On Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. - Noon, APA’s Opening Session will feature a fireside chat with none other than Venus Williams, interviewed by APA President Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr. Med.Sc. During their time together, the two will discuss Ms. Williams’ story as a tennis player and entrepreneur, and the impact of an active lifestyle on mental health.

About Venus Williams

Legendary tennis champion, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur Venus Williams has made a lasting impact on and off the court with her entrepreneurship, advocacy, and fight for equality. Ms. Williams has won 7 Grand Slam titles, 5 Wimbledon championships, and 4 Olympic gold medals, and was formerly ranked No. 1 in the world. One of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports, she has been a steadfast advocate for equal pay, women’s empowerment, and social justice. Ms. Williams is also the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Win.

Heralded for her innovative business acumen, Ms. Williams is the Founder of V Starr, a full-service commercial and residential design firm. She has expanded her portfolio with the launch of her plant-based protein company Happy Viking. Ms. Williams recently served as the Executive Producer on the Academy Award-winning Warner Bros. biopic King Richard – which told the story of her father’s impact on her childhood and career as she became a tennis icon and changed the sport for generations to come. Ms. Williams has been honored with Variety’s “Power of Women” Award, as Glamour Magazine’s “Woman of the Year,” CARE Impact Award for Gender Equality, ESPN’s “WTA Player of the Year,” and one of Forbes’ “Celebrity 100.”

What Else to Expect at Opening Session

In addition to the fireside chat, Dr. Viswanathan, President-Elect Teresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., and APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wells, M.D., M.B.A., are scheduled to speak about APA and the future of psychiatry.