Beyond the Board is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities with valuable life lessons through creative explorations, community connection, and low-pressure learning. Founded by two high school girls with backgrounds in chess, music, and mentorship, our programs use these skills as gateways to meaningful growth. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to discover and pursue something they love, regardless of their background.
We started Beyond the Board as two high school girls who first met across a chessboard. What began as a few games grew into a friendship where we felt like we truly belonged. On the other hand, music offered something different. It became a way to express ourselves and share who we are
Together, chess and music showed us that what matters most is not just the moves you make or the notes you play. It is the connection, the self-expression, and the chance to discover who you are.
Currently run by the two co-founders, Isabella Lai and Riya Kanury. We will be expanding our team soon
Isabella is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. She began playing chess at age 7 and has since earned top awards at state and national tournaments, including representing the US Chess Team at the U10 World Cadet Chess Championships and tying for 3rd at the Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Chicago All-Girls National Chess Championship. Beyond the chessboard, Isabella is equally devoted to music: she is a violinist at the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, plays piano in a local band, and has also won state awards. She is currently developing an app that uses music to support mental health, and finds other ways to help her local communities. These pursuits led her to co-found BTB, connecting strategy with creativity.
Riya is a junior at Bishop Feehan in Attleboro, MA. She discovered chess at the age of 6 and has been competing ever since. In 2019, she won first place at the All-Girls National Chess Championship. She was also runner-up at the Massachusetts State Championship (Spiegel Cup) and has placed in other state and national tournaments. Outside of chess, Riya is passionate about music. She enjoys putting together playlists for every mood and going to concerts, where she loves the way music brings people together. She is also the founder of a health-technology startup recognized with awards for innovation. Beyond her projects, Riya holds a black belt in martial arts and enjoys getting lost in books.
Here are some pictures of us playing chess together starting from 7 years old 🙂
