Hi, I’m Kally! I am currently a junior at Lynbrook High School. I have been playing chess for 10 years now. My current USCF rating is 2038, and my FIDE rating is 1915. I represented the United States of America at the World Youth Chess Championship in 2016, 2018, and 2022. Playing chess allowed me to meet some of my closest friends, and I hope to spread my love for the game to younger girls!

Hi! I'm Ashley and I have been playing chess for ten years now. My current USCF rating is 2028 with a peak rating of 2033 and my current FIDE rating is 1944. I became a Woman Candidate Master in 2016 after tying for first in the North American Youth Chess Championship Girls U-10 section and became the North American All Girls Champion after placing first in 2017. In 2018, I tied for third in the U-12 Girls section World Cadet Chess Championship tournament. I enjoy playing in local and online tournaments, and hope to share my passion with other girls.

Hi! My name is Aksithi Eswaran and I'm a freshman at Saint Louis University in Missouri. I have been playing chess for over 12 years. My current USCF is 2087 and my FIDE is 1911. I have participated in many World Youths, Pan-ams, Nationals and North American championships. In every tournament, I've noticed a huge gender gap and as a coach, it's my goal to inspire young girls to learn more about the game that has brought so many benefits to me, both on and off the board. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and experiences from chess and helping to bridge the gender gap!

I've been coaching for about 5 years now. I have about 10 years of chess experience, reaching peak ratings of ~2040 USCF and ~1900 FIDE alongside a few titles and norms. I'm enthusiastic to teach and hope to inspire students in their chess journeys!

When I was 5, I got a flyer from my school advertising their chess team. Being a normal 5 year old, I thought, “Why not?” So I joined Mission San Jose Elementary’s chess team, and I’ve been competing ever since. In 2015, I represented the United States in the World Youth and Cadets Chess Championships. In 2017, I won silver at the International Pan American Youth Tournament, earning myself the Woman Candidate Master title. In 5th grade, I was co-champion of the state championships for K-6, and in 6th grade I won first place at states. I have benefited so much from chess and want to pay-it-forward by empowering as many girls to learn and compete in chess as possible. This is the reason why I co-founded FEMchess. No one should ever be denied the opportunity to learn and compete.

Hi! My name is Arya Kumar, and I am a student from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I began playing chess when I was in 5th grade, and by 8th grade, I was already rated over 2000 USCF. I have won 3 NC Girls State Championships, as well as the NC K-8 overall championship. I have also had the opportunity to represent the USA in the 2018 World Youth Chess Championship. Last summer, I placed 3rd in the Ruth Haring National Girls Tournament. I love playing and growing in chess, and I especially love sharing my knowledge of the game with others through teaching.

I am Krish Bhandari and love teaching, playing, reading, or doing anything to do with chess. I have taught chess for 2 years and as a coach, I hope to help young girls find their voice through chess.

Hi! My name is Joelle. I’m a sophomore at Northfield Mount Hermon, which is a boarding high school in Massachusetts. My FIDE rating is 1741, and I placed 2nd in the NAYCC U14 Girls section in 2023 as Canada’s official representative. I won the Quebec Girls’ Championship in my grade’s section multiple times, and I was third in the CYCC U14 Girls section in 2022. I also enjoy illustrating and running with my school’s cross country and track teams. Finally, I have some experience tutoring, and I love sharing my knowledge!

I'm Chloe, and I've been playing chess for over 20 years. Originally from Wisconsin, I currently live and work in California's Bay Area. I've coached chess for 6 years at 3 different clubs, and am excited to now be working with FEMchess to continue inspiring girls to play chess. When not playing chess, I spend my time reading, hiking, improving my photography skills, and working for a non-profit theater company and a cream puff bakery.

Hello! I am Anusha Natraj, and I am a student at Dougherty Valley High School. My USCF Rating peak is 1706, and my FIDE rating is 1684. I have been playing chess since I was in 6th grade, and I have enjoyed the game ever since. Besides chess, I enjoy running, dancing, and playing viola. I am hoping to help bridge the gender gap between males and females in the chess community. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the rest of the chess community!

Hi! My name is Sanushya Subramaniam, and I've been obsessed with chess since I started playing at six years old. I love sharing my knowledge of the game, whether it’s teaching my brother or helping kids at our local library discover the fun of chess. At FEMchess, I’m excited to support young girls in their chess journeys while creating a welcoming and inclusive learning space for everyone!

Hello! My name is Kaelyn and I am currently a student at Dougherty Valley High School. My current USCF rating is 1735. I love both to play chess and teach others the game! I have been playing chess for more than 6 years and I could not imagine my life without it. My chess journey started on my 9th Birthday when I received a chess set from my parents. I quickly became fascinated with the game, so I started playing online and joined my school's chess club. To this day I still play online a lot and enjoy in person tournaments as well. Outside of chess I enjoy running and playing the violin. I look forward to sharing my love of chess with my students!

My name is Asha Kumar, and I am a 12th grader from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am a two-time Girls' National champion and a three-time North Carolina Girls' State champion, and I've had the opportunity to represent the US at the 2022 World Youth Chess Championship. As a coach, I look forward to sharing my passion for chess with other girls.

Hi! My name is Jolene Liu, and I am a junior at Mission San Jose High School. I have played chess since the start of kindergarten. My older brother also played chess at the time, so naturally, I wanted to copy him. At the start of this journey, I lost many, many times. I joined the MSJE chess team and club, and it helped me practice playing with others. I played in tons of tournaments, like playing at the state championships and going to the Nationals every year. At the end of sixth grade, I was one of the only girls sitting at the top tables. Additionally, I have some experience with teaching chess as I taught kindergartens the basics in sixth grade. That marked the beginning of my passion for teaching. So, I can't wait to coach young girls and share my passion for chess!

Hello, my name is Kavya Meiyappan. I am currently a student in Centerville Junior High and I’ve been playing chess since I was six. I’ve always loved chess and I learn something new about it every time I play. My favorite thing about chess is that every game we play is different and it’s never the same. My peak USCF rating is 1748. I’ve participated in many national level tournaments such as Girls Nationals and have traveled all over the world.