Venus Williams began her professional tennis career in the late 1990s, making her first Grand Slam final in the 1997 U.S. Open. The 17-year-old sensation finished second in that tournament, losing to world No. 1 Martina Hingis in two straight sets.

Three years later, Williams would seem unbeatable, winning the U.S. Open and Wimbledon in the same year. Then, repeating both feats the following year. She would eventually get to the top of the global rankings in February 2002. Williams appeared in 16 Grand Slam singles finals, winning seven of them, and amassing a career record of 815-264. She is also second only to her sister, Serena Williams, in terms of all-time prize money.

Williams also works hard off the court to maintain a healthy balance in her life, despite her major success. She is the founder of V Starr, an interior design firm specializing in high-end commercial and residential spaces. EleVen is her sportswear collection.

Williams has also received numerous accolades for social activism outside of the business world. One award was the Anti-Defamation League’s Americanism Award and she was named the United Nations’ UNESCO Promoter of Gender Equality. Williams is also outspoken about a critical issue: mental health.

“Mental health and self-care are so important. And I am glad there’s a bigger conversation happening right now,” said Williams.

Professional athletes, according to Williams, who is still competing at the age of 41, are among the greatest people to encourage mental health conversations. This is why she has decided to do her part to help de-stigmatize mental health.

For anyone who wishes to consult with a certified professional right now, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and BetterHelp, are offering one month of free therapy. BetterHelp is an online site that gives direct-to-consumer access to mental health services. Williams has stepped into the role of lead pitchwoman.

“I’m very excited that addressing mental health needs (has become) easy to do, and that therapy can be digital,” Williams said. “Being able to reach people on their phones or on their laptops is the way to connect people now with services that they really do need.”

When asked about witnessing Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles speaking out about mental health, Williams stated,

“The fact that athletes have taken the center stage regarding mental health issues now is very encouraging. It gives people the opportunity to talk about things they haven’t talked about with anyone before—to open that conversation... I really love that. I love that these young ladies are stepping up to take care of themselves, doing what it takes for their own long-term health.”

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