Venus Williams Inspires Strength, Leadership and Self-Reflection at YWCA's 20th Annual Luncheon
The YWCA Rochester & Monroe County celebrated its 20th Annual Empowering Women's Luncheon on Oct. 7, 2026, welcoming tennis legend Venus Williams as the featured speaker for an afternoon focused on empowerment, leadership and personal growth.
Held at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the sold-out event attracted approximately 1,500 guests under the theme "Serving Strength, Building Futures."
Proceeds from the luncheon will support the YWCA's housing programs, in-home care and other services designed to assist women and families facing difficult circumstances.
Williams, affectionately known as "Queen V," brought a message of resilience, self-reflection and determination, drawing on her experiences as one of the most accomplished athletes in tennis history.
Throughout her career, Williams has won 49 singles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles championships, and four Olympic gold medals. She also enjoyed extraordinary success playing doubles alongside her younger sister, Serena Williams. In 2025, Williams continued her competitive career, reaching the U.S. Open women's doubles quarterfinals with Leylah Fernandez.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Williams has become an advocate for women's empowerment, equality and opportunities for future generations.
The luncheon opened with remarks from mistress of ceremonies Deanna Dewberry, news anchor and consumer investigative reporter for WHEC-TV (News 10 NBC).
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello praised the YWCA's longstanding contributions to the community.
"The YWCA is a lifeline. It restores dignity," Bello said. "Monroe County is honored to partner with the YWCA."
He emphasized the organization's role in providing emergency housing, economic stability and opportunities for independence, adding that when women thrive, families thrive.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans also recognized Williams' influence and the YWCA's commitment to supporting women.
"Venus Williams stands up for all women, and the YWCA has done this for generations," Evans said.
Evans also announced that Williams had been presented with a key to the city of Rochester.
YWCA Board Chair Jennifer Arbore reinforced the organization's mission, emphasizing that empowering women strengthens families and communities.
"When women are empowered, families are strengthened," Arbore said, describing the YWCA as a source of hope, opportunity, stability and transformation.
YWCA President and CEO Dr. Myra Henry reflected on the luncheon's history and acknowledged former President and CEO Jean Carroll, whose vision helped establish the annual event.
"Jean Carroll had a vision to instill power in women," Henry said. "That vision became the Empowering Women's Luncheon."
A video presentation featuring Carroll highlighted the event's evolution, including Henry's introduction of conversational interviews with featured speakers.
Henry also spoke about the YWCA's future, expressing hope that more women and families throughout Monroe County would recognize the organization as a resource during difficult times.
Following the introductory remarks, Williams received an enthusiastic welcome as she joined Henry onstage for a wide-ranging conversation.
One of the discussion's most engaging moments came when Henry asked Williams about competing against her sister Serena.
Williams recalled that their father, Richard Williams, had instilled confidence in both daughters from an early age, telling them they would become among the world's best tennis players.
Although competing against Serena could be emotionally challenging, Williams explained that their relationship helped both sisters reach greater heights.
"My sister Serena brings out the best in me," Williams said, adding that she has always enjoyed encouraging her younger sister.
The conversation then turned to women's leadership and the importance of advocating for oneself.
"Being at the table, we do not shrink," Williams said, drawing laughter when she referenced her 6-foot-1-inch height.
"Once you start to shrink, that becomes your posture. Let's grow together."
Williams encouraged women to speak confidently, pursue opportunities and resist allowing others to diminish their voices.
"If you do not speak up, no one will know," she said.
She credited her mother with providing a strong moral foundation and teaching her the importance of standing up for what is right. Williams described her father as a larger-than-life personality whose encouragement helped shape her confidence and willingness to take risks.
When Henry asked about entering spaces where she might not have been expected or welcomed, Williams spoke proudly about her upbringing in Compton, California.
"I love saying that I am from Compton, California," Williams said.
She explained that her background helped make her more resourceful, resilient and determined to succeed, particularly when opportunities were difficult to obtain.
Williams also emphasized adaptability, recalling her father's advice to remain open to new experiences and alternative plans.
"If Plan A does not work, you have a Plan B," she said.
Despite decades of competition, Williams said her love for tennis remains strong.
"The joy of playing tennis is you can play it forever, and it never gets old."
Financial independence was another important topic during the discussion.
Williams reflected on her father's upbringing in Louisiana and the financial limitations he experienced. She recalled that he regularly challenged his daughters with questions designed to encourage independent thinking, even when they were too young to fully understand the answers.
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Williams offered a simple reflection on the passage of time.
"The beauty of youth; enjoy every moment because it goes by fast."
Following Henry's interview, several preselected audience members were invited to ask questions.
Asked what gives her the greatest hope, Williams spoke about her family, her recent marriage and her continued spiritual development.
Another question focused on the qualities essential to effective leadership.
Williams identified self-reflection as one of the most important characteristics of a strong leader.
"Self-reflection; to be able to look back on how you could have done something better," she said.
She also emphasized the importance of acknowledging mistakes and accepting responsibility.
"Apologizing does not make you less of a leader, but more of a leader."
Asked about influential women in her life, Williams praised her older sister, whom she described as a second mother, and Serena, whom she called an exceptional mother and role model.
Williams also addressed courage, explaining that bravery does not necessarily mean the absence of fear, but rather learning how to manage it.
"Courage, fear is being able to put fear in its place," she said.
On the subject of giving back, Williams encouraged attendees to make service and mentorship intentional priorities by setting aside time to share their experiences and knowledge with others.
Her remarks were met with a standing ovation as she departed the stage.
While Williams' appearance was the centerpiece of the luncheon, another emotional moment came when Angea Marquez-King shared her family's experience with homelessness and the support they received from the YWCA.
Joined onstage by her three children, Marquez-King described the hardships her family faced beginning in 2019.
"In 2019, things were not easy for me and my family, which led to us becoming homeless," she said.
Despite the difficulties, Marquez-King said she maintained her faith and eventually found assistance through the YWCA.
"The YWCA had a home for us. They gave me a key of hope, a key to stability, and today, the YWCA continues to assist."
She expressed gratitude for the organization's staff, leadership and continued commitment to families experiencing hardship.
Her testimony underscored the luncheon's central message: Empowerment is not simply an ideal, but something that can transform lives when individuals and organizations provide meaningful support.
The event also brought together longtime YWCA supporters and community members who shared their reasons for attending.
Dr. Gloria Morgan recalled serving as a table captain for YWCA luncheons during the 1990s, helping recruit family members and friends to attend while connecting women and families with the organization's services.
Morgan said her continued support reflects her belief in the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and assist women and families affected by homelessness, abuse and poverty.
Another attendee, Joan Moorehead, expressed admiration for Venus and Serena Williams and their impact on professional tennis.
Moorehead, who has attended the luncheon for several years, described the sisters as trailblazers who helped expand opportunities and visibility for African Americans in a sport where they historically faced barriers.
The luncheon concluded with a prearranged book signing featuring Williams' book, STRIVE: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome, offering guests another opportunity to connect with the tennis champion and her message of personal development.
Throughout the afternoon, Williams' reflections on family, perseverance, courage and accountability complemented the YWCA's broader commitment to strengthening women and families.
The event marked two decades of the Empowering Women's Luncheon and highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts to provide stability, opportunity and hope throughout Rochester and Monroe County.
The YWCA Rochester & Monroe County's mission is "to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all."
For more information about YWCA programs, services or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.ywcarochester.org or call 585-546-5820.
Photos by Dr. Lesli Myers-Small and Karen Ward-Wilder
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