Zafra developed an innovative approach of teaching science at all levels using art, music, dance, drama, animation, and rap. These methods proved to be extremely successful with underprivileged students around the world and received international recognition. In 2000, she adopted the school district of the town of Soweto, South Africa (the birthplace of Mandela and Bishop Tutu). In Chicago's low-income neighborhoods, she worked with students, teachers and parents and had a tremendous impact on their attitudes towards science. Zafra worked with homeless students at night in a dance studio and taught them science through dance. Many of these students graduated from college and two continued for a PhD in biochemistry. She worked with prisoners who succeeded in receiving bachelor's and master's degrees. Over 16,000 Chicago public school students and more than 1,000 teachers participated in her programs.