Dr. Kortney Ziegler

Dr. Kortney Ziegler is a multifaceted entrepreneur, scholar, and innovator who founded WellMoney, a community-driven financial platform designed to provide immediate, no-strings-attached financial support to individuals facing emergencies.12

Background and Education

Dr. Ziegler has an impressive academic background:

• B.A. in Film and Digital Media with a minor in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz (2003)4
• M.A. in Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Black Studies from San Francisco State University (2005)4
• M.A. in African-American and Black Studies from Northwestern University (2008)4
• Ph.D. in African American Studies from Northwestern University (2011), becoming the first to graduate with this degree from the institution4

Entrepreneurial Journey

Dr. Ziegler is a serial entrepreneur who has founded several impactful ventures:

1. WellMoney: His current venture, a community-driven financial platform that pools member contributions to support those facing financial emergencies.2

2. Appolition: A crowdfunding platform that raised over $1 million to pay bail for people who couldn't afford it. It was recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by FastCompany.2

3. Trans*H4ck: A hackathon initiative that empowered trans people in the tech industry, influencing policy changes and career opportunities.4

4. ZaMLabs (formerly Black Star Media): A production company through which he created the award-winning documentary "Still Black: a portrait of black transmen".4

Expertise and Focus

Dr. Ziegler is passionate about using simple but proven technologies for social good.5 His work focuses on:

• Developing tech solutions that increase financial and social prosperity2
• Addressing systemic barriers and creating impactful change1
• Championing financial inclusivity and empowerment3
• Supporting the Black diaspora through solution-driven products6

Dr. Ziegler's innovative approach and commitment to social impact have earned him recognition as an award-winning entrepreneur and a trailblazer in using technology for social justice.46