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."
Josue Arias Calderon
2025: 3rd PLACE
Josué Arias Calderón, age 11 from Bogotá, Colombia, is a passionate defender of high-mountain ecosystems. Through social media videos and restoration campaigns, he educates and inspires thousands to protect vital páramos and glaciers, ensuring water for 85% of Colombians.
Availa Johnson
2025: HONORABLE MENTION
Eco-Hero Availa Johnson, age 8 from Florida, is transforming plastic waste into fashion and promoting creative reuse. Through her EcoCreators Design Club, she inspires students to upcycle materials, educating thousands and saving plastic from oceans.
Elvia Gómez Troya
2025: HONORABLE MENTION
Elvia Gómez Troya, 13, from Egüés, Navarra, Spain, is "Elvia the Tracker," inspiring global conservation. Through her popular Instagram, published book, and direct anti-poaching efforts in Zambia, she shares a profound love for wildlife, educating thousands and fostering respect for nature.
Katia Thomas
2025: FINALIST
Katia Thomas, 16, from Beverly Hills, CA, is a dedicated advocate for environmental justice. She is a featured protagonist in the documentary Green SuperHeroes 2030 and has fundraised for the Indigenous Cofan community of the Amazon, while also inventing a device that generates electricity from garbage.
Luke DeMott
2025: FINALIST
Luke DeMott, 16, from La Jolla, California, is the founder of Sustainable Housing San Diego. His non-profit educates communities about cost-effective sustainable housing and composting practices, actively working to combat environmental injustice.