President and Founder
My journey with chess began in kindergarten. What started as a simple game quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Chess taught me how to think critically, stay patient, and believe in my own growth. Over the years, the board became more than just sixty-four squares—it became a place where I learned discipline, confidence, and the power of perseverance. Chess shaped the way I see challenges, both in competition and in life.
That passion eventually carried me across borders to Romania, where I met players from different countries and cultures who shared the same love for the game. Through these friendships, I began to understand that not everyone had the same opportunities I did. Many talented players could not afford to travel, train, or compete internationally. Seeing their dedication despite limited resources opened my eyes to a reality beyond my own experience and made me realize how fortunate I had been. Chess connected us, but inequality still stood in the way of many dreams.
I began fundraising to support my chess coaches and help cover international tournament costs, but that effort soon grew into something much larger. I realized this mission was not just about one tournament, or even about myself and my friends. It was about using chess as a bridge: to unite people, create opportunity, and empower players who might otherwise be left behind. What started as a personal passion has become a commitment to share chess with the world, ensuring that talent and love for the game, not financial circumstance, determine how far a player can go. What started as a personal goal became a commitment to fostering chess in society and education, using the game to promote education, equity, and opportunity for all.
My journey with chess began in kindergarten. What started as a simple game quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Chess taught me how to think critically, stay patient, and believe in my own growth. Over the years, the board became more than just sixty-four squares—it became a place where I learned discipline, confidence, and the power of perseverance. Chess shaped the way I see challenges, both in competition and in life.
President and Founder
That passion eventually carried me across borders to Romania, where I met players from different countries and cultures who shared the same love for the game. Through these friendships, I began to understand that not everyone had the same opportunities I did. Many talented players could not afford to travel, train, or compete internationally. Seeing their dedication despite limited resources opened my eyes to a reality beyond my own experience and made me realize how fortunate I had been. Chess connected us, but inequality still stood in the way of many dreams.
I began fundraising to support my chess coaches and help cover international tournament costs, but that effort soon grew into something much larger. I realized this mission was not just about one tournament, or even about myself and my friends. It was about using chess as a bridge: to unite people, create opportunity, and empower players who might otherwise be left behind. What started as a personal passion has become a commitment to share chess with the world, ensuring that talent and love for the game, not financial circumstance, determine how far a player can go. What started as a personal goal became a commitment to fostering chess in society and education, using the game to promote education, equity, and opportunity for all.
Secretary-Treasurer
I serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Social Chess Foundation, and I am also the proud mother of its founder. Watching my daughter’s journey with chess, from her earliest games to this past summer’s international competition in Iasi, Romania (2025), has been both inspiring and deeply meaningful. Over the years, I saw firsthand how chess shaped her character, building discipline, confidence, and resilience, while also opening her eyes to the broader world and the inequities that exist within it.
As her passion grew, so did the scope of her vision. What began as fundraising to support tournament participation and coaching soon evolved into a mission far greater than any single player or event. I stepped into my role to help turn that vision into a sustainable, transparent, and responsible organization; one that could truly serve its purpose and reach those who need opportunity the most.
As Secretary-Treasurer, I oversee the organization’s financial stewardship and recordkeeping, ensuring that every donation is managed with care, integrity, and accountability. I am committed to maintaining strong governance practices so our supporters can trust that their contributions are being used effectively to advance our mission.
While my role is rooted in administration and oversight, my motivation is deeply personal. I believe in the power of chess not only as a game, but as an educational tool that teaches critical thinking, perseverance, and confidence. I am honored to support an organization that strives to make those benefits accessible to all, regardless of background or financial circumstance, and proud to stand behind a mission that turns passion into opportunity for young players around the world.
I serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Social Chess Foundation, and I am also the proud mother of its founder. Watching my daughter’s journey with chess, from her earliest games to this past summer’s international competition in Iasi, Romania, has been both inspiring and deeply meaningful. Over the years, I saw firsthand how chess shaped her character, building discipline, confidence, and resilience, while also opening her eyes to the broader world and the inequities that exist within it.
As her passion grew, so did the scope of her vision. What began as fundraising to support tournament participation and coaching soon evolved into a mission far greater than any single player or event. I stepped into my role to help turn that vision into a sustainable, transparent, and responsible organization; one that could truly serve its purpose and reach those who need opportunity the most.
As Secretary-Treasurer, I oversee the organization’s financial stewardship and recordkeeping, ensuring that every donation is managed with care, integrity, and accountability. I am committed to maintaining strong governance practices so our supporters can trust that their contributions are being used effectively to advance our mission.
While my role is rooted in administration and oversight, my motivation is deeply personal. I believe in the power of chess not only as a game, but as an educational tool that teaches critical thinking, perseverance, and confidence. I am honored to support an organization that strives to make those benefits accessible to all, regardless of background or financial circumstance, and proud to stand behind a mission that turns passion into opportunity for young players around the world.
Become part of the International Social Chess Foundation and help shape future leaders by advancing education, opportunity, and global impact through chess.
