Chess as a Catalyst: Ashley Lynn Priore Featured in Bold Journey Magazine

We’re excited to share that our Founder & CEO, Ashley Lynn Priore, was recently featured in Bold Journey magazine - where she spoke powerfully about the role chess plays in shaping strong, strategic leaders, especially young people.

In the article, Ashley reflects on how learning chess at the age of four - and teaching it by eight - taught her more than how to win a game. It taught her how to think critically, bounce back from mistakes, and lead with confidence. “Every move has meaning,” she shared. “Chess didn’t just teach me how to think - it taught me how to lead.”

That leadership mindset became the foundation of Queens Gambit, which Ashley launched at just 14 years old to make chess accessible for all students - particularly young women and students of color. Today, our programs reach thousands of young people across the country, empowering them with skills that go far beyond the board: confidence, strategic decision-making, and a belief in their own agency.

In Bold Journey, Ashley emphasizes three qualities every young leader should build:
Strategic Thinking: Understand not just what move to make, but why you’re making it.

Adaptability: Be ready to pivot when the world changes - because it will.

Empathy: Leadership isn’t about power - it’s about people.

“We’re not just building chess players,” she said. “We’re building changemakers.”

This feature reminds us why our mission matters now more than ever. In a world filled with noise, distractions, and quick answers, chess gives youth the space to pause, reflect, and move with purpose.