Marquis Who's Who Honors Chief Raymond Chukwuemeka Unanka for Excellence in Education and Leadership
Press Release March 17, 2026
Chief Raymond Chukwuemeka Unanka is recognized for three decades of educational leadership and commitment to empowering both teachers and his commitment to empowering teachers and students within inclusive learning communities
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Mr. Unanka hopes to continue working closely with young people by creating spaces where children and young adults can receive guidance, motivation, and meaningful support.

MILWAUKEE, WI, March 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Chief Raymond Chukwuemeka Unanka (Egbe-Ana-Agba-Anyanwu) has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by three decades of outstanding contributions to education and student development, Mr. Unanka has built a distinguished career in both teaching and administrative leadership. Since 2016, he has served as principal of Browning Elementary School, part of Milwaukee Public Schools. In this role, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in motivation and relationship-building, guiding teachers in the implementation of evidence-based strategies and effective classroom methodologies. His leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to building teacher capacity through coaching and professional development while fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that supports student success, staff well-being and civic engagement.

Mr. Unanka's responsibilities at Browning Elementary include overseeing budget planning and resource allocation to ensure alignment with school priorities, managing payroll processes to maintain accuracy and compliance, conducting comprehensive teacher evaluations to support professional growth and accountability, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to improve instructional practices and student outcomes. He also prioritizes building strong relationships with teachers, students and families, ensuring that the school continues to strengthen its connection with the broader community.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Unanka served as principal of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning from 2013 to 2016. During this time, he continued to emphasize instructional leadership and community engagement, supporting both staff and students in achieving academic excellence. From 2011 to 2013, he further developed his administrative expertise at Stuart Elementary School.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Unanka served as assistant principal-in-charge (APIC) of Sherman Multicultural Arts School for two years, where he supported the principal in daily operations and helped develop programs that celebrated diversity and promoted student achievement. He also worked as assistant principal at Starms Discovery Learning Center from 2007 to 2010, contributing to innovative instructional initiatives designed to enhance student learning.

Mr. Unanka began his career in education as a special education teacher at Emerson Elementary School, where he served from 1997 to 2007. During this decade-long tenure, he developed a deep understanding of individualized instruction and the importance of building strong relationships with students facing unique challenges.

Although his career includes many milestones, Mr. Unanka finds his greatest fulfillment in the long-term impact he has on his students. One particularly meaningful experience involved a former student who struggled during elementary school but later became a nurse with the support and encouragement she received during her early education. Years later, that same student cared for Mr. Unanka's father, reminding him of the profound and lasting influence educators can have on the lives of their students. Experiences like this reflect his unwavering commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and achieve even greater success than he has attained.

Mr. Unanka's accomplished educational background has played a significant role in shaping his philosophy as an educator and leader. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Abia State University in his native Nigeria in 1997. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he later earned a Master of Science in Professional Development in Education from Cardinal Stritch University in 2000, a Master of Science in Emotional Behavioral Disorders in 2003 and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2007.

Inspired by his upbringing in Nigeria, where he witnessed children begging for access to education, Mr. Unanka entered the profession with the belief that every child deserves access to quality instruction, meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging in school. After immigrating to the United States and observing that many students had access to opportunities but lacked motivation, he committed himself to helping them recognize the value of their education through encouragement, guidance, and connection.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Unanka remains active in civic life as a volunteer at All Saints Anglican Church in Milwaukee and as a member of Odenigbo, a cultural organization dedicated to community enrichment. He holds the traditional Igbo chieftaincy title Egbe-Ana-Agba-Anyanwu, a cultural honor reflecting leadership, service, and community stewardship. Mr. Unanka also serves as the vice president of the Nigerian Community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He frequently serves as master of ceremonies for community and church events. He actively supports Milwaukee Public Schools' initiative to recruit international educators, mentoring new teachers as they adjust to the United States and the American educational system.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Unanka attributes much of his success to the support and mentorship he received throughout his career, particularly from Ms. Rose Carr, whom he affectionately refers to as his "American mother." As the principal under whom he worked for ten years, Ms. Carr recognized his potential early and provided guidance that helped shape him into the leader he is today. He also credits the colleagues who encouraged him along the way and appreciates the openness of his staff, whose willingness to grow and accept feedback fosters an environment where everyone can succeed.

Mr. Unanka is also a devoted family man. He is happily married and the proud father of six children. His son is a special education teacher; one daughter is a nurse; another is studying business administration at Clark Atlanta University; another graduated from college, and one is currently in high school; and his youngest daughter—born during the COVID-19 pandemic—now attends Browning Elementary School, where he continues to serve as principal. His wife, Lolo Ijeoma Unanka (Ugwu Di Ya), also contributes to the field of education as a special education teacher within Milwaukee Public Schools.

Looking ahead, Mr. Unanka hopes to continue working closely with young people by creating spaces where children and young adults can receive guidance, motivation, and meaningful support. His goal is to help them grow into confident, capable citizens prepared for success in the future. His remarkable life and career stand as a testament to the power of relationship-building, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to student achievement in public education.

Mr. Unanka often reflects on his philosophy of education with the following words: "Education is not simply about instruction—it is about connection, belief and opportunity. When a child knows that someone truly cares and believes in their potential, there is no limit to what they can achieve."

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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