Petra Belkovic Taylor

Executive Director

Dr. Petra Taylor, a native of Croatia, lived through the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s and now guides students in their exploration of the region. She earned a B.A. in English from Gordon College, an M.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Harvard University, where she wrote her dissertation, Event of Literature: An Interval in the World of Violence. Her academic interests include literature as a means of learning how to live together, the relationship between oral and written literary traditions, nationalism and literature, and the works of writers in exile. Dr. Taylor teaches courses in literature, language, history, and culture.

James L. Taylor

Director of International Programs

Dr. James Taylor received his B.A. in philosophy from Gordon College, M.A. in philosophy from LMU and Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston College. His work focuses on the “ethics of transformation” across political, religious, and personal dimensions, as well as the potential for reconciliation through intercultural and interreligious dialogue. He teaches courses in philosophy, theology, and peacemaking.

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RALPH GATTI

Ralph is the Director for the Navigators in Central and Eastern Europe and the European Director for the Global Enterprise Network.  Ralph currently supervises staff and projects for the Navigators in 14 countries.  His 38 years of business experience includes 18 years as the CEO of automotive aftermarket products manufacturing company and ownership, board, and consulting positions with numerous for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations.  With his wife Bonnie, Ralph divides his time between home bases in Sofia, Bulgaria and Akron, Ohio.