ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCACF) is pleased to announce that Giovanni M. Perlain has been named a Rudy Perpich Fellow.
Perlain is a Master’s student in International Studies at North Carolina State University, where his academic work focuses on international relations, European politics, public policy, diplomacy, and transatlantic affairs. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina Asheville in December 2024.
A dual American and Croatian citizen, Perlain brings a personal connection to Croatia and a long-standing interest in international affairs. Born in Asheville, North Carolina, he has lived in North Carolina, Florida, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden, and has traveled to 13 countries. He has often described himself as having “always lived out of a carry-on,” a reflection of the frequent travel that has kept him connected to family, Croatia, and the wider world.
During his time at UNC Asheville, Perlain was awarded a career trek to Washington, D.C., where he visited government offices, think tanks, and public policy organizations. As part of that experience, he was invited by Congressman Chuck Edwards to his office on Capitol Hill in 2023 and visited the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and other institutions connected to public service and policy. Outside of his academic and professional work, Perlain’s interests include history, cultures, languages, traveling, and technology.
“History is not only about great leaders or major events; it is also about the small moments that shape people’s lives,” Perlain said. “Every moment can lead to the next chapter, and you never know how far you will go unless you try.”
As a Rudy Perpich Fellow, Perlain looks forward to building on his Croatian American background, academic training, and interest in diplomacy while continuing toward a career in international relations, public service, or future doctoral study.
