Risa grew up in Nanuet and graduated Class of 1980 from Nanuet High School. She founded GMG Public Relations in 1991 after spending 4 years with Ernst & Young in White Plains handling their PR and marketing. 
Risa is active with numerous non-profit organizations including The Hudson Valley Visiting Pet Program, the Orange & Rockland Community Investment Committee, Beth Am Temple as well as past organizations including  the Westchester Association of Women Business Owners where she held numerous board positions over a fifteen year period, including President, and twice received the organization's Presidential Award. She is a past Public Relations Chairperson for the Advertising Club of Westchester as well as a past Vice President of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce and the Tappan Zee International Trade Association in Rockland County. She currently serves on the board of Beth Am Temple in Pearl River and is a member of the Orange & Rockland Utilities Community Investment Grant Committee. Risa is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Rockland Business Women's Network.   She is also a Certified In-Bound Marketing professional offering advice and counsel to those who want support with new and social media.