About Us

Board of Directors

Lois Whittaker, Founder/President

Ken Barry, Vice President

Richard Steele, Chairman

Eugene Muhammad, Board of Director

Lolita Young, Secretary

Lavinia Prince, Treasurer

Shaka Nutall, Administration Assistant

Advisory Board

Crystal Johnson – Legal Advisory Law Offices of Crystal Johnson

Alex Dunlap-Education Advisory President Merrillville School Board

Sharon Harvey – Small Business Advisory (SBA)

Chelsea Whittington-Marketing Advisory CWHITT

Malcom Adams – Branding Advisory MLA Printing

Arthur Brown -Workforce Development Advisory (AJ the Plumber)

Barbara Carpure-Board Affairs Advisory Life at Home Senior Care

Committees

Shana Tate-Membership

Binika Henderson-Event Planning Heritage Real Estate

The Black Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Indiana envisions a future where education and entrepreneurship are intertwined and mutually supportive. They believe that education is the foundation for entrepreneurial success and that entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for educational advancement.

Their vision for education is to provide accessible and high-quality learning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to start and grow successful businesses. They aim to offer training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that address the specific needs and challenges faced by minority owned entrepreneurs in the region.

Additionally, the chamber envisions a supportive ecosystem that encourages and nurtures entrepreneurship in the education sector. They strive to collaborate with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry leaders to create an environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking among students and educators.

By integrating education and entrepreneurship, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Indiana aims to empower individuals with the tools and mindset needed to build sustainable businesses, contribute to economic growth, and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.