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Published on November 26, 2024
Liza Ginoni-Gambino ’96 won the Mrs. Connecticut American crown on June 4, more than 20 years after a life-threatening surgery led her to switch career paths from advertising to fitness.
“I hung up my high heels for a pair of Nikes,” she said of her journey rehabilitating herself and changing careers.
Ginoni-Gambino traveled to Las Vegas in August to represent Connecticut in the national Mrs. American competition, which included an interview, evening gown/swimsuit contests and a statethemed costume parade.
Ginoni-Gambino majored in business administration at Eastern, which prepared her for a career in fitness. “Anytime I work at a gym, I end up being the manager,” said Ginoni-Gambino, who teaches at four locations of Club Pilates and at her home studio in Shelton.
She began her career in advertising sales with newspapers in Connecticut. After surgery for endometriosis went awry — leaving her with a damaged nerve and artery — she switched to a sales job for a fitness club. When the club’s spin instructor was absent one day, Ginoni-Gambino taught the class and took on a new career path.
The corporate philanthropy for the Mrs. American pageants goes to the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, established by David and Jackie Siegel after their daughter died of a drug overdose. Ginoni-Gambino plans to coordinate a local charity event in Connecticut to benefit the foundation.
Written by Lucinda Weiss