Lisa Palladino
Little Dreamer Press is an independent publishing company dedicated to amplifying stories that create meaningful change in the lives of children. With a focus on mission-driven storytelling, the press partners with authors, advocates, and nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and support causes centered on children’s health, resilience, and well-being.
Little Dreamer Press’ debut publication, Wishes and Wings: Poems by and for Pediatric Cancer Heroes, is a poetry anthology edited by founder Lisa Palladino, with all proceeds supporting the Isabella Santos Foundation. Building on that mission, the second volume in the series, Wishes on Wheels: Poems of Power and Possibility, features poems written by children living with mobility issues due to life-altering illness or injury, with all proceeds benefiting the Matt Brown Foundation.
Through its publications, Little Dreamer Press honors young voices, fosters empathy, and turns storytelling into purposeful action. Looking ahead, the press is committed to expanding its catalog of mission-aligned works and continuing to collaborate with organizations and creators who believe in the power of stories to inspire awareness, connection, and hope.
• Three Wish Society member, Isabella Santos Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of formal education and lived experience. My background in education taught me how to listen closely, ask the right questions, and build solutions with intention. Equally important has been my ability to recognize unmet needs and approach them creatively - with curiosity, flexibility, and an openness to learning along the way.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was a simple question: Why not? It challenged me to move past self-imposed limitations and to consider possibility instead of permission.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find work that matters to you - not just something that looks good on paper. When you believe deeply in what you’re building and trust your ability to figure things out, you’re far more resilient. Purpose creates momentum, and that momentum is what carries you forward, regardless of industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is ensuring that meaningful, mission-driven stories don’t get lost in a crowded market dominated by high-budget commercial titles. For the non-profits I partner with, the goal isn’t just to sell a book; it’s to share a vital message. Finding a way to give those voices the platform they deserve - without a massive corporate marketing budget - requires us to be much more creative and intentional about how we reach people.
The real opportunity lies in the move back toward meaningful content and community-building. People are looking for stories that feel human and impactful. As an independent publisher, I have the flexibility to work closely with authors and communities to build genuine trust. We aren't just looking for “customers”, we’re building a network of advocates who care about these causes as much as we do. Our size allows us to stay focused on the heart of the story, which is exactly what readers are searching for right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity, compassion and empathy.
