Elisabetta Dami

Elisabetta Dami was born in Milan, Italy, in 1958. She began her career in publishing at the age of eighteen, working in the editorial office of Dami Editore, a publishing house founded by her father, Piero Dami. During these early years, she discovered her passion for writing, leading her to author numerous books. Dami’s adventurous spirit is evident through her personal experiences, which include obtaining aircraft pilot and parachutist licenses, traveling globally independently, and completing a survival course at the Outward Bound school in Maine. She has also participated in a rally in the Sahara desert, crossed Africa in an off-road vehicle, and completed the 100-km Sahara ultramarathon and three New York Marathons in 2002, 2003, and 2017.

In 2000, Dami created her renowned character, Geronimo Stilton, a mouse journalist whose adventures have since captivated children worldwide. This creation arose from a personal desire to express a maternal instinct after discovering she could not have children, leading her to volunteer in pediatric hospitals. The stories were developed to entertain and uplift sick children, conveying positive messages of loyalty, honesty, solidarity, and courage. Geronimo Stilton’s books, published in Italy by Edizioni Piemme Mondadori, have been translated into over 50 languages and distributed in more than 130 countries, selling over 180 million copies globally. Dami’s work frequently incorporates themes of adventure, sports, and respect for the environment, inspired by her travels and love for untouched natural environments, such as Dzanga Sangha National Park.

Beyond her writing, Dami is actively involved in social engagement and humanitarian work. She founded the Geronimo Stilton Foundation, which supports health and education projects for children in Italy and internationally. She regularly visits pediatric hospitals to interact with young patients and promotes literacy through school visits. Dami serves as a National WWF Councilor, participating in environmental conservation projects and is a member of the Ethical Council of Terre des Hommes and the board of the Fondazione Ospedale dei Bambini Buzzi. She is also an Ambassador for Zecchino d’Oro-Antoniano Onlus and supports various Franciscan projects and organizations aiding individuals with disabilities and humanitarian efforts in the Central African Republic. In recognition of her commitment to educating children, she was awarded the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana in 2022 by the President of the Republic.