Serena Williams

Born: Sept. 26, 1981 in Michigan

Professional tennis player who owns the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles and has earned more money than any female athlete in history.

Raised on tough streets of Compton, CA, she learned the value of hard work, perseverance and getting an education.

Along with her sister Venus, she became the first African American woman to own part of an NFL team (Miami Dolphins).

“Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes awhile to be ok with that. To be different. But different is good.”