“Turning setbacks into comebacks… I’m a fighter.”
These words define Zazel-Chavah O’Garra, a choreographer, dancer, actor, model, brain tumor survivor, advocate and activist for dancers with disabilities—and, most importantly, a visionary Diva.
From gracing the covers of ESSENCE magazine to captivating audiences as the founder of ZCO/DANCE PROJECT, Zazel has mastered the art of transforming life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Before life threw its curveballs, Zazel’s world revolved around dance. A native New Yorker and a Presidential Arts Scholar, she performed with the Mark Dendy Dance Company and Alvin Ailey Wksp II, making waves in musical theater and the fashion industry. Her talent and grace earned her spots on national commercials and even as a movement coach for As the World Turns.
But in December 2003, her vibrant career took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with meningioma, a brain tumor that left her partially paralyzed and with a speech impediment and cognitive loss.
“At first, I thought, ‘This is the end,’” Zazel shares. “But then, I realized it could be the beginning of something new.”
Healing Through Dance
After intense rehabilitation, Zazel found herself at a crossroads. A chance encounter at a Brain Tumor Awareness Day event rekindled her love for dance. Encouraged by a therapist to perform despite being in a wheelchair, she hesitated.
“I thought, ‘How can I dance now?’ But when I finally did, it felt like freedom—a rebirth, a resurrection.”
That moment inspired her to launch ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, a physically integrated dance company. Through ZCODP, she challenges perceptions of disability and champions inclusion, using dance as a form of healing and self-expression.
“Dance gave me my life back,” she says.
Her latest work, Look Pon Yuh, reflects her experience in the Caribbean, where her cane and braces drew attention.
“At first, it was overwhelming,” she recalls. “But then, I realized, I’m making them see me. That’s powerful.”
Discovering The Divas With Disabilities Project
Zazel’s journey intersected with The Divas With Disabilities Project when a friend introduced her to the organization. A conversation with Dr. Donna R. Walton (EdD), DWD’s founder, was all it took for Zazel to feel at home.
“Donna saw me—not just as a dancer or a survivor, but as a woman with a story that could ignite others,” Zazel shares.
DWD became a platform for Zazel to amplify her voice, connect with a community of bold women, and step into new roles—most recently, as part of the cast of Divas in the City, a groundbreaking TV series showcasing the lives of five unapologetic Black women with physical disabilities.
“DWD is more than an organization—it’s a movement,” Zazel says.
Through mentorship, advocacy and storytelling, DWD has given her the tools to shine even brighter.
“They’ve helped me see that my story isn’t just mine—it’s part of a larger narrative about resilience, representation and breaking barriers.”
DWD’s commitment to creating spaces for Black and Brown women and girls with disabilities has amplified Zazel’s work, from her dance projects to her public speaking engagements.
“I’m no longer just dancing for myself. I’m dancing for all the Divas out there who need to see what’s possible.”
Lighting the Way for Others
Zazel’s story is a proof of the power of resilience, creativity and community. As she continues to empower through her art and advocacy, she calls on others to join the movement.
“Representation matters,” she says. “When you see someone who looks like you, doing what you never thought possible, it changes everything.”
Through DWD, Zazel has found her spotlight—and she’s making sure others find theirs too.
Article written by Lucy Mueni, Social Media and Content Manager, Divas With Disabilities
