Moments That Make Us: Serena Williams on Tennis, Family, and Impact Investing

Serena Williams is more than a tennis icon. She’s a global force — a 23-time Grand Slam champion, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a woman redefining power across industries. In recent years, Williams has transitioned from dominating the courts to transforming the business world, using her platform to champion equity, representation, and long-term impact.

In a recent interview titled “Moments That Make Us,” Serena opened up about the defining experiences that shaped her — not only as an athlete, but as a mother, investor, and advocate for change.

The Power of Family

At the heart of Serena’s story is family. “Everything starts with my parents,” she says. “They didn’t have much, but they gave us everything.” Trained by her father Richard Williams on the courts of Compton, California, Serena — alongside her sister Venus — was taught discipline, confidence, and vision long before the world recognized her greatness.

Now, as a mother to her daughter Olympia, Serena sees the world through new eyes. “Being a mom changed everything,” she shares. “It made me think about the kind of world I want to leave behind — not just for her, but for every child.”

Her priorities have shifted. Tennis once consumed every hour. Now, it’s family dinners, bedtime stories, and board meetings. But even in her pivot from professional sport, Serena’s competitive spirit remains.

A New Arena: Impact Investing

In 2014, Serena founded Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm with a bold mission: to fund early-stage companies that embrace diversity, innovation, and purpose. As of 2025, the firm has invested in over 80 startups — 78% of them founded by women or people of color.

“I realized early on that venture capital didn’t look like me,” Serena explains. “That needed to change.” Her firm’s portfolio includes wellness brands, fintech, edtech platforms, and tools for underserved communities. She doesn’t just write checks — she brings visibility, mentorship, and long-term partnership to her investments.

For Serena, impact investing is a form of activism. “Money is power,” she says. “Where we put our money is a reflection of what we value. I want to support businesses that are building the future, not just for the elite — but for everyone.”

Redefining Legacy

As Serena steps away from the game that made her famous, she isn’t fading into the background — she’s stepping into an even more influential role. Whether she’s on a panel discussing generational wealth, mentoring young Black founders, or championing maternal healthcare, Serena Williams is driven by purpose.

“Tennis taught me resilience. But life taught me impact,” she says.

These days, Serena isn’t chasing trophies — she’s building a legacy. One where opportunity isn’t dictated by background, race, or gender. One where power is redefined — not by domination, but by elevation.

Because for Serena Williams, the real wins aren’t just in titles. They’re in the moments — big and small — that shape who we are, and what we choose to fight for.