Dr Valia Kalaitzi is a University Docent at the Department of International Health, Maastricht University, Netherlands and an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Global Health, Indiana University. Her educational background spans from Classics to International Management.

Her research interests lie in the field of gendered barriers, in equality, diversity and inclusion challenges across sectors with a special focus in health workforce. She teaches and coaches bachelor and master students from across the globe. Dr Kalaitzi is a regular invited speaker in academic and professional events and trainings; she has been published considerably and she currently works on her textbook on gendered barriers.

She also serves as an external evaluator at the European Commission and as an external consultant at the WHO-South East-Asia Regional Office. She is member of the advisory board in the International Network for Health Workforce Education and also enjoys membership of UN Women. She currently resides in Maastricht, Netherlands but she lives permanently in Athens, Greece.