ABOUT MARINCHESS
Inspired by their own after-school chess experiences growing up, Leonardo Maso, Stanley Wong, and Henry Lien created MarinChess to share the joy of chess and inspire the next generation of thinkers.
At MarinChess, we believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of chess. That's why we strive to make our programs and events accessible to all members of our community.
We also value innovation and are constantly exploring new ways to teach and promote the game of chess. Our experienced coaches and instructors use a variety of teaching methods and resources to ensure that our students have a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
CORE VALUES
Community
We believe that chess is more than just a game - it's a community. At MarinChess, we value the friendships and connections that are built through our programs and events.
Education
We are committed to providing high-quality chess education to our members. Our coaches and instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and we offer a range of classes and resources to help players of all levels improve their skills.
Inclusion
We believe that chess should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. That's why we offer scholarships and financial assistance to help make our programs and events available to all members of our community.
Meet the Team
Leonardo Maso
Executive Director
Born and raised in Marin County, Leonardo Maso developed a passion for chess at a young age and has helped grow MarinChess programs throughout the community. He is studying Business Administration at Sonoma State University with a concentration in Finance.
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Leonardo is passionate about expanding access to chess education for students across the Northern Bay Area. As Executive Director of MarinChess, he oversees programs, operations, and organizational growth while strengthening relationships with schools, families, and community organizations. He also supports instructor development and overall program quality.
Stanley Wong
Advisor
Born in Shanghai, China but raised in Marin County, Stanley was first introduced to the world of Chess in an after-school Chess program at Reed School and Bel Aire in Tiburon. Stanley has won consecutive championships in Marin County and was Ranked Top 10 in Northern California.
Stanley is passionate about teaching and believes in making chess accessible to students of all backgrounds. Co-founding MarinChess allowed him to combine his love for the game with his desire to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers. Outside of chess, Stanley enjoys eating out, spending time with his dog, and working on his virtual reality startup.
Henry Lien
Advisor
Henry Lien was born and raised in Mill Valley, Marin County. He discovered his love for chess at the age of six and quickly became a top competitor, winning the CalChess Scholastic State Championship and excelling in regional tournaments. In 2023, he was honored with the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award for his contributions to chess education.
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Before MarinChess, Henry founded ChessPals, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to chess for children. Under his leadership, ChessPals grew to 10 chapters nationwide, reaching thousands of students. Currently a student at Stanford University, Henry continues to promote chess education and its lifelong benefits.