Lowell Gustafson | President 

Dr. Lowell Gustafson is a distinguished scholar in the Department of Political Science at Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and an illustrious academic background, he has left an indelible mark in the fields of Latin American Politics and International Relations.

Dr. Gustafson’s scholarly contributions encompass an array of books, including “The Sovereignty Dispute over the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands” and “Thucydides’ Theory of International Relations: A Lasting Possession.” His engagement in interdisciplinary dialogue is evident in his co-edited works, articles, and book chapters that explore the realms of geopolitics and deep history.

His publication “Big History and Political Science: Science, the deep past, and the political” (2020) in “The Routledge Companion to Big History” reflects his profound interest in tracing a 13.8-billion-year narrative from the Big Bang to the present, while also envisioning the future. Alongside his co-editors, he is set to release “Science, Religion, and Deep Time,” a testament to his fascination with integrating diverse knowledge domains. His commitment to interdisciplinary exploration is further demonstrated by his involvement in comparative politics, international relations, and church-state relations, besides his specialization in Latin American politics. Notably, his presidency of the International Big History Association from 2016 to 2018 underscores his dedication to fostering connections among those captivated by the universe of knowledge. He highly values associating with others who share a fascination with integrating fields of knowledge and the meanings that a universe of knowledge offers humanity.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowell-gustafson-b088367/
• https://lowellgustafson.com/
• https://lowellgustafson.net/

 Vonya Womack | Treasurer

Vonya Womack is a human rights expert, international speaker, published author, and adjunct faculty at Villanova University teaching Refugees and Immigration. She is also known to conduct business, marketing, human rights, and global leadership courses.

Previously she was the Director of the Center for Global Learning and a business professor at Cabrini University (PA), known for its social justice mission. With over twenty years of corporate business experience, numerous business awards, and excellence in education, Vonya brings her knowledge to adjunct teaching and serves on several boards.

She is a committed advocate for women, children, and those who have experienced trauma and human rights violations as refugees and has collected hundreds of refugee stories worldwide.

Through her work, she has trained corporate executives, developed leaders in conflict zones, and presented to policymakers and global heads of policy. Vonya has notably presented keynotes at universities, international events, fundraisers, and conferences in Africa, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Middle East.

She obtained her MS from the University of San Francisco and BS from Eastern Mennonite University, where she studied abroad in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Vonya resides in King of Prussia, PA, with her husband. She has four children, two dogs, and a cat and loves to travel off the grid. 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonyawomack/

Joseph Stoutzenberger | Board Member

Joseph Stoutzenberger spent fifty years in education. For over twenty-five years, he was a Professor of Religious Studies at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. He taught religious studies and served as Director of Campus Ministry at Manor College, Jenkintown, PA. He taught in the Catechist Preparation Program for the Diocese of Camden, NJ, and conducted workshops on parent-teen communication for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

He received his M. A. and Ph.D. in religion from Temple University and a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University, Chicago. He has actively participated in interreligious dialogue activities, contributing to several books, such as Removing Anti-Judaism from the Pulpit and Interfaith Dialogue at the Grass Roots. He serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Peace Islands Institute and has lectured on Catholic perspectives on the Hizmet movement.

He has written textbooks for Catholic high schools and books on world religions and spirituality for adults. He has authored or co-authored three books on St. Francis of Assisi, most recently on Francis and nature. He has written study guides on Ukrainian Catholicism for the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma. Stoutzenberger lives in Erdenheim, PA, with his wife, Mary, with whom he shares numerous children and grandchildren.

• https://josephstoutzenberger.com/

Zeynep Ercan | Board Member

Zeynep Ercan is a Professor of Education, chair of Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Critical Foundations Department and the co-director of Early Childhood Leadership Institute, a professional development and research institute at Rowan University, New Jersey. She leads large scale research, training, and evaluation projects, writes for academic journals, and teaches and speaks on best practices for culturally and linguistically diverse children, teachers, families and communities, intellectual development, and professional development of educators and leaders. Zeynep’s research has appeared in academic journals such as: Young Children, Race, Ethnicity and Education, Childhood Education, International Journal of Science Education, Early Childhood Education Journal, and Diaspora, Indigenous and Minority Education Journal.

Zeynep is actively involved in local, national and global scale educational and social issues by serving as board member of CASA of NJ, Vice President for Conferences and President of National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators, a founding board member of Society of North American Scholars, cofounder and cochair of Institute of Academic Excellence, a national academic mentoring program for first generation scholars, and as a volunteer and donor for multiple non-profit and community organizations. She is the recipient of 2014 The Indiana Early Care and Education Award, 2017 Wall of Fame Award for Teaching/Advising at Rowan University, 2020 Excellence in Engagement Award at Rowan University, and Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator Award (2022) from New Jersey Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NJAECTE).

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynep-isik-ercan-ph-d-7a33b2100/

Ekrem Cetinkaya | Board Member

Ekrem Cetinkaya Is a fourth-year medical student in New Jersey. He is a dynamic and accomplished individual and is a valued member of the Peace Islands Institute Board. With a profound commitment to education, mentorship, and community empowerment, Ekrem’s journey reflects an unwavering dedication to academic excellence and social growth within the community.

Ekrem’s academic journey began at Christopher Newport University, where he earned a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology, along with double minors in Chemistry and Leadership Studies. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Georgetown University, where he achieved his MS in Physiology and Biophysics, graduating at the top of his class. Currently, Ekrem is in his fourth year at the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he hopes to apply to a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. 

Notably, Ekrem’s commitment to education extends beyond his own pursuits. Alongside his friends, he co-founded LeadUP, an initiative dedicated to nurturing the development of high school and college students. LeadUP’s comprehensive approach encompasses social and academic growth, exemplified by their internship and resume workshop featuring professionals from esteemed institutions such as NASA, Intel, and FDA, and distinguished graduates of Yale and John Hopkins. 

Ekrem is dedicated to improving human rights and serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board. He has worked to improve human rights conditions through raising awareness on issues from the invasion of Ukraine to women’s rights in Iran, to the humanitarian crisis caused by the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria. 

As a Turkish-American born and raised in Virginia, Ekrem embodies a fusion of cultures and perspectives, enriching our board with diverse insights. His leadership in LeadUP underscores his dedication to fostering the growth of future leaders. Ekrem’s role in providing mentorship and guidance for students in academic and social spheres aligns seamlessly with the Peace Islands Institute’s mission of promoting dialogue, understanding, and community collaboration.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekremcetinkaya/

Leonard Soroka | Board Member

Dr. Leonard Soroka received a Doctorate of Education degree in Geology and Earth Sciences from Penn State. He has taught at West Chester University, St. Cloud State University and Holy Family University.  

At St. Cloud State University (SCSU), Dr. Soroka had many roles.  He was a tenured full professor of Earth Sciences, chairman of the Earth Sciences Department, president of the faculty union (650 members), Chair of Science Education and the faculty negotiator for the St Cloud State Inter Faculty Organization (IFO). He also served as President of the Minnesota Academy of Science, the President of the Central Minnesota Science Fair and as coordinator of the Minnesota State Science Fair, for which recognition was made in the Smithsonian magazine. 

At SCSU, Dr. Soroka received three Faculty Recognition awards and the Burlington Northern Outstanding Faculty Achievement award.  He received a Certificate of Commendation from the Governor of Minnesota and was recipient of the Minnesota State Science Teacher Of The Year award in 1989.  

After moving to Pennsylvania in 1995, Dr. Leonard Soroka served as a full professor and as the dean of Education at Holy Family University (HFU) in northeast Philadelphia until his retirement in 2013. As dean, Dr. Soroka saw the construction of a new building to house the School of Education, was a founding member of the Franklin Towne Charter Schools and served as a School Board member for the Philadelphia Academy Charter Schools. He was elected as Chair of the Pennsylvania Deans Forum.  His work achieved Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approvals for a new doctoral program, and new teacher certification programs for graduate and undergraduate students.

Dr. Soroka has written and coordinated many grants and presented research papers both nationally and internationally. He has conducted tours and research throughout the USA and internationally (e.g. China, USSR, Ecuador).  His research has been cited in USA Today and in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune.

Ibrahim Celik | Board Member

Ibrahim Celik brings a wealth of experience in education and community development to his role as a board member. With a background in educational science and a career as a dedicated high school teacher, Ibrahim has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering positive change. His passion for community service led him to serve over seven years in various non-profit organizations focused on community development.

Currently based in Philadelphia, Ibrahim not only serves as a board member but also contributes significantly to the city’s initiatives. As a Salesforce developer for the City of Philadelphia, Ibrahim plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and community engagement through innovative technology solutions. His dual expertise in education and technology equips him to bring a unique perspective to the board, driving impactful decisions and strategies for the organization’s mission.

In his most cherished role as a parent, Ibrahim finds profound joy in sharing laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy with his son. Committed to enriching both his professional and personal life journeys, he invites collaboration and shared experiences on this fulfilling path.                                                                                                               

Muhammed Said Selmanlar | Executive Director

Muhammed Said Selmanlar is the Executive Director of Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania, where he leads peacebuilding efforts through interfaith and intercultural dialogue, along with educational and youth programs. A dedicated community builder and organizer, Muhammed fosters collaboration across diverse groups to promote mutual understanding and respect.

Before his current role, he served the Lehigh Valley community through his work at the Lehigh Dialogue Center and as Vice President of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group, where he played a key role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among different faith communities. His commitment to building bridges between cultures and communities remains central to his mission.