Voice of Croatia in Seattle: How the Digital Age Is Connecting Croatia and America

Seattle is the ideal host for the 10th anniversary conference of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP), held under the banner “Croatian Excellence.” The participants include Croatians in senior positions at major American tech companies, scientists working to combat some of the world’s most serious diseases at prestigious research institutions, and entrepreneurs who have shown how a vision born in a small country can grow into a global network of more than 5,000 members.

Over the past decade, ACAP has delivered tangible results. These include playing a key role in lobbying for the landmark double-taxation agreement between the United States and Croatia, establishing a foundation to support scholarships for young leaders, and building strong scientific ties with Croatia.

With 10 chapters across Croatia and the United States and more than 5,000 members of Croatian heritage, ACAP brings together knowledge, experience and ambition, creating opportunities that transcend national borders.

“One thing ACAP has shown us is just how many outstanding individuals we have in this country, from doctors and technologists to finance professionals. Our mission is to bring them together in a network that can amplify their impact. People coming from Croatia often work in technology, medicine or finance, but also in marketing, media and entertainment. Every year, we discover just how many of us there are and how much we can achieve by connecting with one another,” says Krešimir Marušić, president of the ACAP Foundation.

Mentorship and opportunities for young professionals

Philanthropy and mentorship are central to ACAP’s work. Many young professionals have found guidance and support through the organization, including former basketball player Marta Galić.

“If I’d had access to a program like this and the kind of mentorship ACAP is now developing, it would have made a real difference as I transitioned into the next stage of my life and career. As a young professional, I want to open doors for other former athletes, just as ACAP has done for me and continues to do,” Galić says.

Former volleyball player Orsula Štaka also attended the conference to meet and connect with other professionals.

“I think this is a great opportunity for young people to meet others and build their careers. Students especially need mentors who can guide them after graduation and help them take their first steps into the business world.”

ACAP also awards scholarships through its Future Leaders Foundation. The conference gives students a chance to explore future education and career opportunities, including potential employment in Croatia.

Ana Berliner, a student at the University of Virginia, says she values the opportunity to learn from others.

“I met another student studying public health, and I’ve also spoken with doctors and people who work both in Croatia and the United States. It helps me understand where I might work in the future and what opportunities are available.”

Marija Marela Klepo, director of the ACAP Career Hub, highlights the importance of career guidance.

“The Career Hub helps people find inspiration, figure out where they want to go and identify who can help them get there. Skills are one of the greatest assets you can have in your career, and mentors are just as important—people who understand how things work and can open up new perspectives.”

The Foundation’s career initiatives connect Croatian and American professionals across a range of fields. Among the conference participants was Mark Rusinović of Microsoft.

“I’m delighted to have been invited to speak at the ACAP conference and share my experience at Microsoft, particularly in artificial intelligence. I hope to convey a positive message, because I know there are concerns about the technology. But companies like Microsoft want AI to help people, not make them feel less capable.”

Marušić also announced a new initiative designed to strengthen ties between young members of the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.

“Next year, we’re launching an internship program in Croatia in partnership with Croatian companies