In a world where dating apps dominate the search for romance, one Bay Area woman is flipping the script with a bold, old-school twist. Lisa Catalano, a 41-year-old resident of San Mateo, California, has launched an audacious campaign to find her soulmate: renting a dozen digital billboards along the bustling Highway 101. Stretching from Santa Clara to South San Francisco, these eye-catching ads feature her smiling face and a simple directive—”Marry Lisa”—pointing commuters straight to her custom website, MarryLisa.com. Tired of swiping left and right with lackluster results, Catalano is betting big on visibility, vulnerability, and a dash of Silicon Valley ingenuity to land the husband she’s been dreaming of.
This isn’t just a whim; it’s a calculated move born from frustration and hope. Catalano, who has spent years navigating the choppy waters of modern dating, decided enough was enough. The billboards went live in early September 2025, and within weeks, her story exploded across local news outlets and social media.
Drivers zipping through the South Bay have been doing double-takes, while online buzz has turned her into an overnight sensation. As of late September, her phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with inquiries, applications, and words of encouragement from strangers rooting for her happily ever after. In an era of fleeting connections, Catalano’s quest feels refreshingly unapologetic—a testament to one woman’s refusal to let love pass her by unnoticed.
From Heartbreak to Highway: The Backstory Behind the Billboards
Lisa Catalano’s journey to those Highway 101 billboards is as compelling as the ads themselves. At 41, she’s no stranger to life’s curveballs. In her earlier years, dating took a backseat to career ambitions and personal growth. But in her thirties, she found what seemed like the real deal: a long-term relationship that culminated in an engagement. Tragically, her fiancé was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and he passed away in late 2023. The loss left Catalano reeling, but rather than retreating into isolation, she channeled her grief into readiness for a new chapter.
“I hope that this is a great story that we can tell our future children,” she shared in a recent interview, her optimism shining through the pain. Emerging from mourning, Catalano dove back into the dating pool, only to find it shallow and stagnant. Dating apps, she says, promised endless options but delivered endless disappointments—ghosting, mismatched expectations, and a Silicon Valley scene that often prioritizes ambition over affection. “I was just not having any luck any other way,” she admitted, echoing the sentiments of countless singles weary of algorithmic matchmaking.
That’s when the idea for MarryLisa.com sparked. What began as a half-joking frustration—”I can do this myself”—evolved into a polished online profile. The site isn’t your average Tinder bio; it’s a comprehensive showcase of Catalano’s life, values, and vision for the future. Visitors get “fast facts”: she’s a Democrat, maintains a healthy weight through an active lifestyle, and is firm on her timeline—she wants to be married with kids within the next two to three years. Her non-negotiables are clear: monogamy is a must, no criminal records or violent tendencies, and compatibility in religion, politics, and wellness habits.
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To promote this digital debut, Catalano needed a megaphone. Billboards made perfect sense in the Bay Area’s car-centric culture. She invested in a dozen digital spots, strategically placed along Highway 101, one of the region’s most trafficked arteries. The cost? Steep—prime locations can run thousands per month—but Catalano views it as an investment in her future. The ads cycle her photo with the tagline, directing the curious to apply via the website.
What would you do to find the love of your life? A Bay Area woman is putting out "Marry Lisa" billboards and a website to find her perfect match. For nearly a month, Bay Area resident and bachelorette Lisa Catalano decided to put herself out there on six to seven digital… pic.twitter.com/CER2AtSHZM
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) September 28, 2025
It’s low-tech marketing for a high-stakes goal, and so far, it’s paying off. Since the launch nearly a month ago, she’s fielded dozens of applications, with her inbox overflowing even during live interviews. “My phone’s been going off,” she laughed, scrolling through messages from potential matches and well-wishers alike.
Catalano’s backstory adds depth to her boldness. Raised with a big extended family she adores, she values connection above all. Her celebrity crush? David Duchovny from The X-Files, a nod to her love for witty, intellectual banter. She’s open to a first-date kiss if the chemistry sparks, but she’s equally clear about boundaries. This blend of playfulness and pragmatism has endeared her to audiences, turning a personal quest into a relatable rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked in love.
MarryLisa.com: Your Application to Lifetime Love
At the heart of Catalano’s campaign is MarryLisa.com, a sleek, user-friendly site that transforms her search into an interactive experience. Forget vague profiles; this is dating with a application process worthy of a dream job. Eligible bachelors (or their advocates) start with basic biographical details—age, occupation, location—before diving into open-ended prompts. “What are your hobbies and interests?” one asks. “Describe your personality,” urges another. Applicants can upload photos, ensuring Catalano gets a full picture before any coffee dates.
For friends or family nominating a guy, there’s a dedicated form: “Is there anything else you’d like Lisa to know about this man? What made you decide to fill out this application?” It’s a clever touch, crowdsourcing connections from Catalano’s network and beyond. The site also hosts YouTube videos where she spills on preferences—from her ideal weekend hike to why she loves her Italian heritage. It’s transparent, thorough, and unapologetically direct: “Seeking the right man to start forever with.”
Catalano emphasizes chemistry as the ultimate decider. “It just comes down to that spark,” she says. But she’s upfront about deal-breakers, ensuring mismatches fizzle early. The site radiates positivity, with sections on her joys—like cooking family recipes and volunteering—and her dreams of building a home filled with laughter and little ones. It’s not just a dating hub; it’s a manifesto for the life she envisions.
Since the billboards lit up, traffic to the site has surged. Catalano reports a steady stream of submissions, from earnest professionals to playful referrals. She’s even armed herself with flyers and business cards for in-person networking, ready to hand them out at a cafe or gym if a catch walks by. This multi-pronged approach—digital, billboard, and analog—shows her commitment. In a city like San Francisco, where tech rules and time flies, Catalano’s site stands out as a beacon of intentionality, proving that sometimes, the best way to find love is to build your own billboard for it.
Going Viral: Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
Lisa Catalano’s stunt has ignited a firestorm of chatter, blending admiration, amusement, and a few raised eyebrows. Social media, particularly TikTok under @MarryLisaOfficial, has amplified her story, with videos racking up views from Bay Area locals to national audiences. Comments pour in: “Respect her hustle!” one user cheers, while another roots, “The love of your life is out there, Lisa!” Even skeptics chime in with quips like, “Smart idea, but try the Blockchain for Bay Area guys.” The mix of support and snark underscores the campaign’s charm—it’s audacious enough to spark debate.
Local media has piled on, with outlets from KRON to ABC7 profiling her as the ultimate anti-app warrior. Drivers share photos of the billboards on X and Instagram, turning commutes into content. Catalano herself has been “overwhelmed” by the positivity, crediting it with renewing her optimism. “I’m committed now more than ever to go after my dreams,” she says, eyes fixed on the prize.
Critics? Sure, some call it desperate, but Catalano brushes it off. At 41, she’s acutely aware of her biological clock, yet her vibe is empowered, not frantic. This isn’t desperation; it’s determination. By putting herself out there so publicly, she’s challenging the stigma around women pursuing love aggressively. In a culture that often shames singlehood past 30, Catalano’s flipping the narrative: Why wait for Prince Charming when you can summon him with a billboard?
As for what’s next? Catalano’s sifting through applicants, planning coffee meetups with the most promising. She’s open to wherever the road leads—maybe a local entrepreneur, a fellow hiker, or that guy referred by a friend. Success metrics? Not just a ring, but a partnership built on shared values. Her story has already connected her with a community of cheerleaders, proving love’s ripple effects.
In the end, Lisa Catalano’s highway high jinks remind us that romance doesn’t always fit neatly into an app. Sometimes, it takes a dozen billboards, a heartfelt website, and unshakeable faith to flag down forever. As Highway 101 hums with possibility, one thing’s clear: This bachelorette’s quest is just getting started. Who knows? The next exit might lead straight to her happy ending.
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