Ashley Lynn Priore Makes History as Commencement Speaker at The Ellis School’s 2025 Graduation
On Friday, June 7, our founder and CEO, Ashley Lynn Priore, returned to where it all began - The Ellis School - to deliver the 2025 Commencement Address. Chosen by the graduating class, Ashley became one of the youngest individuals in Ellis history to address its commencement audience.
For Queens Gambit, this moment was more than symbolic - it was a powerful full-circle moment rooted in leadership, resilience, and the kind of strategic thinking that defines both Ashley’s journey and our mission.
A proud 2018 graduate of Ellis, Ashley’s speech honored the legacy of the school while meeting the moment with honesty and urgency. From the first line - “It’s a true honor to be back at Ellis” - to her final words encouraging the Class of 2025 to lead with boldness and purpose, Ashley didn’t shy away from the challenges today’s graduates face.
“We are living in unprecedented times,” she shared, addressing the political, cultural, and technological climate head-on. “But in a world obsessed with urgency, reaction, and performative success - strategy is resistance.”
Ashley reminded the Ellis community that strategy isn’t a corporate buzzword. It’s a deeply personal tool that allows young people - especially young women - to lead with intention, challenge the status quo, and build systems that reflect their values.
She spoke candidly about facing rejection, being underestimated, and learning to trust her vision - especially in the early days of founding Queens Gambit. From being told her ideas were “too ambitious” to launching the first youth-led campaign strategy firm in the country, Ashley’s journey reflects the power of not just having a voice, but using it unapologetically.
“Ellis taught me to use my voice - even when people didn’t want to hear it,” she said. “Ellisians don’t spectate. You build. You create space. You are powerful.”
Her address wasn’t just a reflection on personal growth - it was a call to action. A reminder to the Class of 2025 that their voices are needed, their ideas are urgent, and their leadership is already in motion.
To every young leader listening that night - and to those watching the replay - Ashley left them with one unforgettable truth:
“Strategy is your superpower. In a world that wants to box you in, strategic thinking is a return to you.”
We couldn’t be more proud of Ashley and the message she shared. Her words captured the very essence of Queens Gambit: turning challenge into strategy, and strategy into impact.
Missed it? You can watch the full commencement below.
Congratulations to The Ellis School Class of 2025. Your next move is yours - and it’s going to be extraordinary.
