Odochi Akwani is a writer, communications professional, and film photographer based in Philadelphia. Her writing is driven by a passion for telling stories that inform, inspire, and drive impact at the intersection of health, transportation, and equity. Through photography, Odochi explores storytelling by documenting everyday life with an interest in identity and community.
She is a member of the Philadelphia street photography collective, Public Ledger, Diversify Photo’s Up Next Collective, and Black Women Photographers. She was a 2023 Mural Arts Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists fellow.
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Odochi holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Pennsylvania.
You can catch a glimpse of Odochi as she speeds past you on her bike, journaling at her neighborhood coffee shop, or in a tent under the stars.
Exhibitions/Awards
2026 | Her Lens, Her Story | Jersey Photography Education Gallery | Camden, NJ
2026 | Revolution | DG Print Lab | Philadelphia, PA
2026 | Community Days - Black History Month | Monad Gallery | Brooklyn, NY
2025 | Maneto | Public Ledger | Philadelphia, PA
2025 | This Is Photography | Unique Photo | Philadelphia, PA
2025 | Flickr x Black Women Photographers Grant Runner Up
2025 | The Living Room Gallery | Philadelphia, PA
2025 | The Female Gaze | Da Vinci Art Alliance | Philadelphia, PA
2024 | Mural Arts Fellowship for Black Artists Exhibition | Ubuntu Fine Art | Philadelphia, PA
2023 | Fleisher Adult Student Exhibition | Fleisher Art Memorial | Philadelphia, PA (2nd place in Photography)
2023 | Playfulness Group Book | Pomegranate Press and Balam
2023 | Through The Lens | blah blah Gallery | Philadelphia, PA
2022 | Regional Biennial Photo Exhibition | Gallery1516 | Omaha, NE
2022 | Art Expo | Radial Arts Center | Omaha, NE
2021 | Breathe | Modus Gallery | Omaha, NE
2020 | Creative Commons First Friday | Mez Gallery | Lincoln, NE
2019 | Mez Gallery | Lincoln, NE
Connect
dochiakwani@gmail.com