The Marriage & Wealth Gap: Relationships as Community Infrastructure
A candid look at how partnership, family formation, and cultural connection shape opportunity—and why intentional rooms matter for the next generation.
Science-based relationship & dating coach · Speaker · Host
Arvia Few
Helping people date with intention—and build the partnerships that shape families, community, and legacy.
Married for 30 years and mom to two young adult children. Science-based relationship and dating coach, professional matchmaker, speaker, event host, and founder of DOTTIE—with a background in marketing at Procter & Gamble.
She facilitates live conversations and builds community nationwide. Coaching by application; book her for Relationships Unfiltered, on-site hosting, keynotes, and press.
- Married for 30 years
- Founder of DOTTIE
- Professional matchmaker
- Former Procter & Gamble
- National media · CBS Mornings
- Live facilitation & community
About
Connecting the dots—in love, family, and community
Arvia Few has been married for 30 years and is mom to two young adult children. That life—building a family with her husband, Jason—is her anchor: the reason she does this work, and why she can. She is a professional matchmaker and science-based relationship and dating coach who helps people create meaningful connections—so they can find love and build strong, enduring relationships. She works with clients and events nationwide.
After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Business Administration, she spent more than a decade in sales and marketing at Procter & Gamble. She then dedicated more than 20 years as a stay-at-home mom—until her kids went to college—while continuing philanthropic work in her communities.
In 2021—inspired by the challenges young Black Americans face forming lifelong relationships amid dating-app bias, cultural shifts, and post-pandemic isolation—she founded DOTTIE. The organization is named after her mother, Dorothy, a passionate advocate for Black civil rights and a respected member of the Atlanta community. In 2024, she expanded into science-based relationship and dating coaching.
On this site, Arvia offers 1:1 coaching by application; her signature live experience Relationships Unfiltered; and on-site hosting for someone else’s singles or connection event. Matchmaking and introductions stay with DOTTIE—a community for ambitious Black professionals in their 20s and 30s—at thedottieclub.com.
“Love was never meant to be a solo sport.”
Signature experience
Relationships Unfiltered
A live, unscripted room where people ask the dating questions they’re actually living—taking the conversation out of the group chat and off the internet. Not a lecture. Not a panel. The answers come from the people in the seats.
Real questions. Honest hot takes. Momentum you can feel. Arvia opens briefly, then the mic moves to the room—and the conversation snowballs: funny, occasionally heated, always human. Colleges, Greek and fraternal organizations, conferences, alumni networks, and community groups bring the format when they want brave dating conversation at scale.
From Martha’s Vineyard
“I’ve been in this room for an hour and I haven’t seen anybody on their phone.”
“Find someone in your life that you can build together with, because that’s ultimately how you become who you truly should be.”
How it works
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Warm open
Arvia sets the tone with a short intro—why intentional dating matters, and why this room is a safe place to get real.
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Mic to the room
Guests step up with the questions they’re living: situationships, timelines, “is this a red flag,” when to walk.
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Hot takes, not lectures
Arvia invites someone else—often a man in the room—to answer first. Perspectives stack. The conversation builds its own momentum.
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Close with clarity
She helps land the energy so people leave with language, courage, and connection—not just a viral moment.
Who it’s for
- Colleges, universities & graduate schools
- Sororities, fraternities & alumni associations
- Corporate ERGs & young professional networks
- Conferences, summits & leadership retreats
- Private social clubs & membership communities
- Professional associations & networking groups
- Women’s & men’s organizations
- Faith-based organizations & singles ministries
- Cultural & community organizations
Speaking
Talks that make intentional connection feel possible
Keynotes, panels, and workshops aligned with Arvia’s coaching, Relationships Unfiltered, and on-site hosting work. Ideal for universities, companies, conferences, faith communities, and cultural institutions nationwide.
Featured topics
What 30 Years of Marriage Taught Me About Partnership
Lessons from a long marriage—resilience, caretaking seasons, and choosing each other again—woven with coaching insights for audiences hungry for real models of lasting love.
The Power of the Third Act: From Corporate Career to Motherhood to Founder
From Procter & Gamble to more than 20 years as a stay-at-home mom to founding DOTTIE in her 50s, Arvia shares her journey of reinvention and purpose—a reminder that our experiences prepare us for what comes next, and that some of our greatest contributions may still be ahead.
Human Connection in an Increasingly Disconnected World
We’re more connected digitally than ever, yet meaningful connection feels out of reach. How technology, shifting social norms, and the loss of gathering spaces are reshaping relationships—and why intentional connection matters for families, communities, and society.
More topics
How Did We Get Here? Relationships, Marriage & the Black Community
The historical, economic, and cultural forces behind declining marriage rates and shifting expectations between men and women—and a data-informed look at what it will take to strengthen relationships, families, and communities for the next generation.
Beyond the Apps: Why Intentional Dating Is Having a Moment
Why so many singles are exhausted by swipe culture—and how coaching, curated community, and live conversation offer a more human alternative. Draws on Arvia’s founding of DOTTIE and her CBS Mornings appearance.
What guests say
Voices from events and rooms Arvia has hosted—engagement, conversation quality, and connections made.
“I’ve been in this room for an hour and I haven’t seen anybody on their phone.”
“I had high expectations going into last night and they were exceeded! Thanks for hosting such an amazing event! I met so many beautiful, brilliant, and interesting women. Events like this for in-person connection are exactly what we need.”
“I love the spaces that you are creating for young Black people. With such a rift being formed through social media, I believe spaces like this are steps in the right direction for us to address the wealth disparity and divorce rates that we statistically see in Black households versus other communities!”
“You are amazing for doing this with the young, gifted and Black. I am locked in and actually for the first time very hopeful for young Black love. … I cannot thank you enough. It takes a village.”
Premium event hosting
Arvia in the Room
Bring Arvia Few into your room for an unforgettable experience centered on connection. Whether you’re hosting a singles social, private gathering, or community event, Arvia brings her signature energy, expertise, and ability to spark meaningful conversations.
Hosts invite Arvia to facilitate singles nights and connection events for faith communities, alumni circles, professional networks, and more. She arrives as the hired host and facilitator: works the room, sparks conversation, facilitates matching energy, and is everyone’s wing person for the night. Rooms tend to sell out when people know she’s in them—and your promotion can lead with Arvia Few will be there.
Event organizers handle attendance and the guest list, venue, catering, and production, and agree on format and run-of-show in advance. Arvia focuses on the experience in the room.
What’s included
- Available for events nationwide (travel arrangements coordinated separately)
- On-site hosting & facilitation for your event
- Working the room—intros, conversation prompts, matching energy
- Wing-person presence so guests feel guided, not awkward
- Name-draw for your invite: “Arvia Few will be there”
Organizers typically handle
- Attendance / guest list & RSVPs
- Venue, catering, and production
- Promotion (you’re welcome to feature Arvia)
- Agreeing format & run-of-show in advance
1:1 coaching with Arvia
Level up your dating game
Science-based, one-on-one dating and relationship coaching with Arvia, built around you. Private coaching is offered by application to ensure the program is the right fit.
Why one-on-one coaching?
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Tailored guidance
Every session is customized to your unique goals, experiences, and challenges.
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Personal growth
Develop the tools and mindset to approach dating and relationships with confidence.
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Clarity & confidence
Gain deeper insight into your dating patterns, preferences, and deal-breakers.
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Results-oriented
Work toward actionable goals designed to create real, lasting change in your love life.
How it works
- 60-minute sessions
- Virtual, from the comfort of home
- Ten-session minimum
- By application, nationwide
What coaching clients say
“I left our conversation inspired, excited to explore dating differently, and more hopeful than ever. I actually redownloaded Hinge while we were on the call and already have a date scheduled for next Friday.”
“Your describing the choice to start over in love at 30 as brave, and reminding me that 32 is still young, gave me a renewed sense of confidence.”
“I learned so much, and I overall left the call feeling very encouraged.”
“I’ve really appreciated our sessions, and they’ve helped reinforce a lot of what I was already thinking.”
With Arvia (this site)
Private one-on-one coaching for clarity, confidence, and intentional dating—offered by application. Share a little about where you are and what you want, and Arvia will review your request before scheduling an introductory call.
Apply for coachingWith DOTTIE
DOTTIE is Arvia’s community for talented, ambitious Black professionals in their 20s and 30s who value cultural connection, because your love life deserves the same intention as your education and career. It offers events, coaching, Dating Decoded group coaching, and matchmaking.
If you’re in that community and want to join, attend an event, or be matched, start at DOTTIE.
Press
Selected coverage
A growing archive of features and conversations. For interviews, use the contact form below.
TheGrio
Cuffing season is coming & dating experts say it’s time to relearn how to connect
On loneliness, cuffing season, and practicing real-life connection. Arvia: “People are lonely because we are humans, and humans are meant to have relationships.”
TheGrio
‘DOTTIE’ does the work: Inside a Black singles mixer
Feature on Arvia Few and DOTTIE’s Cuff and Connect—creating intentional space for young Black singles beyond the apps.
CBS News · CBS Mornings
Tired of dating apps, more single people are turning to matchmakers to find love
Feature story and CBS Mornings segment highlighting Arvia Few and DOTTIE as a modern approach to intentional matchmaking for young Black professionals.
Westport Magazine · Moffly Media
Westport’s New Residents Are Making a Big Impact
Founder profile on Arvia Few of The Dottie Club—mission and the work of creating space for young Black people to connect socially and romantically.
Watch & Listen
Conversations on love, dating & marriage
Real, juicy, and vulnerable conversations around relationships in our community—plus practical dating strategy on YouTube.
Featured appearance · 50K+ views on YouTube
The Truth About Marriage, Career, Love and Relationships from A Dating Coach
Guest on Jodie K. Taylor — April 28, 2026. A wide-ranging conversation on marriage, career, love, and relationships.
Watch on YouTubeAlso watch & listen
Hosted by Arvia Few
DOTTIE’s House podcast
Arvia’s podcast on love, dating, and marriage—guest couples, solo reflections, and the mission behind DOTTIE. Listen on your favorite platform.
YouTube
Dating lessons, street interviews with young Black professionals, podcast highlights, and event moments.
CBS Mornings
National segment on the return of matchmaking—featuring Arvia Few and DOTTIE.
The product
DOTTIE is the community. Arvia is the voice.
Just as you are intentional about your education and career, your social and love life should be no different. DOTTIE brings together talented, ambitious Black professionals in their 20s and 30s through events, coaching, Dating Decoded group coaching, and matchmaking. This site is where you book Arvia herself as a coach, speaker, and host for any audience.
Newsletter
Join my list
Notes on intentional dating, partnership, and building the relationships that last—plus first word on events and content Arvia only shares with her list.
Contact
Let’s connect
For coaching, Relationships Unfiltered, on-site hosting, keynotes, podcasts, and press—nationwide. Share a little about your event or goals; Arvia will follow up.