DLM Culinary Center

Vivian Elebiyo-Okojie - Culinary Center Instructor

Originally from Nigeria, Vivian moved to the United States as a teenager, carrying with her the flavors, stories, and memories of home. For Vivian, food has always been a first language of love. Some of her earliest and most defining moments were shaped around pots, markets, and shared meals that brought people together in seasons of both joy and hardship. Over time, this love for cooking evolved into a calling. Vivian became a culinary storyteller, using African ingredients, spices, and traditions to create fusion dishes that feel both familiar and new. Her work in the kitchen is deeply intertwined with her role as the founder of Bread of Hope, a nonprofit serving children and families facing food insecurity. For Vivian, a plate of food is never just a meal—it is an invitation to dignity, memory, and hope. Today, Vivian curates immersive dining experiences such as Nomad’s Table and develops food concepts like GoChop, which reimagines African street food for a global audience. Her recipes and events often draw inspiration from travels across African countries, telling the stories of people, land, and culture through each course. Vivian recently shared this journey in a TEDx talk titled “There’s Something About Food,” highlighting how food can heal, connect, and restore. Whether cooking for a small table or feeding a community of children, Vivian’s passion remains the same: using food as a bridge.