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Ask Leonisa Ardizzone about her earliest musical memory and she’ll say “Puccini, in utero.” Raised by two opera lovers in a house filled with music, she learned at a young age the art of interpreting songs. Leonisa's musical ability was apparent early on and starting at age four, she began studying piano, later focusing on the violin, but also playing oboe, flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Needless to say, she also sang and in her twenties, she discovered her love for singing jazz. Torn between music and science, Leonisa ultimately received a degree in Biology from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree in Science Education from Western Washington University.  As a science teacher, Leonisa was able to have both science and art in her life, studying music (with Veronica Burke, Steven Stull, Marion Cowings and Suzanne Pittson) and forming a series of jazz combos with Chris Jennings whom she met in 1994.  Leonisa holds a Ph.D. in International Educational Development (with a specialization in Peace Education) from Columbia University and was a university professor for five years. Currently Leonisa is the Executive Director of  the Salvadori Center in New York City. Leonisa recently released a book based on her work with NYC youth peace-builders entitled “Gettin’ My Word Out: Voices of Urban Youth Activists”.