Our Team – Board of Directors
Lily Faerman (Coach Lily), Founder
NATIONAL EXPERT · FIDE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR · SENIOR TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR · 24 YEARS OF TEACHING CHESS
With 24 years of experience, Lily Faerman (Coach Lily) is a distinguished chess educator and National Expert who has taught thousands of children and adults across New York City. Born in Russia, she began training at Petrosian’s Chess Club in Moscow at age four, later representing the United States at the World Youth Chess Championship in Paris.
Lily won the 1998 New York State High School Chess Championship and made history as the first female representative at the Denker Tournament of High School Champions. She also helped lead Edward R. Murrow High School to a national title and earned a top-three finish at the New York State Women’s Championship.
As a Senior Tournament Director, Lily has directed major events including the World Open, NYC and New York State Championships, and SuperNationals. In 2024, she represented Google at the FIDE Corporate World Championship, finishing 10th worldwide.
Beyond chess, Lily is an accomplished singer and recording artist, bringing chess, music, and education together through innovative programs and performances. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, combining advanced educational frameworks with decades of chess experience to help students build confidence, life skills, and their fullest potential through chess.
Elina Cotler
WOMAN INTERNATIONAL MASTER • US WOMEN’S CHAMPION • PAN AMERICAN YOUTH GIRLS’ CHAMPION
Elina Cotler grew up in Brooklyn, NY after immigrating as a teenager with her family. Elina won the New York State Women’s Chess Championships three years in a row (1996-1998). In 1998, she won the Pan American Youth Girl’s Chess Championship in the U18 age group. Three times she participated in the World Junior Chess Championship (1997-1999). In 2000, Elina tied for first place in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship and was awarded the FIDE International Women Master (WIM) title. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and works for Deutsche Bank. While no longer an active chess player, Elina participates in corporate chess events and has volunteered as a chess instructor to inspire the next generation.
Mahatapa Palit, Ph.D.
PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS · BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE · EDUCATOR · SCHOLAR · BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT EXPERT
Mahatapa Palit is an experienced educator and Professor of Business at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), where she teaches business, management, and related courses. Her work in higher education reflects a strong commitment to student learning, professional development, and preparing students for today’s business environment.
Mahatapa brings to Lily’s Chess World her expertise as an educator, scholar, and business professional, along with a deep commitment to learning and community development. Her experience working with students from diverse backgrounds aligns closely with the organization’s mission of using chess to foster critical thinking, confidence, perseverance, leadership, and personal growth.
As a member of the Board of Directors, she contributes her expertise in education, business, and organizational development to support the continued growth and educational impact of Lily’s Chess World.
Mariana Arbiza
Mariana Arbiza
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT CITI WEALTH • LEARNING & LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE • 20+ YEARS AT CITI • DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Originally from Uruguay, Mariana Arbiza is a senior learning and leadership professional with over 20 years of experience at Citi. She currently serves as Senior Vice President and Learning Advisor Group Manager at Citi Wealth and is an Ed.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University. Mariana brings extensive expertise in leadership, organizational learning, strategy, and transformation. She also has a personal connection to chess, having enjoyed playing the game and accompanying her nephew to national chess tournaments in Uruguay. She brings both her professional expertise and appreciation for chess to support the educational mission and growth of Lily’s Chess World.
Lily’s Chess World, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
For schools requiring contracting through the New York City Department of Education vendor system, educational programs may also be provided through our affiliated DOE-approved vendor, Lily’s World of Chess Inc. (Vendor No. LIL932682).
