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