Stockholm & Uppsala 30 – 31 May 2025

A unique booklet and publication celebrates the inspiring journeys of 25 distinguished Croatian-Swedish professionals -innovators, leaders, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs who embody the, best of both worlds. Their lives, woven between the Adriatic and the Baltic, reveal a remarkable story of integration, resilience, and achievement. This booklet offers a compeling portrait of the Croatian spirit proudly rooted, and always ready to fly. This booklet is not a conventional collection of biographies – it is a lively mosaic of journeys, laced with warmth, humor, and that unmistakable local pride that only we Croatians truly understand. Whether you come from the fertile plains of Slavonia and Vojvodina, the poetic hills of Zagorje, the sun-soaked shores of Dalmatia, the timeless diplomacy of Dubrovnik, the multicultural soul of Istria, the spirited energy of Primorje, or the green slopes of Bosnia and stone-rooted strength of Herzegovina – your stories reflect the astonishing depth and diversity of our shared heritage.

During Dr. Siniša Grgić serving as Croatia’s Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia for six years, he had the privilege to meet an extraordinary number of Croatian professionals who have made impressive contributions to the Swedish society, often without even knowing about each other. That quiet brilliance, hidden in plain sight, is what first inspired this gathering.

And now, uplifted by Swedish wings, they form a constellation of talent that transcends borders. It was after an informal gathering in March that the idea fully came to life: the real magic happens when we discover each other. Ambassador is especially grateful to his colleague and co-moderator, Mirna Vlas ic Feketija, who first suggested that they build something similar to the Croatian-American professional network he supported while serving in the United States. Her spark helped bring this vision to reality.

THE PANELS: Diana Banožić, Antonia Dubravka Carnerud, Erik Domines, Ivana Egić, Tonka Frodlund, Katarina Gospić, Andrea Horvat-Kramarić, Dario Kristian Idžaković, Sandra Jerković Gulin, Martina Juranović Tonejc, Danica Kragić Jensfelt, Roko Kursar, Michela Magaš, Robert Mikulić, Dag Mislav Salaj, Slaven Španović, Robert Šteković, Robert Teklić, Dalibor Turina, Rikard Utković, Sandra Vitaljić, Diana Vukušić, Davor Vuleta, Susanna Zeko, Davor Zovko.

Panel 1: Society
Andrea Horvat Kramarić, Robert Mikulić, Dag Mislav Salaj, Slaven Španović, Diana Vukušić
Panel 2: Law & Politics
Erik Domines, Tonka Frodlund, Roko Kursar, Robert Teklić, Davor Vuleta

Panel 3: Business
Diana Banožić, Dario Idžaković, Robert Šteković, Rikard Utković, Susanna Zeko
Panel 4: Innovation & Science
Katarina Gospić, Sandra Jerković Gulin, Danica Kragić Jensfelt, Michela Magaš, Dalibor Turina

Panel 5: Language of Art
Antonia Dubravka Carnerud, Ivana Egić, Martina Tonejc, Sandra Vitaljić, Davor Zovko

Concerts In Stockholm and Uppsala by Marija Vidovic (soprano) & Klapa Kase, In Uppsala: Tihomir Hojsak & Filip Novosel

Story of Successful Integration, Cultural Heritage, and Enduring Bond

The spring light illuminating the grand halls of Stockholm’s Historiska Museet and Uppsala’s historic castle does more than grace ancient architecture – it casts a spotlight on the remarkable lives of Croats who have intricately woven their identities between the Baltic and Adriatic seas. Their achievements – at Volvo’s R&D departments, in Malmö’s City Council, and within KTH’s robotics labs – have long existed as scattered constellations.

The Embassy-curated event, Swedish Wings & Croatian Roots, unites these individual lights into a cohesive constellation, marking the beginning of a lasting, self-sustaining network of Croatian-Swedish professionals.

The initiative draws inspiration from the success of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP), whose collaborative spirit and dynamic networking model have empowered the Croatian-American diaspora to become a force for bilateral growth. They are honored to welcome esteemed ACAP representatives to share their experiences and insights, alongside numerous distinguished guests from Croatia. The widespread interest this gathering had attracted globally reflects the Croatian diaspora’s strong desire for deeper connection and collaboration.

Historical Footsteps and Modern Realities

Croatian presence in Sweden became notably significant during the economic boom of the 1960s, driven by bilateral labor agreements with former Yugoslavia. Croatian workers filled assembly lines from Kiruna’s mines in the north to the shipyards of Gothenburg in the south. A second, more urgent wave arrived in the 1990s, driven by the tragic events of the Homeland War.

While official statistics count around 10,000 Croatian-born residents in Sweden today, the actual community – including descendants and Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina – is estimated at nearly 40,000. Primarily settled along the Malmö–Gothenburg axis and in Stockholm, this vibrant diaspora is active through 24 cultural and sports associations under the Alliance of Croatian Societies in Sweden. It also sustains parish life in eight Croatian Catholic missions and promotes language and heritage through schools and community programs.

From Individual Success to Collective Purpose

A point of great pride: the majority of the panelists where women. This significant representation reflects Croatia’s tradition of strong female achievement and Sweden’s exceptional support for women’s professional advancement. Croatian women are excelling in diverse sectors – from corporate leadership and scientific research to public service and the arts – offering inspiration to future generations in Sweden and beyond.

Society: Building Bridges Between Cultures

At the heart of any thriving diaspora are its community leaders and social contributors. Andrea Horvat-Kramarić from Međimurje serves as Principal Expert at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, applying a multicultural lens to public health communication. Robert Mikulić, born in Gothenburg with roots in Široki Brijeg, left Sweden to defend Croatia in the 1990s and later returned, becoming a key cultural bridge.

Dag Mislav Salaj brings his medical expertise to elder care in Örebro, honoring his father’s legacy as a minister in Croatia’s first democratic government. Slaven Španović, having mastered Swedish after relocating from Zagreb, earned a prestigious acting nomination, showcasing remarkable resilience and adaptability. Diana Vukušić, president of the Federation of Croatian Associations in Sweden since 2001, has been instrumental in maintaining diaspora vitality while promoting Croatian culture to the Swedish public.

Pictures from Day 1 at the Stockholm Historic museum: