Ada Rizzo, born in Sicily, Italy, in 1960, has always been a person of resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted values. Her journey from the corporate world to a literary voice is as inspiring as the themes she explores in her writing. With a career spanning over three decades at IBM Italy, Ada decided to reinvent herself, embracing a new path that led her into the realms of life counseling and mindfulness facilitation. Guided by a humanistic and relational approach, she has dedicated herself to helping others, with a deep passion for art, psychology, and, above all, human connection.
Her literary journey began in 2021 when she published her first novel, Did I Want the Twelve-Inch Heel?—an autobiographical piece that resonates with themes of self-discovery and resilience. The book earned an honorable mention at the Intercontinental Literary Award “The Nine Muses,” marking Ada’s first significant recognition in the literary world. This was only the beginning of her literary exploration.
In 2022, Ada’s second novel, Iris Ali di Vetro, delved into the delicate and poignant subject of eating disorders (ED), raising awareness about mental health issues that affect many. The novel reflects her deep understanding of human emotions and struggles, drawing from her background as a Life Counselor. She uses her writing as a platform to open conversations about sensitive topics and provide empathy for those experiencing these challenges.
2023 saw the release of Ada’s third novel, Ninety Beats Per Minute, a deeply moving and true story about heart transplantation. The novel was awarded the Jury Prize at the International Literary Award Cygnus Aureus 2024, showcasing Ada’s ability to intertwine real-life experiences with emotional depth and narrative brilliance. In 2024, Ada published Twenty-Four Carats, a novel tackling the issue of gender violence—a theme that has been a central focus of her writing. Her advocacy for women’s rights and the fight against gender violence have earned her multiple prestigious awards, including the International Literary Art Award La Via dei Libri, International Lord Byron Award 2024, and the National Argentario Award 2024.
Throughout her career, Ada Rizzo has been recognized not only for her literary achievements but also for her contributions to social causes. She has received the International Award for Peace and Defense of Human Rights Italy 2023, the Civic Merit Award for Solidarity and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 2023, and the Solidarity Award for Art and Civic Engagement 2024. These accolades highlight her unwavering dedication to advocating for human rights, peace, and social justice worldwide.
Ada’s influence extends beyond her novels. In 2024, she contributed to the international anthology Art Without Borders, a collection of poetry and art celebrating global solidarity for peace and human rights. Her poetic contribution, In the Silence of the World, captures her continued commitment to raising awareness and fostering global unity.
Ada’s poems, especially those about gender violence, have been widely translated into several languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, and Bengali, and featured in numerous international literary journals and anthologies. Some of the most notable publications include Alessandria Today, Atunis Galaxy Poetry, Life, Contemporary Italian Poetry, Our Poetry Archive, European Poetry, and Sindh Courier. Her work has garnered recognition across the globe, including the International Literature Language Journal in America.
Ada’s literary journey is a testament to the power of writing as a vehicle for change and healing. As a poet, author, and advocate, she uses her voice to highlight critical issues, offering empathy, hope, and solidarity to those who need it most. She will be participating in the Panorama International Literary Festival 2025 under the theme “Jalam the Drop of Life”, and as a co-author in the international cultural project ComPar Poesia 2025, where 350 women authors from five continents will come together to amplify the voices of women in literature and the arts.
Through her work, Ada Rizzo demonstrates how literature can serve as a catalyst for social transformation, raising awareness on vital issues such as gender violence, mental health, and human rights. Her dedication to these causes makes her a beacon of hope and a true champion for those whose stories are often left unheard.
