Lisa Mercado is one of the unsung heroes who played an enormous role in building the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Miami fundraisers (Winter Party Festival and the National LGBTQ Task Force Gala) into the legendary celebrations that they are today. We are thrilled to recognize her contributions to the Task Force and to the LGBTQ community at the 2025 Winter Party Festival VIP Cocktail Reception.
Lisa’s association with the organization began when she volunteered to help with the 2005 Beach Party, the first one produced by the Task Force. She joined the 2006 festival committee as the Director of Women’s Programming, launching several events geared toward women, and organized the LGBT Family Picnic. She served as Winter Party Festival Co-chair for the 2007 and 2008 Festivals, becoming the first (and only to date) woman to chair the Festival.
Lisa became a Task Force staff member in 2010 and worked tirelessly on both Miami events for a decade. During her tenure, she developed and implemented systems and practices that were integral in growing both events. Her incredible work ethic and her appreciation for and partnership with our volunteer leadership played a crucial role in the success of both Winter Party and the Gala.
During her time with the Task Force, Lisa also served on the board of directors for one of South Florida’s leading organizations for the LGBTQ community, Pridelines. She left the Task Force in 2019 to join the Pridelines staff. Through her connection to Pridelines she participated in the SMART Ride for six years, helping to raise much needed funds for HIV/AIDS organizations.
In addition to her work with the Task Force and Pridelines, Lisa has also worked and volunteered with other community organizations, including SAVE, Aqua Foundation for Women, and YES Institute.
Lisa lives in Miramar with her wife, Lisa Spinosa, and their cat, Martin.