Mara Brock Akil ’92

Philanthropist, media writer, and producer

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Mara Brock Akil earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications in 1992. She credits a screenwriting class with Professor Delle Chapman with sparking her interest in character development. After graduation, Mara moved to Los Angeles to launch her career as a writer and producer for television and movies.  

Following her early work on TV shows South Central, Moesha, and The Jamie Foxx Show, Mara created the hit shows Girlfriends, The Game, and Being Mary Jane. Over the years, she has become known for her authentic portrayals of Black women and for storylines that resonate with viewers.  

Through their company, Akil Productions, Akil and her husband and producing partner, Salim, will see their new show, Black Lightning, premiere on the CW in 2018 and introduce the first African American family of superheroes to network television. The Akils, who have two sons, also created the show Love Is ___ that will air on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2018.  

As an active philanthropist and mentor, Akil dedicates much of her time to numerous charities and nonprofits. She is a member of Northwestern’s School of Communication National Advisory Council and was inducted into the Medill Hall of Achievement in 2017 in recognition of the positive impact she has made in television and film.