Mara Brock Akil (born May 27, 1970, in Compton, California) is an acclaimed television writer, producer, and showrunner known for creating culturally defining series that center Black life and relationships.

A Northwestern University journalism graduate, she began her career writing for South Central, Moesha, and The Jamie Foxx Show before creating the groundbreaking hit Girlfriends, which ran for eight seasons and became a cornerstone of modern Black television. She went on to create and produce successful series including The Game, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and the DC superhero drama Black Lightning.

In recent years, she expanded her partnership with Netflix through her production company story27, developing original projects including Forever, a contemporary adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel. Through Akil Productions and story27, Mara Brock Akil has built a legacy of emotionally resonant storytelling that has influenced generations of writers while redefining the portrayal of Black women and families on television.