“Forward Leap is a special showcase conceived and realized by Lisa Mainardi … to introduce outstanding students and recent graduates to the industry. I can imagine no better introduction."

— Eileen Mislove
Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology
Consultant, DIRECTION
Former Owner, INPRINTS NY LLC

“Lisa’s marketing and planning experience combined with resourcefulness for making the right connections bridged partnerships so that like minded organizations could work together on a collaborative event that exceeds what each could have been separately.”

— Kim and Kevin Kraemer
Owners, Marketspace Vendor Events

“Lisa has the ability to cut through to the heart of the matter and tackle things in a really direct and fabulously problem solving way. Lisa knows what she is doing and is the one person who makes things work.”

— Joann Aponte
Former President, The Woman’s Club of Maplewood

— Bobbie Rosengarten
Treasurer, The Woman’s Club of Maplewood

"Anyone who could run a major fashion, design and trend conference as she had, has the skills to coordinate and inspire arts programing.”

— Ellen Greenfield Hates Celk
Docent, The Newark Museum of Art for 25 years
Former Welcome Committee, DIRECTION Show
Former Board Chair, 1978 Maplewood Arts Center