NEW YORK, NY, USA - After a record-breaking season, Serena Williams has officially been named a Woman of the Year for 2009. The world No.1 shared the stage with Michelle Obama, R&B singer Rihanna and a host of other famous faces as they were honored at the Glamour magazine Women of the Year Awards in New York. The star-studded evening, sponsored by L'Oreal, took place at Carnegie Hall on Monday, November 9.
Glamour Magazine's annual Women of the Year Awards have paid tribute to women who have made major contributions to entertainment, business, sport, fashion, science and politics for the past 20 years. Past tennis legends to win the award include Venus Williams in 2005 and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour founder Billie Jean King, in 2006.
"When most people would falter, she is able to raise her game a level, and that's what you look for in champions," King is quoted in the magazine's December issue. "I feel confident she will win more major singles titles than my 12. And that makes me very proud."
Glamour magazine cites Williams' drive and ambition as a testament to her astounding professional success, that her Serena Williams Foundation gives grants to US college students, and her recent opening of a secondary school in Kenya. The magazine also notes that she has overcome obstacles such as injuries in 2006, and the tragic death of her sister Yetunde.
"I'm obviously known for tennis, but through that I've been able to open up different door," Williams said while discussing the honor on the Today Show. "I'm involved in a lot of philanthropy. I opened up the Serena Williams Foundation in Africa. I've never done anything so exciting then cutting that ribbon. These kids needed an opportunity."
"We look for women in a whole range of fields," Cindy Levy, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour, said. "These are role models. These are women our readers can look at and say 'she did that, I can do it too.'"
While Rihanna received the award for taking a stand against domestic violence, Obama was honored for her commitment towards mentoring young girls, and inspiring them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Other recipients included comedienne Amy Pohler, who is noted as an inspiration to young girls, and designer Stella McCartney, who was praised for her stand on animal rights in fashion. Writer Dr. Maya Angelou, Google's Marissa Mayer, and journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were also amongst the winners.
Glamour magazine's December Women of the Year issue hit newsstands on November 10. Each of the award recipients individually grace the magazine covers. The full list of Glamour magazine's 2009 Women of the Year is as follows: Serena Williams, Rihanna, Maria Shriver, Stella McCartney, Amy Poehler, Marissa Maye, Jane Aronson, Susan Rice, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, The Women of Iran's One Million Signatures Campaign, Dr. Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama:(Special Recognition).
