Ashley Lynn Priore of Queens Gambit Chess Institute (Pittsburgh, PA) Announced as 2025 Forbes 30 under 30

We are thrilled to announce that Ashley Lynn Priore, founder, President, and CEO of Queens Gambit, has been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2024. This recognition honors young innovators and trailblazers across industries who are making an outsized impact in their fields and communities. Ashley's inclusion in this year’s list underscores her transformative work at the intersection of chess, education, and leadership.

A chess prodigy who began competing at the age of four, Ashley founded Queens Gambit at just 14 years old to address diversity and inclusivity gaps within the chess world. Today, the organization serves more than 2,000 youth annually, teaching leadership and critical thinking skills through chess. Under Ashley’s vision and leadership, Queens Gambit has grown into a national nonprofit and a driving force for equity and innovation in education.

One of the standout initiatives led by Ashley is the Women and Girls in Chess Program, which challenges sexism in the chess community and empowers participants to excel both on and off the chessboard. Through workshops, mentorship, and advocacy, Ashley continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in creating inclusive, intergenerational leadership spaces.

Beyond her work with Queens Gambit, Ashley has gained national recognition for her creative approaches to problem-solving and her ability to connect communities through the power of chess. Her leadership philosophy has earned her accolades, media attention, and now, a place among some of the most accomplished changemakers of her generation.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 program is an annual celebration of the brightest young entrepreneurs, leaders, and stars under the age of 30, spanning categories like social impact, technology, arts, and education. Ashley’s work epitomizes the spirit of the award—proving that leadership and innovation can begin at any age and create meaningful, lasting change.

To learn more about Ashley Lynn Priore’s work and her vision for the future, visit here.

Congratulations, Ashley, on this well-deserved honor!