Argita Zalli

Born in Albania, twin sisters Argita and Detina Zalli were eleven years old when the government collapsed and civil war broke out. Two years later, after several failed attempts to flee the violence and poverty, they escaped with their parents to England. Overcoming the formidable challenges of being refugees, both young women achieved academic success and went on to become highly accomplished PhD research scientists and lecturers. Influenced by Barack Obama and eager to help others, they founded We Speak Science, a nonprofit organization that supports disadvantaged students throughout the world, particularly immigrants, whose circumstances hinder their ability to learn at school. Subsequently, in collaboration with world-class oncologists and scientists, Argita and Detina cofounded Aferdita Ime, a nonprofit initiative that seeks to help cancer patients through psychosocial support and counseling.