Venus Williams has taken on opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others with the same passion she has brought to the tennis court during her 15 year professional career. She has been instrumental in the development of the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy of Los Angeles, which “provides an atmosphere where all students can thrive, interact, and develop.” In addition to offering tennis lessons, the academy offers tutoring, seminars for the PSAT and SAT tests, and college and career guidance.

With her mother, Williams has also supported the OWL Foundation, which funds programs that help kids experiencing academic failure. Its mission is to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As an Official Spokesperson for the Center for Disease Control’s VERB Campaign, Williams has been at the forefront of a multimedia effort to address a pressing national health program – the need to increase and maintain physical activity among youth aged 9-13. Williams has also helped raise up to $1 million annually with the Venus and Serena Williams Charity Tour. She is an Ambassador of Gender Equality for the UNESCO-Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Gender Equity Program, and has made generous contributions to other charitable programs and educational initiatives.

About Venus Williams

At 29, Venus Williams is among the best female tennis players of all time. Originally from Los Angeles she and her younger sister Serena were coached by her father from obscurity in the inner city to her pro debut at age 14 in 1994. Now the five-time Wimbledon Champion is recognized as one of the world’s most feared players. She is a two- time U.S. Open Champion, has won eight Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles with Serena in addition to two mixed doubles Grand Slam championships. Williams also has her own interior design company (V Starr Interiors), and a clothing line, EleVen by Venus Williams.