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.  

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Dr. Gordon, A lifelong resident of Queens, is passionate about giving back through mentorship and community initiatives. She is the founder of multiple enterprises, including Corporate Portfolio Holdings, Pretti Please Beauty Co., and RNN Global Transportation, and serves as Executive Director of Community Transitional Services for Outreach and Development and Promise Nest. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting financial literacy, and advocating for policy changes that benefit underserved communities. Niccol has built a reputation for helping local businesses streamline processes and scale effectively.

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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.  

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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. 

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Her mission: To champion economic advancement, unlock opportunity, and ensure Black and minority entrepreneurs and families are equipped not just to survive - but to thrive. 

Philip Armstrong is a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned creator, and dedicated mentor with over 20 years of experience in the creative and business industries. Based in Queens, New York, Philip has established himself as a thought leader in multimedia production, business development, and community empowerment.

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Over the past 25 years, Philip has owned and operated multiple successful businesses, including four recording studios, a barbershop, a beauty salon, and a hip hop-inspired restaurant, Burgers Tacos Wings & Seafood (BTW). BTW has become a community favorite in Jamaica, Queens, recognized for serving the

“Best Tacos in Queens” by the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant also serves as a cultural hub, hosting a weekly podcast, All The Ingredients, centered on the culture, featuring interviews with artists, comedians, influencers and tastemakers.

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Philip is deeply committed to empowering his community, particularly young people. As a participant in the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program, internship programs and MWBE-certified business owner, he leverages his experience to mentor future leaders. His initiatives, like the Young Hustlers Academy, aim to teach entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and group economics to underserved communities. Philip also finds time to. partner with organizations like NEON Arts and the New York Department of Probation to inspire

and educate our youth.

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Whether building a creative empire, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, or celebrating culture through food and community, Philip Armstrong is a force for positive transformation, leaving an indelible mark on every project and community he touches.

Alicia J Evans, a long-time resident of Queens, New York. Alicia brings both community roots and professional expertise to the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce. A former New York City Transit Authority Bus Operator for over 25 years. Alicia received her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from LaGuardia Community College. To further her education, Alicia enrolled in Queens College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing.

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In 2004 Alicia Co-founded and is President of Sugar & Spice Book Club. Her commitment and determination have supported many authors on their literary journey. Under her guidance Sugar & Spice Book Club spearheaded several community giveback events.

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In 2019 Alicia founded Wind Beneath My Wings Women’s Empowerment, which embodies her devotion to sisterhood and empowerment. Her ability to balance structure, discretion, and community engagement makes her a valued asset to QBCC’s leadership team.

Rooted in Queens. Shaped by Experience. Guided by Perspective.

 

Lavon Ward is a Queens Village native, public service professional, former professional athlete, and community advocate whose diverse background spans law enforcement, healthcare, business, entertainment, and youth development. His journey reflects a commitment to leadership, lifelong learning, and understanding the communities he serves.

 

A graduate of Holy Cross High School in Queens, Ward attended American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he competed in collegiate football and lacrosse. He served as Freshman and Sophomore Class President and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Sports and Recreation Management, in 2007. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, having been initiated through the Delta Chi Chapter in 2006.

 

Following college, Ward pursued professional football, competing in the Arena Football League (AFL) and Indoor Football League (IFL) between 2008 and 2011. His athletic and professional pursuits provided opportunities to live throughout the United States, broadening his perspective through exposure to different cultures, communities, and economic environments. His creative interests also led him into television and film, including formal acting studies at the New York Film Academy.

 

In 2016, Ward began a nine-and-a-half-year career with the New York City Department of Correction, serving as a Correction Officer at Rikers Island. His experience provided firsthand insight into some of New York City’s most complex challenges, including public safety, mental health, incarceration, and the social conditions affecting communities across the five boroughs. This experience helped shape his understanding of public service and the importance of addressing community needs from multiple perspectives.

 

Ward later earned his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Excelsior University and currently serves as a Care Management Coordinator with Northwell Health, assisting children and families throughout Queens with healthcare coordination, educational resources, and social support services.

 

Remaining connected to his athletic roots, Ward volunteers as an assistant football coach at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens, mentoring young athletes through discipline, education, and teamwork.

 

For Ward, leadership is shaped not only by professional accomplishments, but by lived experiences, meaningful relationships, and the ability to turn perspective into opportunity.

 

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Ja' Netti Glenn, Born in the Bronx and raised in Queens, is a dedicated entrepreneur, community advocate, and team player who brings creativity, passion, and professionalism to everything she does. Her diverse background in business management and community engagement has made her a trusted collaborator and respected voice among peers.

Ms. Glenn is known for her entrepreneurial drive and strong commitment to service. She believes in the power of unity, economic empowerment, and mentorship values that align perfectly with the mission of the Queens Black Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership style reflects integrity, accountability, and a deep belief in lifting others as she climbs.  

 

Through her role on the Chamber's Board od Dirctors, Ja,Netti works to expand access to resources, foster collaboration amongst business owners, and strengthen the bridge between small businesses and the communities they serve. A proud Queens resident, she continues to champion initiatives that create opportunities, inspire growth, and leave a lasting impact across the borough.  

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