ECO-HERO AWARD WINNERS
Nicolina Pappas
2025: 2nd PLACE
Nicolina Pappas, a 13-year-old from the United States, combats single-use plastic pollution through Nicolina's Turtle Co. She has raised over $15,000 for conservation, educated thousands, and successfully advocated for her "Skip the Plastic Campaign," leading to city-wide proclamations and state resolutions like "Skip the Plastic Day."
Justin Friesen
2003 International Young Eco-Hero Awards
A 2003 Eco-Hero who interviewed the Prime Minister at age 10, Justin Friesen has transformed his early advocacy into a career as a Creative Director and filmmaker. Discover how his childhood passion for nature and media led him to lead creative strategies for major Canadian firms.
Rafia Saleem
2003: International Young Eco-Hero Awards
Winner of the 2003 Eco-Hero Award, Rafia Saleem has grown from a young water safety advocate into a development leader at the World Bank. Discover how she uses her expertise in finance and media—including her hit radio show "Sabz Khawab"—to champion climate action and poverty alleviation in Pakistan.