Meet Our Leadership
Who We Are
Dr. Niccol Gordon
Founder & President, Queens Black Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Niccol Gordon is a visionary, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and dedicated community advocate. As Founder and President of the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce (QBCC), Dr. Gordon brings over 15 years of leadership experience empowering small businesses, spanning community development and shaping equitable economic opportunities. She champions Black-owned businesses across Queens, NY and beyond, creating pathways to generational wealth, access to capital, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Gordon is the founder of multiple enterprises, including Corporate Portfolio Holdings, Pretti Please Beauty Co., and RNN Global Transportation, and serves as Executive Director of the Community Hope Foundation and Community Transitional Services for Outreach and Development, Promise Nest. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting financial literacy, and advocating for policy changes that benefit underserved communities.
Holding a Ph. D. in Philosophy with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Dr. Gordon leads with both strategic insight and heart. She is an active member of her local church and believes in leading by example through services, integrity, and compassion. She believes deeply in service, purpose, and collective upliftment. Her leadership philosophy is guided by values of respect, honesty, justice, and compassion. Whether in the boardroom, the community, or her missionary work, she strives to embody excellence while remaining approachable and grounded. Dr. Gordon's diverse expertise empowers her to guide both emerging and established business owners in building lasting legacies rooted in equity, integrity, and generational wealth.
Outside of her professional and community work, Dr. Gordon is a proud wife and mother - roles that continue to inspire her mission of building lasting legacies for families and future generations.
Her mission: To champion economic advancement, unlock opportunity, and ensure Black entrepreneurs and families are equipped not just to survive - but to thrive.
Ashley Jones
Board Member, Treasurer
Born and raised in Northside Queens, Ashley Jones brings both community roots and professional expertise to the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce. A seasoned financial professional, Ashley holds a senior management position at a private investment bank, overseeing client relations and operational strategy.
Alongside her banking career, Ashley has served as secretary and executive assistant within various nonprofit initiatives, including her longstanding support role with the Community Transitional Services for Outreach and Development. Her ability to balance structure, discretion, and community engagement makes her a valued asset to QBCC’s leadership team.
Ashley is married and the proud mother of one son. She is deeply committed to advancing opportunities for local businesses while setting an example of professionalism and service for the next generation in Queens.
Josephine Carter
Board Member
Josephine Carter is a distinguished educator, mentor, and community leader with a lifelong commitment to empowering future generations. A retired dean of the New York Fashion Institute, Ms. Carter spent over two decades shaping academic programs and supporting students in their pursuit of excellence in fashion, business, and design.
Her leadership extends beyond education. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., an Eastern Star, and a longtime Girl Scout leader, Ms. Carter embodies service, sisterhood, and dedication to community development.
A respected figure in South Jamaica, Queens, she is also an active member of Brooks Memorial Church, where her guidance and presence continue to inspire.
Through her role on the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce board, Ms. Carter brings both prestige and wisdom, helping steer initiatives that uplift Black-owned businesses and create lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs across Queens.
Derrick Hamilton
Board Member
Derrick Hamilton is a respected entrepreneur and small business advocate with over 15 years of experience in operations management and business development. As the owner of a private logistics consulting firm based in Queens, Derrick has built a reputation for helping local businesses streamline processes and scale effectively.
A lifelong resident of Queens, Derrick is passionate about giving back through mentorship and community initiatives. He serves on the board of the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce, contributing his expertise in organizational leadership and business strategy to support Black-owned businesses throughout the borough.
Derrick is also a dedicated family man and an active participant in local youth mentorship programs, reinforcing his commitment to fostering growth both in business and in the community.
Kristen Raysor
In Loving Memory
Former Secretary of the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce.
Karma was a dedicated public servant and trusted member of the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce leadership team, Kristen brought a wealth of experience in both law enforcement and administrative support. Serving as a New York City Police Officer assigned to the NYC Mayor’s Office, she was committed to protecting and uplifting her community on multiple levels.
With a background in criminal justice and an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Kristen worked alongside Dr. Niccol Gordon since the early days of the Community Hope Foundation. Her organizational skills, integrity, and steadfast work ethic made her an invaluable asset as both Board Secretary and personal assistant to Dr. Gordon.
Focused on building bridges between public service and community development, Karma brought a key role in ensuring QBCC’s operations ran smoothly while upholding its mission and values.
Karma will forever be in our hearts and part of our legacy.