ABOUT US
OUR
STORY
Sometimes, all it takes is seeing yourself.
In 2018, Dr. Lota Ojiako walked into a professional certification course, one she had intentionally chosen for its diversity and warmth. She was told it would be a room full of physicians.
When the hands-on portion began, one question stopped everything for her: “Are you a doctor?”
No one else in the room was asked.
It was a subtle moment, but its meaning had a deeper implication. Even in a room filled with medical professionals, the presence of a Black physician still carried surprise. It revealed that representation in STEM is not only uneven, it’s often not expected.
You can’t pursue what you can’t imagine — and imagination starts with visibility.
While Dr. Ojiako had thought about increasing STEM awareness before, this moment made it clear it was time to act.
Zebralter was founded on a simple but powerful truth: When students don’t see people who look like them in STEM, those careers feel out of reach. Talent exists everywhere, but visibility does not.
So Zebralter set out to change what students “see.”
And in doing so, it’s changing what they believe is possible.
OUR
VISION
Where We're Headed
We envision a world where students of all backgrounds grow up knowing—early and confidently—that science, technology, engineering, and medicine are places they belong.
In this future, STEM careers are visible and normalized within communities of color. Students don’t have to imagine themselves alone in the field. They can already see others who have walked the path ahead of them.
OUR
MISSION
What We're Doing Now
Building visible pathways from the classroom to STEM careers.
Zebralter Medical connects mentees with mentors, empowers students, and supports healthcare professionals. We bring STEM experts into schools, highlight career opportunities, and celebrate excellence with recognition and awards. By leveraging technology, mentorship, and advocacy, we open pathways to STEM while fostering inclusion, professional balance, and a stronger healthcare community.
Strategic Priorities
How We're Getting There
Zebralter’s vision may start with us, but it doesn’t succeed without others.
Our strategy focuses on building pathways that make STEM futures visible and attainable by mobilizing partners through mentorship, collaboration, funding, and advocacy.
Expand early and consistent STEM exposure
Introduce students of all backgrounds to STEM careers early and reinforce access through ongoing connection, making STEM feel attainable from the start.
Grow a visible, trusted mentorship network
Build a trusted community of STEM professionals who connect with students to share insight, answer questions, and model what’s possible.
Strengthen school and community partnerships
Work alongside schools, educators, and community organizations to create continuity and trust, ensuring students are supported as they explore STEM.
Increase access through technology
Use digital tools to remove barriers of location, access, and awareness, connecting students to mentors, resources, and career insight beyond the classroom.
Recognize and invest in progress
Celebrate effort, achievement, and potential through awards and scholarships, supporting progress at key moments.
Our Values
Our values shape how we approach our work, the choices we make, and the way we walk alongside students and partners.
Guided by Faith
Our work honors our values and our relationship with God.
Driven by Purpose
We believe deeply in the transformative impact of this work and pursue it with passion and persistence.
Rooted in Belief
We believe students carry untapped excellence and work to help them recognize it in themselves.
Prepared to Challenge
We question systems that limit opportunity and work to build better ones.