Metropolitan Community College (MCC)(mcc.edu) is proud to announce Nina Sodji, award-winning chef, entrepreneur and community leader, as the College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. A graduate of the MCC Culinary Arts program and the owner and head chef of Okra African Grill, Sodji is recognized for her professional achievements, commitment to community service and continued engagement with MCC.
Sodji graduated from MCC in 2014, earning an Associate in Culinary Arts and a Certified Chef de Cuisine credential. She later completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Bellevue University.
As the founder of Okra African Grill in Omaha, Sodji has built a restaurant celebrated for its authentic African cuisine and storytelling. Her work has garnered recognition, including the Omaha Magazine Food Service Award (2020), Best of Omaha (2021) and features in numerous publications. In 2022, she was also named the winner of the Midland African Chamber’s Pitch Black Competition, further reflecting her leadership as a business owner and innovator.
Beyond professional success, Sodji is deeply committed to serving the community. She is an active member of Together A Greater Good (TAGG), supporting organizations through charitable partnerships and a sponsor of the Midlands African Chamber Young Leader Scholarships, which benefit Black, refugee and immigrant students pursuing careers in fields such as STEM, accounting, finance and law.
Sodji remains closely connected to MCC and its mission. She has supported the College through participation in the Open Kitchen Leadership Academy, engagement with culinary classes and involvement in MCC Food Tours, continuing to inspire current students through her example and mentorship.
For more information, please visit mcc.edu or visit okraafricangrill.com.