Zakiya Chambers

role on the board: Board Chair, since 2025. 

occupation: Zakiya has practiced as a pharmacist in multiple settings for more than 15 years. She currently serves as both a community and oncology pharmacist. She is also an active-duty commissioned officer and a distinguished subject matter expert in project management, policy, and legislation.

education: Zakiya holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Howard University, a Master of Public Health from George Washington University, and a Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University. 

Too often, young people are made to believe they must choose between developing their analytical skills or nurturing their creative talents. Hack & Hustle challenges that false narrative by creating a space where both thrive in harmony. By integrating innovation with creativity, we enable students to show up as their full, authentic selves and equip them with the confidence and skills to shape their own futures.

Victor Lawrence

​role on the board: Board Member, since 2020. 

occupation: Victor is the Charles Batchelor Chair Professor of Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and the Chairman of Baharicom Development Co. His pioneering work at Bell Laboratories revolutionized the telecommunications industry, particularly in DSL, modem technology, and silicon chip design. He has also led major infrastructure projects, such as the installation of high-capacity fiber optic cables along the African coast. ​

education: Victor holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of London and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2016. ​

Supporting the next generation of leaders is crucial to ensuring they are equipped to meet and excel in the challenges before them. By providing access to STEM education and entrepreneurial skills, I want to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.

Gurtej Singh

role on the board: Board Member, since 2018. 

occupation: Gurtej is an accomplished Solutions Architect with over a decade of experience in the technology industry. He specializes in leveraging technology to solve complex problems and design robust systems. 

education: He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Clemson University. 

I support Hack & Hustle because I believe in the critical mission of empowering underserved youth with essential life, business, and technology skills, preparing them to face real-world challenges and achieve economic mobility.

Joan M. Rashid

​role on the board: Board Member and Executive Director, since March 2025. 

​occupation: As Executive Director, Joan brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, having worked with diverse organizations in California and New York. She is passionate about expanding opportunities for underserved youth in Charlotte and beyond. 

education: Joan holds a Master of Social Welfare from the UCLA School of Social Welfare and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte. 

I am committed to fostering the future of underserved youth by transforming their lives through education and empowerment. At Hack & Hustle, we provide the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and become the changemakers of tomorrow.