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Saturday night, Baby2Baby\u2019s co-CEO\u2019s Norah Weinstein<\/strong> and Kelly Sawyer Patricof<\/strong> took the stage to honor tennis superstar Serena Williams<\/strong>. \u201cSerena is a mother, she is a role model,\u201d Kerry Washington<\/strong>, another former honoree, said from the stage. \u201cShe is just a plain supernova. She uses her voice and her platform with intention, not just for spotlight, but for true influence. Serena lifts others up and she does it with a rare kind of resilience and conviction.\u201d<\/p>\n Alicia Keys<\/strong> introduced Williams and painted a picture of a multifaceted woman. \u201cShe is an inspiring entrepreneur, and at the heart of it, she is an amazing mother, an amazing woman, a partner, and a dear, dear sister to me. So tonight, Baby2Baby is honoring our, I was going to say my, but our beautiful friend, Serena Williams!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Natalia Bryant and Vanessa Bryant at the 2025 Baby2Baby gala<\/p>\n <\/span>Stefanie Keenan\/Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Friends and family including her sister Venus Williams<\/strong>, Rafael Nadal<\/strong>, Eva Longoria<\/strong>, and her husband Alexis Ohanian<\/strong> appeared on screen, congratulating Williams on the honor and even providing some glimpses into her off-court life.<\/p>\n In her speech, Williams applauded the work of Baby2Baby at large. \u201cI just feel like after having kids, you just have a whole new appreciation for what Baby2Baby does,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI am proud to stand with an organization led by women, built by women and driven by women. Truly inspirational to see all the things that you guys have done.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n