Ava Havidic
Croatia & USA, 20
She/Her
Project: SEAS Connections
Ava grew up aboard cruise ships, close enough to the industry to see how it impacts its employees, its port communities, and the ocean itself. She founded SEAS Connections, the first youth-led organization globally leading the cruise industry toward environmental sustainability while equipping port communities with advocacy resources. Across 65+ countries, SEAS has mobilized 2,000+ young volunteers to restore coastlines, reached 250,000+ students through workshops, and funded 12 microgrants for youth-led environmental projects in vulnerable port towns. Its influence runs through partnerships with five global cruise lines and 15 nonprofits, 60+ multilingual advocacy guides written for crew members, and monthly Port Conversations that bring residents, workers, and students together with industry decision-makers to develop fundamental international and maritime laws and policies. Ava is now establishing Port Community Councils, a replicable model giving local communities a permanent voice in decisions about their coastlines, economies, and environmental future.