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Mentorship. Advocacy. Legacy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate, empower, and uplift underrepresented minorities through mentorship, advocacy, education, and outreach. By honoring pioneers, amplifying voices, and inspiring leaders, we work to build an inclusive and equitable future in healthcare, science, and technology.
Our Values
Equity & Inclusion – Creating spaces where diversity is valued, voices are heard, and underrepresented individuals can thrive in medicine and STEM.
Empowerment Through Education – Providing mentorship, resources, and tools that equip the next generation to succeed in healthcare, science, and technology.
Advocacy & Representation – Championing diverse voices and addressing systemic barriers to ensure lasting change and greater representation.
Our Story
Color of Medicine™ exists to break down barriers and open doors to education, mentorship, and career opportunities. We believe early exposure, culturally competent guidance, and visible representation can transform the paths of students, families, and communities—helping them envision and achieve futures once thought out of reach.
By empowering students and fostering inclusive environments, we work toward a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and opportunities are accessible to all. Through mentorship, outreach, and representation, we ensure every voice is valued and every potential has the chance to thrive.
We believe:
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Equity & Inclusion strengthen innovation and outcomes. -
Empowerment through Education opens doors that last. -
Advocacy & Representation ensure every voice is heard and valued. -
Mentorship turns potential into purpose. -
Early Exposure helps students see—and become—what’s possible.
Why we exist
According to the American Medical Student Association, racial and ethnic minorities comprise approximately 26% of the United States population yet only 6% of Latino, African American and Native American are practicing physicians. Furthermore, according to the National Science Foundation, Hispanics/Latinos only comprise approximately 7% of biological/medical scientists and African Americans only 3% (information on Native Americans not released). In Chicago, Illinois, African Americans comprise of 30.9% of the population, Native Americans 0.3%, and Hispanic/Latinos 29.1%, but remain severely underrepresented in higher education and in science and health-related professions. Altogether, these statistics identify a critical problem: the lack of diversity in medical research and practice. They also identify a critical need for programs which support the recruitment of minorities into these medical profession. To this end, Color of Medicine, our non-profit organization, was created.
Our Timeline
2018 – Founded
Founded in Chicago
Color of Medicine™ was co-founded by Dr. Brooke Williams and Dr. Desiree Leach in June 2018, to increase representation and mentorship in medicine and STEM.
2019 – First Partnerships
Created our first academic and clinical collaborations, including a partnership with NuKidney at Northwestern University, expanding student access to cutting-edge research and mentorship.
2020 – Virtual Expansion & Lab Kits
Amid the pandemic, we expanded to virtual mentoring, personal statement reviews, and mock interviews, ensuring students stayed supported. We also created STEM Lab Kits for elementary students, sparking curiosity in science at an early age and bringing hands-on learning into homes and classrooms.
2021 – Expanding to North Carolina
Color of Medicine™ spread its initiatives to North Carolina as Dr. Brooke Williams became a hospitalist at Novant Health and an adjunct professor at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. This expansion strengthened mentorship opportunities, created new academic connections, and deepened our impact in the Southeast.
2022 – Growing Networks
Strengthened relationships with local universities and healthcare institutions, offering shadowing and internship opportunities.
2023 – New Pathways
Expanded services to include STEM & Lab Opportunities and professional development workshops, reaching more students across disciplines.
2024 – Chasing Medicine™ Merger
Chasing Medicine™, a nonprofit dedicated to guiding students through the medical school journey, officially merged with Color of Medicine™. This unification combined mentorship, MCAT support, and application guidance under one umbrella, expanding the reach and resources available to students nationwide.
2025 – Partnerships in Practice
Partnered with Dove Youthology Aesthetic Institute (DYAI) to expand shadowing opportunities for students, offering firsthand clinical exposure in a unique healthcare and aesthetics setting. This collaboration provides a dynamic, real-world learning environment for future healthcare leaders.
Phone:
+1 (708) 808-0018
Email:
info@colorofmedicine.org
Address:
Chicago, IL