Queenside Ventures x The Salon: Empowering Women through Strategic Play

In a world brimming with endless distractions and daily demands, maintaining mental sharpness is more crucial than ever. While physical wellness often takes center stage, it’s equally important to engage our minds in activities that foster strategic thinking, emotional resilience, and mindfulness. That’s where chess comes in. Beyond being a game of strategy, chess cultivates essential life skills like critical thinking, emotional regulation, and a sense of community—all of which contribute to overall well-being.

We at Queenside Ventures are thrilled to announce our partnership with The Salon for an exciting new initiative: a 5-week women’s chess program led by our founder, Ashley Lynn Priore. Through Project d4, Ashley aims to teach 1 million women to play chess, demonstrating how the game’s principles can be applied to personal and professional success.

An Unmissable Opportunity for Connection and Growth

This unique chess program is designed for women of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned player or an advanced beginner. It’s more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to sharpen your cognitive abilities, build confidence, and forge lasting connections with like-minded women. Over the course of five weeks, participants will learn, play, and grow together in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Ashley’s expertise in chess and leadership development makes this program an invaluable experience for anyone looking to enhance their strategic thinking, emotional balance, and mindfulness.

Meet the Woman Behind the Initiative: Ashley Lynn Priore

We sat down with Ashley to learn more about her journey and the inspiration behind this partnership.

What inspired you to start playing chess at such a young age, and how has your relationship with the game evolved?

*"I started playing chess when I was four years old because all my siblings played, and I wanted to give it a try! My dad taught me, and I’ll never forget the first time we played—I actually won in four moves! That little victory sparked something in me. Once I entered my first tournament, I quickly noticed how male-dominated the game was, and even at a young age, I knew I wanted to change that.

As I grew older, chess became so much more than just a game to me. While I loved the competitive side, I started to see how powerful it could be as a tool for empowerment. It’s a way to break down barriers and create opportunities for people who often feel excluded or underestimated. Chess taught me critical thinking, decision-making, and resilience, and I’ve seen how it can help others discover their own potential."*

How do you think chess can help participants develop skills that extend beyond the board?

"Chess is a mirror for life. Chess teaches you how to navigate uncertainty, think several steps ahead, and remain calm under pressure. Beyond that, it fosters emotional intelligence and mindfulness, as each decision on the board has consequences. Everyone can carry these lessons into their careers, relationships, and everyday challenges, making chess a versatile tool for personal development."

What advice would you give to someone who’s intimidated by chess but curious to learn?

"First, let go of the idea that you need to be perfect to start. Chess is a journey, not a destination, and everyone starts as a beginner. Begin with the basics, play for fun, and embrace the process of learning through mistakes. The beauty of chess lies in its ability to meet you where you are—whether you're playing casually or diving into deeper strategy."

Beyond chess, what other passions or projects are you currently pursuing that align with your mission of empowering others?

"Outside of chess, I’m deeply committed to leadership development, particularly for young people and women. Through Queens Gambit, our nonprofit, and Queenside Ventures, my consulting firm, I work to build intergenerational leadership teams and foster inclusive environments. I’m also exploring storytelling and advocacy through writing, podcasting, and public speaking, including my podcast Queen Me, where I share the stories of trailblazers who inspire others to make bold moves. These projects align with my mission of using strategy and creativity to drive empowerment and social impact!"

Join Us for a Unique Chess Experience

Whether you’re looking to boost your cognitive skills, build meaningful connections, or simply try something new, this 5-week program is your chance to explore the power of strategic play. Join Queenside Ventures and The Salon for a special women’s chess meetup where you’ll strengthen your mind, develop mindfulness, and discover how chess can help you achieve emotional balance and clarity.

Program Details:

• Duration: 5 weeks

• Audience: Women of all skill levels

• Cost: $20 for non-Salon members, $15 for Salon and Field Day members (use discount code: QUEENME)

Ready to make your move? Sign up now and start your journey toward strategic empowerment.

For more details and registration, visit The Salon's Event Page. We can’t wait to see you there!