LAUREL, MD, January 07, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cynthia Okorafor has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Okorafor, a Nigerian American born in Laurel, Maryland, has established herself as a pioneering force in the intersection of art, science and entrepreneurship. As Chief Executive Officer of Ochichiri Studios since 2022, she leads a media and entertainment company dedicated to amplifying the stories of the African diaspora through theater, film and television. In this capacity, Ms. Okorafor ensures that projects are executed efficiently and economically while driving the business forward in alignment with its core ethos. She is responsible for creating opportunities for expansion, engaging in creative work, such as writing and painting, curating exhibitions and showings, adapting her focus to meet daily demands and managing teams as responsibilities are delegated.

Ms. Okorafor's most notable professional achievement is the creation of Neuro-Cognitive Design, a groundbreaking field she developed that explores the intricate relationships between mind, body, spirit and cognitive functions within design principles. Her work explores perception, beauty, cognition, and embodiment as living systems, and she is known for creating high-impact experiences that feel like art while behaving like research: immersive, replicable, ethically grounded, and culturally alive. This accomplishment stands as a testament to her expertise and innovative spirit. Ms. Okorafor's leadership at Ochichiri Studios is complemented by her role as founder and principal researcher at Omni Quotient (OQ) META intelligence for Humans since 2025. Through this venture, she merges neuroscience with design to advance creativity and human potential.

Since 2022, Ms. Okorafor has also contributed as a playwright and director at Playwrights Horizons, further expanding her influence in the performing arts. Additionally, she has been an interdisciplinary artist and curator at Ochichiri Studios since 2014, specializing in painting with a focus on abstract portraiture and technological integration.

Ms. Okorafor's creative direction extends to her work as an independent consultant, where she has provided guidance on artistic projects across various disciplines. Her earlier experience includes serving as a designer for Tiger J Apparel from 2015 to 2017 and concurrently as art director at H+OKO. She was also a designer at JBS Clothing Company Ltd for one year. Her foundational years in fashion included roles as associate designer at Carole Hochman helming the Ralph Lauren Intimates brand, associate designer at Anna Sui and associate fashion designer at Oscar de la Renta in 2011.

Throughout her career, Ms. Okorafor has demonstrated exceptional expertise in Neuro-Cognitive Design—a field she not only mastered but also originated—earning recognition for her visionary approach. She is an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the Dramatists Guild of America Inc., the Sundance Institute, Black Quantum Futurism, Women in Film and the Society for Neuroscience and Art.

Ms. Okorafor's academic background laid the foundation for her multifaceted career. She earned a master's degree in fashion and apparel design from Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York City after completing a bachelor's degree in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Maryland. Her scientific training informed her understanding of cognitive processes, while her design education refined her creative sensibilities. She continues excelling in design while working on her doctorate degree.

Ms. Okorafor's journey into the professional world began with several years working in the sciences before relocating to New York City to pursue advanced studies at Parsons School of Design. There she collaborated with leading industry figures and honed her skills in creativity, design and attention to detail. While excelling in fashion—working with renowned houses like Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren—Ms. Okorafor recognized a creative void that inspired her transition toward storytelling through garments and ultimately into film and theater production.

This realization led her to produce her first off-Broadway play in New York City and subsequently establish Ochichiri Studios to champion culturally relevant narratives often underrepresented in mainstream media. Her commitment to merging neuroscience with design continues through Omni Quotient (OQ), positioning her ventures at the forefront of innovation.

Civic engagement has also been central to Ms. Okorafor's career. From 2019 to 2021, she served as art director for Africa Gives Back International Inc., contributing her expertise to philanthropic initiatives supporting African communities.

Ms. Okorafor's achievements have garnered significant recognition and nominations, including the UBS Female Founder Award, a nomination for the Space Ambition Award—which holds particular significance due to its focus on neurocognitive design—and the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship. The Space Ambition Award nomination marks an important milestone that aligns closely with both her personal aspirations and those of her company.

As an transdisciplinary artist, Ms. Okorafor has exhibited work at prestigious events, such as the inaugural African art fair and the 1-54 contemporary art fair in New York City, as well as at a historic compound house in Washington D.C., venues that resonate deeply with her artistic vision rooted in history and architecture. She is preparing for an upcoming multi-city solo exhibition—the first of its kind by a woman in her field—demonstrating her commitment to leadership across artistic spaces.

Overall, Ms. Okorafor attributes much of her success to her vision, unique perspective and determination to follow through on new ideas despite inherent challenges faced by innovators. Inspired by entrepreneurial parents who overcame significant obstacles as first-generation immigrants from Nigeria, she developed strong business acumen and resilience early on. Observing accomplished women across various fields further fueled her drive.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Ms. Okorafor enjoys spending time outdoors, painting, designing, writing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, listening to music and cherishing moments with family. It is ultimately her family whom she credits as a vital source of support throughout life's challenges.

Looking ahead, Ms. Okorafor seeks continued growth for both Ochichiri Studios, Neuro-Cognitive Design (N-C.D) and the Omni Quotient (OQ). She is committed to upholding high standards within herself and her businesses while increasing visibility so women, children and young adults can envision themselves thriving across diverse fields. With plans underway for Ochichiri's first film leveraging innovative technology, she aims to expand the studio's legacy by championing stories from the African diaspora while incorporating scientific themes into cinema.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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