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FLUSHING, N.Y., September 4, 2025 – The US Open’s third annual ‘Champions of Equality’ event, a celebration of the women who have led the fight for equality in sports, entertainment, and society, honored acclaimed filmmaker, director, producer, and screenwriter Ava DuVernay on Thursday alongside a group of grassroots tennis leaders from across the country.

Known for her powerful films and TV shows that center on social justice and racial equality, DuVernay received this year’s US Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award, which was presented by cultural icon Billie Jean King. DuVernay was joined by seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams for a panel discussion that was moderated by 2024 Champion of Equality honoree Shonda Rhimes.

In addition, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster was honored with a ‘Champions of Equality’ award in recognition of her decades of service to women’s tennis. Allaster is in her final year as tournament director and has served as the USTA’s Chief Executive, Professional Tennis since 2016.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in tennis, the ceremony honored exceptional women from sixteen of the USTA’s sections who have helped to remove barriers for others and inspired the next generation of tennis players. The full list of USTA Section honorees is below.

USTA Section ‘Champions of Equality’ Honorees
Patricia “Trish” Bostrom (USTA Pacific Northwest)
Jessie Daw (USTA Northern)
Angela Finan (USTA Intermountain)
Terri Florio (USTA Florida)
Lisa Gilbride (USTA New England)
Kathryn Herel (USTA Middle States)
Barbara Jones (USTA Southern)
Carolyn Katayama (USTA Hawaii Pacific)
Nancy Keeran (USTA Southwest)
Jean Larrick (USTA Missouri Valley)
Jamie Oppenlander (USTA Midwest)
Sarah Pernell (USTA Texas)
Janet Pinkett (USTA Mid-Atlantic)
Kathy Toon (USTA Northern California)
Aki Wolfson (USTA Eastern)
Shaina Zaidi (Southern California)