Talya is an aspiring neurosurgeon whose life is dedicated to achieving healthcare equity across Africa. Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery at the University of Cape Town, she is driven by the belief that access to cutting-edge surgical care is a fundamental human right, a vision directly addressing the continent’s immense surgical health gap.

To combine her clinical training with systemic change, she is pursuing a Master's in Public Health specialising in Global Surgery. Her dedication to vulnerable populations, particularly children, is evident in her Global Surgery Research Advocacy and Innovation Fellowship. In this role, she is currently researching interventions related to childhood blindness in Africa. This work merges her passions, blending scientific research with philanthropy. Her Honours in Neuroscience and Physiology from UCT provided a robust, interdisciplinary foundation, including research probing the molecular aetiology of autism spectrum disorder, which taught her the utility of approaching complex human challenges with humility and precision.

Beyond her research, she embodies a pioneering spirit as one of the founding members of the UNICEF Volunteers Club at UCT.

With hope, faith and joy she believes that a healthier, more equitable future is on the horizon for the continent.