🔍Julio Verissimo Live Show & JV VIBES RADIO: Exploring: Access, Equity, and Excellence with One of the World’s Most Influential Educators
In a world where access to quality education remains a privilege for the few, Dr. Detina Zalli is breaking barriers and building bridges—across institutions, continents, and generations. This week on the Julio Verissimo Live Show, we welcome a trailblazing force in global education, science, and leadership:
Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge, NASA Fellow, Harvard-trained researcher, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the Changemakers Programme—Dr. Detina Zalli.
With experience at Harvard University, University of Oxford, and NASA, and as a contributor to UN Women UK, Dr. Zalli brings to the conversation a rare and inspiring combination of academic excellence, human-centered leadership, and global advocacy.
💫 A Mission Fueled by Purpose, Not Privilege
Born into a story of determination and vision, Dr. Zalli rose through the most elite academic corridors not as a passive participant, but as a woman determined to transform them from within.
She founded the Oxford Academy of Excellence to reimagine what education could be—not just for the privileged, but for every curious, driven, and courageous learner across the globe. Rooted in the values of equity, leadership, and transformational learning, her academy offers programmes from early talent development (ages 7–18) to advanced courses in biomedical science, genomic medicine, and ethical leadership.
🧭 Inspired by the transformational ideals of President Barack Obama and the global impact of Michelle Obama, Dr. Zalli’s approach is bold, inclusive, and driven by the belief that leadership is not born in privilege—it is cultivated through opportunity, access, and purpose.
🚀 From Harvard Labs to Outer Space: A Story of Firsts
Dr. Zalli earned her PhD in Life Sciences from the University of Leicester and completed her postdoctoral training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she worked alongside Nobel Laureates and served in prestigious leadership roles such as:
• Director of the Advanced Graduate Preclinical and Clinical Research Programme
• Chair of the Harvard Lectures That Last & Harvard Leadership Conference
• Director of the Harvard Biotech Journal Club
At Oxford, her innovative teaching earned her the Best Lecturer Award, and her courses became blueprints for multidisciplinary excellence—blending science, ethics, leadership, and career-building strategies.
As a NASA Fellow, she trained in conducting research aboard the International Space Station, expanding her mission to include the stars—literally. Today, she leads international STEM education programs across Europe, Africa, and Asia, partnering with MIT, Yale, ESA, Pfizer, Roche, and Virgin Galactic.
🌍 The Power of Education to Heal, Uplift, and Ignite Generations
In 2020, Dr. Zalli co-founded the non-profit Aferdita Ime, supporting cancer patients and families with psychosocial care. From science to service, her life’s work is anchored in a deep commitment to healing, dignity, and empowerment.
She continues to collaborate with global leaders featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and works closely with members of the Obama Leadership Network to advance a shared vision of global equity and education.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a wake-up call.
📚 In this episode, Dr. Zalli shares:
🔬 Her personal journey through the world’s most elite academic institutions
📈 The principles behind the Changemakers Programme and Oxford Academy of Excellence
💡 How she’s redefining success and access for the next generation of leaders
🌱 Her vision for a world where every student, regardless of background, can thrive
🧠 How science, purpose, and resilience can shape the future of education and beyond
🌌 What it takes to turn adversity into legacy—and intellect into impact
🎙️ As always, Julio Verissimo guides this global dialogue with clarity, curiosity, and courageous inquiry—unpacking the bold ideas and lived experiences that redefine what’s possible in education and leadership.
🎧 This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a masterclass in visionary education.
A message to every student, parent, teacher, policymaker, and leader:
Excellence is not a gate—it’s a torch. And Dr. Zalli is lighting the path.
This episode promises to be not just a dialogue, but a masterclass for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, authenticity, and global impact.
🎧✨ Tune in and be part of an inspiring journey where voices truly inspire and ideas ignite.
Only on Julio Verissimo Live Show and JV VIBES RADIO — Where global leaders meet visionary conversations. 🌟
📅 When & Where to Watch
📍 Live on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram
🚀 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! Be part of the movement toward a smarter, more human-centered future.
Podcast Episode
Will be available in all our channels, subscribe!
Subscribe our newsletter
