About Us

CO-FOUNDER, CO-PRESIDENT, NEW YORK CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Hi, I’m Iris! I’m a junior in the Class of ’27 at the Dalton School, and I’m a National Master and a Woman International Master in chess. Since Kindergarten, I’ve consistently ranked among the top 2-3 girls in the U.S. for my age, and I’m a 5x KCF All-Girls National Chess Champion. I’ve always been passionate about encouraging more girls to get involved in chess. I’m also deeply involved in math through competitions, school, and extracurriculars, and I’ve seen firsthand how underrepresented girls are in both chess and math. That’s why I co-founded Rooks and Roots: to support and inspire young girls to explore and grow in these fields. Outside of chess and math, I love 3D modeling and game design!

CO-FOUNDER, CO-PRESIDENT, NEW YORK CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Hi! I’m Lisa and I’m a 10th grader at Hunter College High School. I would love to see more girls in chess and math because I know it can be hard being the only girl at a chess camp or not seeing as many girls in competition math classes. By co-founding this organization, I hope for more girls to find interest and excel in chess and math, as well as make friends and have a good time. I have helped my school team win National Champion 7th and 8th Grade sections at Grade Nationals, National Team Champion in the U12 and U14 Sections at Girls Nationals, and was on my school’s MATHCOUNTS State Team. Outside of chess and math, I enjoy playing piano and chamber music. I have been a counselor at a chess camp, love working with kids, and am excited to help support girls in our shared passions!

CHESS PROGRAMMING AMBASSADOR

Hi! I’m Ruiyang, a freshman at Smith College. I’m a FIDE Master and Woman International Master, a two-time Susan Polgar Foundation Girls Invitational Champion, and I recently won 4th place at the 2025 U.S. Junior Girls Chess Championship. Right now, I’m ranked #3 among U.S. female players under 21. I’m excited to be a part of Rooks and Roots because I love seeing new people—especially girls—get into chess. Chess can feel pretty isolating sometimes, so I’m thrilled to be part of a team of amazing women in chess and math who are making the game feel friendly and inclusive. Rooks and Roots really connects with my passion for empowering young women in intellectual spaces and building inclusive communities through education and mentorship. Outside of chess, I like to take walks in the great outdoors. 

REGIONAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Hi! I’m Ana and I am in the Class of ‘28 at Hunter College High School in NYC. I have been involved in many math competitions at my school like MATHCOUNTS, AMCs, CMLs, and NYCIMLs. I am also in the math extended honors program at my school and have peer tutored younger kids in math. I truly believe that math and chess are amazing, because they allow you to use tools they know in a creative way to solve a problem. I am so excited to help create more opportunities for girls to play chess and do math through Rooks and Roots! Outside of math, I enjoy playing tennis, writing, and reading.

REGIONAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Hi! I am Aaradhya, a middle-schooler in The Dalton School Class of ‘30. I love playing chess for the challenge of constantly thinking about strategy. I love doing math for the similar challenge of being creative in high-pressure settings. I want to encourage more girls to play chess and be there for each other. I am a 3M Young Scientist State merit award winner for New York and a math honors student. Other than chess and math, I love robotics, coding, and debate. I enjoy discovering new trails to run in Central Park and playing volleyball and tennis with my friends. I am so excited to help girls find their passion in chess and math, and build this amazing community along with these inspiring girls!

CALIFORNIA BAY AREA CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Hey! I'm Serena, and I'm in the class of '29 at Menlo School in California. I love chess and math because they both involve problem solving and are an awesome way to connect with peers. I've been playing chess since I was 7 years old, and I'd love to see more girls in the game. Some of my recent achievements include placing 5th in the U14 Girls section of the 2025 Pan-American Youth Chess Championships in Lima, Peru and placing 2nd on tiebreaks (tying for first) in the U14 Girls section of the 2025 North American Youth Chess Championships in Ontario, Canada. In addition to playing in numerous tournaments, I've also volunteered as a chess coach and tournament director, so I love working with kids. Outside of chess and math, I enjoy running, soccer, and debate. I look forward to meeting you!

TEXAS CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Hey, I'm Dhanvi! I'm a student at the Lowery Freshman Center in Dallas, Texas, and I’m excited to help create more opportunities for girls in chess and math. After playing chess for years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how few girls there are in tournament halls. That lack of representation can feel isolating, and I’d hate for any girl to feel like she doesn’t belong. That’s why I’m passionate about building a friendly, encouraging space where girls can express themselves, make friends, and grow through chess and math through Rooks and Roots. I’ve represented the U.S. in international events like the World Youth Chess Championship and the Pan-American U-20 Championship. I’m a gifted and talented student and have consistently placed in the top percentile on Texas state exams. I love working with kids and look forward to mentoring young girls as they explore their interests!

TEXAS REGIONAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Hi! I’m Tanvi, a sophomore in high school from Allen, Texas, with a strong interest in algebra and geometry. I’ve always loved digging into problems, whether it's solving equations, building robots, or figuring out who did it in a good mystery novel. I’ve competed in FTC robotics and advanced to area for North Texas, which was both intense and really fun. At Allen High School, I’m also part of Girls in STEM, where I get to help build a space that encourages girls to explore and lead in science and tech. I’ve had experience working with younger students, and I love helping others discover their strengths, especially in areas where girls are often outnumbered. Whether it’s math, chess, robotics, or just learning to believe in yourself, I’m excited to be part of a space that makes learning feel energizing, supportive, and more fun.

CALIFORNIA ORANGE COUNTRY CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Audrey Yael Smith, a senior, is excited to serve as Chapter Development Coordinator for Rooks and Roots. She is an ambassador for Queens United Chess, Checkmate Betul, and Girls Chess Club. After the devastation of the Palisades Fire, she looks forward to bringing people together through chess.

MIDTOWN NEW YORK CHAPTER COORDINATOR

Bio coming soon!