�ǿմ�ý

TCC 50 Notable Alumni

50th Anniversary Notable Alumni Feature Emeka Nnaka, M.H.R.: Emeka is very involved in the community, speaks to corporate and civic groups, and advocates for others through his work with the �ǿմ�ý Area United Way and The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. Named one of �ǿմ�ý World’s People to Watch for 2019, he has continued to speak to groups across the country as a motivational speaker.

Emeka earned an associate degree in Enterprise Development from �ǿմ�ý in 2015. “TCC was the steppingstone that I needed to launch to my future,” he said.

After graduating from TCC, Emeka went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services and a master's in Human Relations with a focus of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His work with young people as a mentor at Youth Services of �ǿմ�ý, as a counselor at various �ǿմ�ý-area schools and his motivational speaking engagements share the same message of determination and hope.

He suffered a neck and spinal cord injury in 2009 that left him paralyzed from his chest down and he now uses a wheelchair. Telling his story, he uses his own life-altering experiences to motivate young people to make a new start – to find strength through adversity. He uses the R-E words: rebuild, rewrite, renovate, renew and regenerate.

Earlier this year, he served as the keynote speaker at the third annual �ǿմ�ý World All-World Awards ceremony, which honors the best area high school athletes. He also currently serves as a board member for the Metropolitan �ǿմ�ý Transit Authority.