The most powerful Black women of 2021

9. Serena Williams

Williams is the most successful female tennis player, having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, more than anyone else in the sport’s professional era.

Tennis great Williams through her Serena Ventures has invested in over 34 startups over the past five years with 60% of the investments focused on companies founded by women and minorities.

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She launched a self-funded, direct-to-consumer clothing line, S by Serena, in 2018. She also owns stakes in the Miami Dolphins and UFC.

She is ranked as the 85th most powerful woman in the world and the 9th most powerful Black woman.