Affordable.
Attainable.
Sustainable.
The Triangle Board of Realtist (TRIBOR) is a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) - the nation’s oldest and most historic Black real estate trade association.
We are real estate agents, financial services professionals, asset managers, housing counselors, mortgage brokers, insurance professionals, attorneys, and more - all working together to make homeownership affordable, sustainable and attainable for Triangle area homebuyers.
We adhere to a professional code of responsibility that ensures equal housing opportunities for all, supports our clients in reaching their real estate goals, and empowers its members to provide exemplary service.
TRIBOR was chartered at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers annual conference in Las Vegas in 2013. Several members attended including: Whitney Rich, Local Board President, James McDuffie, Vice President and Sheryl Merritt, Secretary. Julius Cartwright, 28th president of NAREB, visited the inaugural meeting of TRIBOR held at the Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast. The event had over 40 participants and received many applications for membership that day. Whitney Rich served as president from 2013-2016 and was instrumental in growing the chapter and hosting events throughout the region to increase awareness of NAREB and TRIBOR.
In 2016, Sheryl Merritt, took the helm as president. During her tenure through 2019, she continued to attend national events hosted by the association and bring awareness to the local TRIBOR chapter. The mission of NAREB, Democracy in Housing and the 2MN5 (2 million new black homeowners in 5 years) initiative, continue to motivate her work with the association.
In 2020, Latrice McFadden, accepted the call as President under unforeseen circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting us all. In spite of that, she has grown the chapter and kept membership engaged with NAREB's eight initiatives that President Lydia Pope is implementing. We are the boots on the ground and guardians of our community. We would welcome your membership.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Melvin Watson
President
Broker-in-Charge of Success Realty’s Durham location, Melvin uses his superior knowledge of the local marketplace to educate new agents and assist clients. In addition to TRIBOR, Melvin serves on the Board of Directors for Centre for Homeownership & Economic Development, Inc. and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Shondra Tanner
Treasurer
Director of Mortgage Origination at Self-Help Credit Union, Shondra oversees all North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Florida home loan origination and new business development. This gives her extensive experience and commitment to making mortgage loans more accessible for low-wealth families.
Laura Keefer
Vice President
Over 20 years of banking experience in Triangle area, she goes above and beyond to help her clients with their everyday banking and cash management needs. Graduate of NCSU. Member of NC Emerging Leader Council, mentor of the Teen Board for Note in the Pocket. Dedicated volunteer with the Salvation Army and Communities in Schools.
Stephanie Wilson Jones, Asst. Treasurer
Owner/Broker in Charge of Next Move Realty, Stephanie has obtained several designations: ABR®, SRS, PSA, and SFR® which have made her knowledgeable and successful in real estate for 8+ years.
Serving as an active TRIBOR member, she earned the Young Realtist Trailblazer Award in 2023. She enjoys being a devoted mother, traveling, working out, and being an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Patricia Muhammad
1st Vice President
A REALTOR® for 7+ years, Patricia has specialized in helping her buyers utilize the alternative Riba Free Financing. She exemplifies her motto, “Your Dream, Our Goals”, as she passionately helps her clients reach their real estate goals. She believes it takes team work to succeed, and has rebranded her FABA (For Agents By Agents) concept to a bigger platform known as The Wealthy Connection.
Sondra Collins
Secretary
As SVP, Mortgage Community Outreach Officer, Sondra engages in business development, civic initiatives, collaborates and partners with organizations throughout the community to provide home buying educational opportunities. The focus is helping individuals and families in our minority communities on their path to homeownership.
Ramona Grady
2nd Vice President
CEO-Broker in Charge at Southern Belle Realty & Associates and NC native. With 19+ years of experience, she's committed to serving with excellence and believes anyone can achieve homeownership.
ECSU grad, Membership Chair, HUD Certified, RRAR Professional Standards, Greater Durham Black Chamber, Holly Springs Chamber and MLK member.
Drew Dames
Assistant Secretary
Drew believes that integrity and sincerity are the keys to delivering exceptional customer service. Aside from being a broker based out of Downtown Raleigh, he serves on community engagement boards, committees, and task forces in both the public and private sector that help foster fair housing for all.
