In the mag’s own words, this is a roster of those “thinkers, speakers and doers who are stepping up to meet today’s challenges.” Williams lands at No. 15, and finds herself in good company, with the sports world also represented by U.S. college football coach Nick Saban and the dozens of gymnasts and their allies who confronted doctor Larry Nassar over repeated instances of sexual misconduct.
Serena’s entry in this annual list speaks to her time away from tennis: “After complications with her pregnancy, she focused a spotlight on women’s health issues – including the fact that maternal mortality rates for African-Americans are three times as high as those for white women.” Stepping up, indeed.