Founder

Inspired by a vision to create something historical for the Raleigh community, I founded The Black Chamber of Raleigh to unite and uplift Black businesses. Seeing the need for stronger connections, economic empowerment, and lasting impact, I set out to build a powerful network where entrepreneurs can thrive. This isn’t just about business, it’s about legacy, progress, and shaping the future of our community together.

Dionne Selby, is a Certified Life Coach and East Carolina University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education. She is also the branch manager of Self Help Credit Union located in South East Raleigh. With over a decade of experience in leadership and development, Dionne has a heart for the community and her mission is to empower individuals to discover their greatness. Specializing in 20 years of experience with personal relationships, development, finance, and banking, she excels in motivating others to achieve their goals. Committed to family and community education, Dionne aspires to provide a fresh outlook on life, helping people create the life they desire.

General Manager

Lori Jones is a dynamic entrepreneur, award-winning businesswoman, and the General Manager of The Black Chamber of Raleigh. As the founder and CEO of Black•ology Coffee Company, an internationally recognized, woman-owned urban minimalist coffee brand, Lori brings a wealth of experience in business development, community engagement, and economic empowerment.

With over a decade of leadership in culinary arts, coffee education, and nonprofit service, Lori has dedicated her career to helping others rise—through mentorship, teaching, and entrepreneurial training. She has volunteered more than 10,000 hours in the Raleigh community and is passionate about creating pathways for success, especially for underserved and underrepresented populations.

Lori’s approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, confidence-building, and legacy creation. She is deeply committed to advancing the mission of The Black Chamber of Raleigh by cultivating strong networks, supporting Black-owned businesses, and fueling generational wealth and progress.

Whether she’s launching innovative programs, advocating for small businesses, or brewing the perfect cup of coffee, Lori shows up with purpose, passion, and a heart for the people.

Social Media & Web Manager | Photographer

Kayla Mercer is a multimedia creative, entrepreneur, and the owner of Kreated By KayJay, a business specializing in photography, videography, social media management, and graphic design. As a full-time self-employed contractor based in Raleigh, NC, Kayla is dedicated to helping businesses, churches, models, and influencers elevate their brands through high-quality visuals and strategic content.

With a B.A. in Media Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Kayla merges creativity with strategy to craft captivating imagery, engaging digital content, and impactful branding materials. Her work spans across various industries, where she helps clients tell their stories and connect with their audiences through compelling visuals.

Passionate about the ever-evolving media landscape, Kayla continuously seeks innovative ways to support and amplify brands. Whether behind the camera, designing marketing assets, or curating digital campaigns, she is committed to producing authentic, high-quality content that makes an impact.

Sales Manager

Tausha Dorsey is a driven business professional, community advocate, and relationship-builder serving as Sales Manager for the Black Chamber of Raleigh. Passionate about economic empowerment and community impact, she specializes in building meaningful partnerships that help businesses grow, connect, and thrive throughout communities.

Known for her authentic leadership style and strong communication skills, Tausha works closely with entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders to create opportunities that strengthen the local business ecosystem. She is dedicated to supporting and fostering strategic collaborations, and helping organizations increase visibility and engagement within the community.

With a heart for service and a commitment to purpose-driven leadership, Tausha Dorsey brings professionalism, resilience, and vision to every relationship she builds. Her work reflects a deep belief in empowering others, creating lasting impact, and helping individuals and businesses stand strong through growth and transition.

Outside of her professional role, Tausha is also passionate about healing, personal growth, and encouraging others through life’s challenges, as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, NCVAN advocate and Grief & Trauma coach, blending compassion with leadership in both business and community spaces.

Sponsorship and Fundraising Coordinator

Anjail R. Muhammad connects the dots — between people, places, ideas, and experiences — turning problems into possibilities and challenges into change.

As the 3rd-generation owner of MarrKens Learning Academy, she carries a legacy spanning over 60 years of early childhood education while boldly expanding its vision.

A solution-driven leader with 20+ years of experience across education, nonprofit administration, and community development, Anjail serves young children, families, individuals with disabilities, and the communities that hold them — bringing both strategy and heart to everything she does.

She is co-founder of S.A.V.E. (Science and Vocational Education), a nonprofit expanding STEM access and vocational pathways for underserved youth in North Carolina, and now serves as Sponsorship & Fundraising Coordinator for the Black Chamber Raleigh — where she builds the partnerships and resources that fuel economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses.

Anjail holds a B.S. in Child Development from Meredith College and is completing her MPA at NC State University. This work is personal. It's generational. And it's just getting started.