Thato Schermer, the chief executive and co-founder of Zoie Health, is a leader in creating solutions for women’s health. Growing up in a family of doctors, she witnessed both the strengths and gaps in the healthcare system, which inspired her to reimagine access, affordability, and dignity in care. Today, she leads a dynamic team dedicated to creating innovative solutions that reach women across the continent. Her work blends strategy, product development, and community engagement. She is currently pursuing an executive MBA at the Quantic School of Business & Technology in the USA. Thato listens closely to users, healthcare providers, and partners, identifying gaps and translating them into practical solutions. One of them is EasyDoc, a telemedicine service that provides healthcare consultations to low-income South Africans via WhatsApp. She also oversees the Zoie Foundation, which drives menstrual health education and access. Her approach combines healthcare insight with technological innovation, ensuring that impact is both meaningful and sustainable. Her achievements include co-founding Zoie Health, expanding it across four verticals, securing global partnerships and funding, and driving initiatives that empower women to take control of their health. Outside the office, she is a passionate deep-sea diver, finding meditation and inspiration beneath the waves. Her guiding principle: start before you feel ready—often, the first step creates the momentum to figure out the rest. Her greatest lesson: meaningful impact requires resilience, patience, and, above all, listening.
QUALIFICATIONS
- MBA, Quantic School of Business & Technology, USA (*in progress)
- Bachelor of Business Science Honours, University of Cape Town
- Diploma in Business French, Paris Chamber of Commerce Executive
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Co-founding Zoie Health — building Africa’s first digital clinic for women’s health. Expanding Zoie Health across four verticals: telemedicine and test kits (Zoie Health Technologies), affordable employee healthcare (Yola Health), supplements (Zoie Supplements), and community impact (Zoie Foundation).
- Partnerships with and awards from leading organisations, including Harvard Business School, Clicks, Google for Startups, The United Nations Development Fund, and Allan Gray E Squared Investments.
- Securing grants and investments from global leaders such as Google for Startups, E Squared Investments, and the United Nations.
- Nationwide distribution of Zoie Health supplements in major retailers.
- Launching the Zoie Foundation to fund menstrual health education and provide access to sanitary pads for underserved girls in Africa.
