OUR LEADERSHIP
OUR COMMITMENT IS FOSTERING POSITIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE.
Meet the dedicated individuals driving Queens Gambit's mission forward, each bringing unique expertise and passion to empower young minds through chess and strategic leadership.
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, CEO
ASHLEY LYNN PRIORE
Ashley Lynn Priore, the visionary founder, president, and CEO of Queens Gambit, is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through chess and strategic leadership. As a recognized chess champion, social entrepreneur, and advocate for gender equity in the chess world, Ashley brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. Her commitment to fostering inclusive communities and empowering the next generation of leaders is at the heart of Queens Gambit's mission.
Ashley has received numerous awards for her leadership, including Pittsburgh Business Times' 30 under 30. In 2021, Ashley was featured alongside powerhouses Hoda Kotb, Tyra Banks, and Bobbi Brown in The Epic Mentor Guide: Insider Advice for Girls Eyeing the Workforce from 180 Boss Women Who Know. She is an in-demand speaker and currently serves on numerous nonprofit boards. In 2022, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR BOARD MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE EXPERTISE SPANNING FROM VARIOUS SECTORS TO EMPOWER YOUTH.
Board Chair
John Siminerio
Cigna Health
Treasurer
Brett Fulesday
CGFI
Access Lead
Dr. Crystal Rose
Early Excellence Project
Amy Hart
Center for Hearing & Deaf Services
Emily Francis
The Forbes Funds
Katharine Kelleman
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Marie Pelloni
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Vice Chair & Partnerships Lead
Vidya Surti
Duquesne University
Development Lead
Shaqui Scott
POISE Foundation
Melissa Pearlman
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Raihan Izimbetova
Partner4Work
Samara Taber
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Weston White
Youth Places
Tom Baker
Variety - The Children’s Charity