12 people recognised for strengthening ties between Croatia and the US

The Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) honored 12 individuals across six award categories at its Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on October 3 in Seattle.

Presented during ACAP’s 10th Annual Conference, the awards celebrated achievements in medicine, law, technology, business, mentorship, cultural promotion and community service.

The conference theme, “Croatian Excellence: Celebrating the Decade, Engineering the Century,” was reflected in the work of this year’s honorees, whose efforts strengthen their professions, connect communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Rising Star Award

Marela Klepo is a learning and talent development leader who has helped advance ACAP’s mentorship and career development efforts through the Career Hub. Her work connects professionals with mentors, resources and programming that support purposeful career growth. She was recognized for creating opportunities for members to learn, build relationships and take greater ownership of their professional journeys.

Vedran Brozović chaired the 2026 ACAP Conference in Seattle, leading the team behind the organization’s milestone 10th annual gathering. Through his ACAP leadership and conference work, he has brought together professionals, volunteers and community partners. His award recognized his leadership, initiative and contribution to ACAP’s continued growth.

Professional Excellence Award

Dr. Jeana Havidich is Chief of Pediatric Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A physician and educator, she brings extensive experience in pediatric care, clinical leadership and medical education. She was recognized for her professional achievements and her contributions to the Croatian American professional community, including ACAP’s Nashville activities.

Dr. Marko Rojnica is a pediatric surgeon at UI Health in Chicago, where he treats abdominal and chest conditions in children from birth through young adulthood. He completed his pediatric surgery fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital. His recognition reflects his commitment to patient care, medical education and the exchange of knowledge through ACAP’s medical programming and mentorship efforts.

Member Achievement Award

Andrea Kunza has contributed to ACAP through service in the Pacific Northwest chapter and at the national level, including on its Board and Executive Committee. She also served on the 2026 Conference Organizing Committee. Her award recognized her sustained volunteer leadership and her work to strengthen ACAP’s organization, member engagement and community connections.

Marko Pavela is a Managing Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington. He has combined public service with leadership in ACAP’s Pacific Northwest chapter, service to the national organization and participation in the Seattle Conference Organizing Committee. He was also recognized for spearheading ACAP’s Law and Legal Practice Committee, which creates opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration.

Friend of Croatia Award

Sara Dyson is the founder of Expat in Croatia, a resource that helps foreigners and members of the Croatian diaspora navigate citizenship, residency, relocation and daily life in Croatia. Through her writing, education and advisory work, she makes complex processes more accessible. Her award recognized her dedication to helping people build lasting connections with Croatia.

Dr. Wayne Larrabee is a Seattle facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, educator and humanitarian, and the founder of the Larrabee Center. His longstanding connection with Croatia includes providing pro bono reconstructive surgery to people injured during the Croatian Homeland War. He was honored for his humanitarian service and enduring commitment to healing and medical collaboration.

Honorary Award

John Kraljic is an attorney and longtime Croatian American advocate whose contributions span community organizations, historical scholarship and efforts supporting recognition of Croatia’s independence. His work has helped preserve Croatian American history and strengthen connections between the community and public institutions. The Honorary Award recognized his decades of service and advocacy.

Nena Komarica is an art historian and the first director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s U.S. office. She played an important role in establishing Croatia’s tourism presence in the American market while introducing audiences to the country’s cultural heritage. Her award recognized her longstanding work promoting Croatia through tourism, cultural programs and community engagement.

Innovation Award

Tomislav Tipurić is Chief Technology Officer and a partner at Nephos, with expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. A former Microsoft professional, he helps organizations adopt new technologies and develop the skills to use them effectively. He was recognized for his technology leadership and contributions to ACAP’s professional programming.

Margaret Nekić is President and CEO of Inspirien, where she leads innovation in insurance and risk management, including services for the healthcare sector. Her leadership emphasizes new business models, employee development and approaches to managing organizational risk. The Innovation Award recognized her entrepreneurial approach and commitment to advancing her industry.

Together, the 2026 recipients demonstrate the breadth of Croatian and Croatian American achievement and the impact of sharing expertise, serving others and building connections across borders.