9 Queens

9 Queens is a Tucson-based national chess non-profit organization. It is committed to the promotion of chess education for underserved and underrepresented populations, especially girls and at-risk youth. The mission is to provide all children with equal opportunities to realize their potential and enjoy the benefits of chess education. Through chess, 9 Queens motivates, empowers and engages underserved and underrepresented youth to achieve academic and personal success.

In addition to educational programming in Tucson, Belize, Philadelphia and Charlotte, 9 Queens is working to change the face of the game. Its chess promotional events in New York, Arizona and San Francisco have included partnerships with RZA, WuChess and the Wu-Tang Clan.

9 Queens was founded in 2007 by Jean L. Hoffman and Jennifer Shahade. Hoffman (born October 3, 1980 in Tucson) is a social entrepreneur and educator dedicated to extending the benefits of chess. After earning her bachelor's degree from Yale University and master's degree in education from Harvard University, she moved back to her hometown of Tucson to found 9 Queens with Shahade. In addition to being the co-founder and executive of 9 Queens, Hoffman is the general manager of Chesspark and WuChess.com, an online chess and hip-hop community co-founded by RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. She learned how to play chess in first grade. Shahade is a Woman Grandmaster of chess, two-time American Women's Champion, and author of the book Chess Bitch: Women in the Ultimate Intellectual Sport.

References

• Stanton, Billie. Tucson Citizen, The Kids Who Would be Kings, April 09, 2008.
• Vinyard, Valerie. Arizona Daily Star, Celebrating Chess May 8, 2008.
• Carter, Chris. Tucson Citizen, WuChess Fest good for the whole clan, May 12, 2008.
• Nintzel, Jim. Tucson Weekly, T Q&A, May 8, 2008.
• Allen, Kathleen. She Shares Benefits of Chess with Kids, Arizona Daily Star, December 5, 2008
• Peashock, Kristine. Nine Questions, Tucson Weekly. December 25, 2008.

External links

• 9 Queens website
• Jennifer Shahade website
• Chesspark website
• WuChess website
• 9 Queens & WuChess RZA video