Meet Emeka Nnaka
A professional motivational speaker and leading advocate for individuals with physical challenges, Emeka Nnaka is on a mission to bring a message of determination, inspiration, and hope.
A native of Macon Georgia, Nnaka moved to the Tulsa area to play semi-professional football. While competing in the league, he sustained a career-ending neck and spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from his chest down. In the face of the most extreme circumstances, he chose not to give in and not to give up.
After his injury removed him from the gridiron, Nnaka focused on education. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Langston University and is currently studying to receive his master’s in Human Relations from Oklahoma University in Tulsa.
Emeka learned about the Tulsa Habitat program aer losing his apartment in a devastating fire, which left him without adequate, accessible housing.
In addition to volunteering at a number of dierent nonpro‑ts in the city of Tulsa, Nnaka has been taking home ownership classes and reading books about money management to prepare for homeownership.
Nnaka is an Ambassador for the Tulsa Area United Way, playing a key role in fundraising, marketing, and community investments for one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations and is involved with the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, where he leads the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, provides personal training for persons with disabilities, and gives presentations to donor and volunteer groups.
The home built for Nnaka by Tulsa Habitat for Humanity will not only provide stability and security, but a space truly built for him, with access tailored to his unique physical needs. “My new home will mean the world to me,” Nnaka explains. “To have a place of my own that is accessible to my needs will be something that I’ve never had since living with a disability.”
Home #419
Built in partnership with
OneOK and ONE Gas