Sophia aka PlasticFreeSophia, is an award-winning changemaker and educator, bridging together generations to inspire collective action for a more sustainable, resilient blue-planet.

Growing up on the Australian coast, Sophia developed a love of sport, science, and storytelling, which inspired her to educate others about protecting nature. As a proud Greek-Cypriot Australian, she was taught from a young age the values of community and collective responsibility by her immigrant family.

At just 14 years old, she mobilised more than 12,000 handwritten signatures calling for a plastic bag ban in New South Wales. The petition was tabled in Parliament and helped spark the public momentum that eventually led to the state’s ban on single-use plastic bags and other plastics.

Her work has been recognised with the Australian Geographic Young Conservationist Award, presented by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She has served on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council and is an ambassador for organisations including Take 3 for the Sea, Ocean Lovers Festival and Clean Up Australia Day. 

Today, Sophia works at the intersection of education, business, and youth leadership:

1. Educating communities through talks, workshops, and social media to make sustainability accessible and actionable. 

2. Consulting with businesses to create practical, impactful sustainable solutions.

3. Bridging generations by co-creating solutions for a resilient future.