Our Team

Former competitors united by a passion to empower female chess players.

Karsten mcvay

Co-founder & CEO

Formerly ranked #1 in the U.S. for girls

Former U.S. Chess Team member. Represented the USA at tournaments in Argentina, Ecuador, France, Greece, and Vietnam. 2009 Girls National Champion.

Northwestern University graduate.

NICOLE MAFFEO

Co-founder & President

Formerly ranked #2 in the U.S. for girls

Former U.S. Chess Team member. Represented the USA at tournaments across the states as well as abroad in Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, France, and Switzerland.

Dartmouth College graduate.

Our History

In 1997 and at the age of six, Nicole Maffeo and Karsten McVay played their first chess match together. They went on to compete against one another for over a decade as top nationally ranked players. 20+ years later, Nicole and Karsten reconnected over coffee at Mud Park in the East Village and the idea for this non-profit was born.

Our TEAM

Kimberly DooSVP and SecretaryFormer J.D., journalist, chess advocate who leads a NYC based chess foundation. — Kimberly Doo
**SVP and Secretary**
Former J.D., journalist, chess advocate who leads a NYC based chess foundation.

Sophia RohdeSVPInternational Arbiter, Event Mgr World Chess Championships, Hall of Fame Committee. — Sophia Rohde
**SVP**
International Arbiter, Event Mgr World Chess Championships, Hall of Fame Committee.

Daniel RohdeVPMember of US Chess Scholastic Council, Michigan graduate. — Daniel Rohde
VP
Member of US Chess Scholastic Council, Michigan graduate.

Darrian RobinsonVPHighest rated African American female. UChicago ‘16. Works at the Federal Reserve. — Darrian Robinson
VP
Highest rated African American female. UChicago ‘16. Works at the Federal Reserve.

Rusudan GoletianiRESIDENT WGMWoman Grandmaster and International Master. 2005 U.S. Women’s Champion. — Rusudan Goletiani
**RESIDENT WGM**
Woman Grandmaster and International Master. 2005 U.S. Women’s Champion.