Serena Williams: Champion on the Court, Champion for Change Off the Court
Written By: Jackie Rae
Serena Williams is synonymous with tennis greatness. Her name also embodies a remarkable ethos of giving back that goes well beyond her achievements on the court. Renowned for her 39 Grand Slam titles (23 singles, 14 doubles, and two mixed-doubles), Williams' commitment to philanthropy reflects her dedication to leveraging her success for a greater purpose.
Williams didn't just write a check for the construction of Salt Marsh Elementary School in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica. She traded her stylish tennis attire for work boots and a hard hat, personally engaging in the project. This hands-on approach is a testament to her genuine commitment and passion, reflecting how she operates—directly engaging with projects that have a lasting impact. Through her partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica, Williams was on the ground, laying the building blocks of future generations' education.
Her efforts haven't just impacted young people in Jamaica. In Africa, Williams has been instrumental in building schools in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, collaborating with Build Africa to ensure that children in these regions have access to quality education. These initiatives are a testament to her belief in education as a transformative tool for empowerment and equity.
The Serena Williams Fund, another facet of her charitable work, aims to promote equality through education and other means, tackling obstacles related to gender, race, and disability. This fund, alongside Serena Ventures, her investment entity, seeks to uplift diverse leadership and foster creativity and opportunity. Since it began in 2014, Serena Ventures has supported early-stage companies, providing capital, strategic advice, and mentoring to young entrepreneurs.
As a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador and partner to organizations such as Beyond the Boroughs Scholarship Fund, The Equal Justice Initiative, and The Caliber Foundation, Williams uses her platform to champion causes that ensure equal access to education and support for communities affected by violence.
Even before she stepped on the tennis court, Williams was thinking of ways to positively impact the world. According to a report by Jessica Curney in Borgen Magazine, before her 2022 retirement, Williams would prepare for her matches by reading affirmations about her desire to assist underprivileged communities, particularly in Africa. Her off-season was spent enhancing educational access, directly impacting those in need through her own resources and extensive partnerships.
Through these multifaceted efforts, Serena Williams has not just made a difference, she has profoundly transformed the lives of many, especially in educationally underserved communities. Her proactive and personal involvement in these projects showcases her belief that true greatness comes from the ability to effect real change, to change lives and empower communities worldwide. Her legacy, is defined not only by her victories on the court but also by her relentless pursuit of equality and her commitment to giving back.