Congratulations to board members Vidya Surti and Emily Francis for being honored at the 16th Annual Get Involved! Pittsburgh Service Summit. Vidya was named Emerging Leader and Emily recognized as Western PA Rising Star - celebrating their commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.

Meet Marie Pelloni, STEM innovator, educator, and workforce leader at the Pittsburgh Technology Council. “When you learn chess, you learn to think about what’s next and adapt to what comes your way - success is built on these two things. It’s beautiful.”

On September 18, Queens Gambit joined Get Involved! Inc. for the 98th Power Hour Leadership Series. Youth instructors Luke Martin and Zach Werstil, alongside Board Chair John Siminerio, shared how chess is shaping confident, community-minded leaders across the region. In partnership with Tom Baker and Get Involved!, this conversation highlighted the power of youth voice and the impact of strategic leadership on and off the board.

From October 1–8, the city came alive with strategy, creativity, and connection as we celebrated Queens Gambit Chess Institute Week, officially proclaimed by Mayor Ed Gainey.
Thanks to our incredible partners - First National Bank, Cherin Law Offices, and De Fer Coffee & Tea - Pittsburgh proved once again that when strategy meets community, the results are extraordinary.

Pittsburgh kicks off a week of strategy, learning, and community with a historic honor - Mayor Ed Gainey has proclaimed October 1–8 as Queens Gambit Chess Institute Week in the City of Pittsburgh. We’re also launching the second year of 64 Hours of Giving, our campaign to raise $10,000 in the first 64 hours of Chess Week.

Get ready, Pittsburgh! Queens Gambit is bringing the city together for a weeklong celebration of chess, community, and connection. From pop-up chess lounges and outdoor movie nights to youth tournaments and a downtown festival, there’s something for everyone.

Our recent Chess for Champions event brought together young leaders for an afternoon of strategy, learning, and community.

Meet Tom Baker, nonprofit leader, former elected official, and longtime advocate for youth. “The sky is the limit for QG, and I can’t wait to see how the organization continues to grow and expand.”

Queens Gambit is offering free chess lessons and play sessions for youth this summer at partner libraries in Millvale and Wilkinsburg. Whether you're learning the basics or honing your skills, drop in and join the fun!

Queens Gambit and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania have teamed up to launch Her Next Move - an all-girls chess and leadership program designed to empower girls ages 8–13 to lead with confidence, think strategically, and take bold action both on and off the board.

Meet Vidya Surti, our Vice Chair and Partnerships Chair, who blends science, strategy, and a passion for advocacy in everything she does. “What drew me in was Queens Gambit’s ability to embed leadership, self-determination, and decision-making into an accessible curriculum.”

Queens Gambit founder Ashley Lynn Priore returned to her alma mater, The Ellis School, as one of the youngest commencement speakers in school history. Chosen by the Class of 2025, Ashley delivered a bold and timely message on strategy, leadership, and using your voice in a world that doesn’t always want to hear it.

In her Bold Journey magazine feature, Queens Gambit Founder & CEO Ashley Lynn Priore shares how chess became the foundation for her leadership - and how it continues to empower thousands of young people to think critically, lead boldly, and create change.

Meet Brett Fulesday, Queens Gambit’s Treasurer and valuation expert with over 20 years of experience in finance—and a passion for community. “Viewing life as a chessboard is a more health-conscious alternative to viewing life as a box of chocolates.”

From outdoor chess matches to heartfelt community moments, Queens Gambit’s Popup! Chess and Strategic Moves Reception brought strategy, storytelling, and purpose together. Read the full recap of a day that reminded us what leadership in action really looks like.

Queens Gambit is hosting an exclusive Strategic Moves Reception following our PopUp! Chess Event during Remake Learning Days on May 17, 2025. Space is limited—RSVP today to connect.

Meet Samara Taber, a Queens Gambit board member and passionate advocate for equity, education, and empowerment through chess.

Luke Martin, a dedicated youth instructor at Queens Gambit, has been honored as a 2025 Outstanding Young Citizen Awardee by Trib Live.

Ashley Lynn Priore graduates from the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA Program, joining a powerful network of changemakers dedicated to driving impact across the country.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Melissa Pearlman to the Queens Gambit Board of Directors! A passionate educator and community leader, Dr. Pearlman brings decades of experience in advancing student success. Read more about her impact and what she brings to our mission.