Arnita M. Dula is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master’s degree in public school administration from Appalachian State University, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has volunteered on several nonprofit boards, including the Women’s Resource Center, Exodus Homes, and the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center. She lives in Hickory, North Carolina, where she is an ordained minister at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church.

Arnita currently works as an attorney at Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham LLP, representing municipal clients. She previously served as deputy city attorney for the City of Hickory and as a hearing officer for Guilford County Schools. Earlier in her career, she worked as a principal and assistant principal in Hickory Public Schools

Arnita's campaign for Hickory City Council Member, Ward 5, is her first entry into politics.