Meet Bella Katarina Pehar, Future Business Leader and Proud Croatian-American
When Bella Katarina Pehar decided to leave her hometown of Chicago and study at RIT Croatia, she wasn’t just crossing an ocean—she was embracing a calling deeply rooted in heritage, ambition, and community.
Now completing her second year as a standout student in the Global Business Management program at RIT Croatia’s Zagreb campus, Bella has already carved out a reputation as a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for women in business. Recently elected president of the Women in Business Club, she’s not only thriving academically but also working hard to inspire and connect others, especially fellow Croatian diaspora youth.
Croatian Roots and Chicago Connections
Bella’s journey begins with her grandfather, Milan, who immigrated to the U.S. as a young man and passed down traditional Croatian values such as hard work, resilience, and respect. Growing up in Chicago’s vibrant Croatian-American community, Bella’s childhood was steeped in culture: from Saturday morning Hrvatska Škola and folklore dancing to playing tamburica and competing in diaspora soccer tournaments.
“My family made sure we spent most summers in Croatia,” Bella recalls. “It helped me feel connected to our heritage in a meaningful, lasting way.”
A Leap across the Atlantic
While many teens dream of studying abroad, Bella’s choice to pursue her degree in Croatia was grounded in a personal sense of belonging—and a bit of serendipity.
“I always knew I wanted to live in Europe at some point,” she explains. “Then I heard about RIT Croatia through a presentation at my parish, St. Jerome. Later, during a summer trip, my mom suggested I visit the Zagreb campus. After touring the campus and learning more about the academic programs, I just knew it was the right place for me.”
Academic Growth in a Global Setting
RIT Croatia’s Global Business Management program has proven to be an ideal fit for Bella, combining her interests in business, global policy, and leadership. The program’s emphasis on real-world experience, particularly through its co-op and internship opportunities, has been a highlight.
“I’ve been challenged academically and developed practical skills, especially in presentations and business pitches. These are tools I know I’ll use throughout my career.”
Zagreb, she adds, has been the perfect student city: “It offers the right balance between vibrant social life and focused academic structure. I truly can’t imagine myself studying anywhere else.”
Leading the Way: Women in Business
Bella’s leadership skills, honed through years of involvement in extracurricular activities, have found a perfect outlet at RIT Croatia. Drawn to the RIT Croatia’s Women in Business Student Club even before setting foot on campus, she joined the project management team within the club in her first year and is now taking the reins as president.
“I’m so excited for what’s ahead,” she says. “My goal is to expand our outreach, host more events with professionals and companies, and create opportunities for mentorship and inspiration. I want our members to feel empowered and prepared to build successful careers.”
One of the club’s recent triumphs was hosting its inaugural Women in Leadership Conference, which welcomed professionals and students from across Croatia. “It was entirely student-led,” Bella shares proudly. “We’re already planning for next year.”
Looking Ahead—with an Open Heart and Global Mindset
While Croatia feels like home for now, Bella remains open to exploring career paths across Europe—or even back in the U.S. “I love Zagreb and would be happy to build a life here, but I’m keeping all options on the table.”
To other diaspora youth considering a similar journey, Bella has this advice: “College is the perfect time to experience Croatia. With a dual degree from RIT Croatia, you gain flexibility—whether your path leads back to the U.S. or somewhere else. You won’t regret taking the chance.”
Bridging Two Worlds
Even from across the Atlantic, Bella maintains close ties with the Croatian-American community. She’s an active member of the Zagreb chapter of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP), which fosters business and cultural connections between Croatia and its diaspora. This fall, she’ll attend the annual ACAP conference in Chicago, further strengthening those bridges.
And as one of the first students from her local diaspora to study at RIT Croatia, Bella is passionate about helping others follow in her footsteps.
“I’m always happy to talk to interested students or parents,” she says. “I’ve recommended RIT Croatia to many people back home—and I hope my experience inspires more young Croatians abroad to explore what this country has to offer.”
About RIT Croatia
RIT Croatia is a global campus of a prominent American university, Rochester Institute of Technology from Rochester, NY. Established in 1997, it has been delivering top American degree programs in Croatia since. With its two campuses, in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, this is the only US college in the country, granting two diplomas to its students – an American diploma, awarded by RIT, and a Croatian diploma, awarded by RIT Croatia. RIT Croatia graduates work all over the world – from the EU countries to Australia and the US. International students come from all over the world but most of them come from the U.S. Some come from the main campus of Rochester, but a lot of Americans come from Croatian Diaspora communities in cities such as San Jose, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York, Toronto, Mississauga, Cleveland, and many more. For more information, contact: [email protected]
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