Meet Ifenlota (Lota) Ojiako | Physician. Founder: Zebralter Medical

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ifenlota (Lota) Ojiako and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ifenlota (Lota), how does your business help the community?
Zebralter Medical is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting Black Students to Communities of color. Currently in the nation, less than 7% of black students graduating from college are in STEM fields.
Less than 4% of dentists in America are black and less than 7% doctors in America are black.
Black communities suffer worse health outcomes regardless of similarities in background of other races.
We live in a world where STEM through Artificial intelligence, healthcare, engineering and so much more are shaping our present and future. Our goal is to create awareness of careers in Science and have communities of color see it as a viable option.
We leverage the power of internet, creating a website with study tips by black professionals and their image to show our children they too can
Our YouTube platform shines a light on black doctors in every medical specialty.
We have also partnered with BAN of UIUC to provide awards to students in STEM, our firm belief is that these young students will pay it forward

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a physician with Advocate-Aurora Medical Group. Dual board certified in Family Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. I have been with Advocate for 18 years, working in the area of SNIF and hospice care. I love my job.
Working in the area of Hospice Medicine, made me really see things with clarity.
The money we hold unto will not matter as much as the relationships we build and the lives we change for the better.
Hospice Medicine opened my eyes to see the spirit of a person more clearly, than the physical attributes.
It is a daily reminder that we are all just passing through and that health is wealth.
I have been blessed to have a leader Dr Yates, who understands my vision and has been extremely supportive.
It takes a village and in my case, I have had a community around me cheering me on.
In starting Zebralter Medical a 501c3 non profit organization, I have become bolder, less shy and firmly aware of 2 things, Fight for what you believe, it is better to have tried and failed than not tried.
Never be afraid to ask, It’s only 3 answers, Yes, No or Maybe.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eat: Capri Ristorante In Burr Ridge Drink: The Elm in LaGrange
Visit: Our Lady of Peace
Oak Brook Mall, Downtown Naperville
The diversity, music, outdoor dining and smell of summer

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My brother Obi Nwazota, Owner: Minotti Chicago I never really understood the level of excellence and discipline it took him to achieve what he has done.
When I started Zebralter Medical. I looked at him with a totally different set of eyes. From the get go, he understood what I was trying to accomplish and always cheered me on. His wise nuggets kept me focused.
ChristinaCare
It wasn’t always easy finding doctors willing to share their specialty. Some just didn’t want an added level of “work” to what they were doing already. Through Dr Bestman, I met Hiran J Ratnayake of ChristianaCare, virtually. He understood the relevance of Zebralter Medical and decided he would help us get more specialists through his organization. It gave me the boost I needed to keep pushing.
My husband, Kizito and all six of my children.
When you are passionate about your ministry, sometimes your home front might feel the heat. Kizito and my children have stepped up in so many ways, letting me know “We got your back”
So many friends, my Bible Study group and the many people who tell me what we do makes a difference.

Website: www.zebraltermedical.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zebraltermedical/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zebraltermedical

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZebralterMedical