Jennifer Shahade welcomes a chess champion, friend and leader to Ladies Knight: Martha Fierro of Ecuador. Martha is a woman with many titles: she’s a FIDE Vice President, an International Master, a Women’s Grandmaster, International Organizer and a two-time Olympic medalist. She’s also one of Jennifer’s earliest inspirations: Jennifer first met Martha at a small tournament in Washington DC. Jennifer was not yet a championship player, and was in one of the reserve sections: Martha, who was already a master player, still went out of her way to mentor Jennifer.

Martha is one of the most respected sportspeople in her country, and was once elected as sportsperson of the year for her many victories in Pan-American Championships, as well as her international successes. The founder and head trainer of the Martha Fierro International Chess Academy, her new initiative, the “Ajedrez En Tu Barrio” program, brings chess to children in underserved neighborhoods in Ecuador.

Follow Martha Fierro on twitter and learn more about her academy here.

Martha is also featured in Jennifer’s new book, Chess Queens, which you can now order at US Chess Sales.

Ladies Knight features music by the artist Juga. Love the podcast? Subscribe to us, review and share Ladies Knight on social media or with friends.