Owner & 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.

Event Manager 

Erica has been a Human Resources Professional for over 18 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology Human Growth and Development and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management. In 2014 she became a Legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc through Mu Omega Chapter, following in the footsteps of her mother.

She is a mother of three boys (Brycen 27, Xavier 19, and Elijah 17) which she shows great pride in her education, allowing her boys to see the importance of education in this society today.

Since 2009 she had formed her own decorating business called Acire’s Designs. Acire’s Designs provides home and event floral designs, event/home holiday decorating services. Her crafting skills have been used at many weddings, birthdays and special social events including Alpha, Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc historical Debutante Ball and Conference events.

By 2019 Erica became an integral part of fitness group through the work of The Stella Society. The Stella Society, an online education program that encouraged, uplifted, motivated and celebrated women over 40, as they worked to get their groove back through fitness and nutrition. As a founding member and partner with her fitness coach, she has become Motivational Stella and Brand Ambassador of the Stella Society motivating over 150 women ranging in ages 40 and older. In August 2020 she published her first book, selling over 100 copies of “How to Stay Motivated after 40”, a Motivational journal to help aid women in motivating themselves to a positive mind, body and spirit. In 2021 she became co-founder and co-creator of a Podcast called Faith Fun and Motivation. Faith Fun and Motivation streams on over 10 different streaming services brining Hope, Faith, Fun and Motivation in living and laughing daily.

In 2022 Erica relocated from her town Kansas City, Missouri to Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2025 she became a volunteer with the local group Let’s Get Social Raleigh, and now she is the Event Manager for Black Chamber of Raleigh.