
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening inspired by the vibrant beauty and culture of the Caribbean while supporting WCFR's ongoing work in health education, first aid and disaster-preparedness training.
WCFR 15th Anniversary & Fundraising Gala
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 7–11 p.m.
Location: Hotel Nyack – JDV by Hyatt, Nyack, New York
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wcfr-15th-anniversary-and-fundraising-gala
To learn more about Worldwide Community First Responder, visit:
https://www.wcfrworldwide.org
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