Our Team
Universify is led by a small but mighty Head Office team, with expertise in delivering high‑quality educational programmes. We are supported each year by more than 50 volunteers and tutors who enable us to provide our intensive, year‑long programme.
Bertina - CEO
Bertina first joined Universify as a volunteer in 2018 and became Universify’s first full-time staff member shortly after. She has overseen the charity's biggest changes, leading the team to move the programme online during COVID-19, co-creating the Alumni+ programme, and, more recently, developing the Universify Communities programme, which supports care-experienced young people in Bristol. She is also a trustee for Class 13, an equity-based education charity in London.
Outside of work, Bertina enjoys spending time with a wide range of people, discovering new hobbies and interests along the way.
Zoe - Programme Manager
Zoe's journey with Universify began in 2019 when she was a Group Leader on the Somerville College course. As the Programme Manager, she oversees the planning and delivery of Universify's programmes, both in Oxford and Bristol. Zoe also supports the CEO with programme expansion and strategic direction.
Her hobbies include cake and bread baking and getting overly excited when she sees a cute animal
Sam - Programme Co-ordinator
Sam is passionate about making a difference to educational disadvantage and the lives of young people. A former Secondary School leader, he taught RE, Philosophy and Ethics for 17 years and was an Assistant Headteacher for 9 years, looking after student outcomes. As Programme Coordinator, he now supports the programme team with coaching, tutor development, and a range of student‑focused projects.
Sam loves football, green tea, dystopian fiction, and hanging out with his wife and daughter.
Jana - Programme Co-ordinator
Jana speaks both French and Spanish, and joined Universify after an exciting year teaching English in Madrid. She helps plan and deliver Universify's programmes, and enjoys working first-hand with volunteers, participants and other team members. She supports the programme year-round and on a national scale, with a personal focus on the student council, communications and coaching management.
In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons, and is trying to visit as many European countries as she can.
Registered Charity
number: 1167240
Company Registration
number: 10114061