Serena Williams knows exactly what accessories she’d have in her Barbie playset. “A blazer—my go-to for off-court work events,” she exclaimed to EBONY. “A fun bag or heels. And of course, a tennis racket, because that’s where it all started. I’d also sneak in a little something extra for my girls.”
The power blazer is already a done deal. For the first Barbie in her image, Williams’ doll sports a chic houndstooth two-piece suit, introduced earlier this month for International Women’s Day. We’re pretty certain the tennis icon will be wearing one as she headlines Barbie Dream Fest as the first-ever recipient of the Barbie Dream Fest Icon Award.
“I’ve spent my life pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible, so to be recognized in a space that celebrates dreams and impact is really special,” she exclaimed.
Inspired by Barbie brand’s legacy of empowering girls to unlock their limitless potential, Barbie Dream Fest celebrates individuals who break barriers, redefine expectations, and inspire others to dream without limits. Williams and other recipients will be honored this weekend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Barbie has always been about imagination, but now it’s also about empowerment—and that aligns with my journey,” she shared. “Being the first makes it even more meaningful, because it sets the tone for what an ‘icon’ can be. And honestly, I hope it inspires the next generation to dream even bigger.”
Here, the multihyphenate athlete, entrepreneur and boss CEO talks about what it means to be a Barbie icon, and another sibling match-up in 11½ inches of plastic.
EBONY: What does being a Barbie Icon mean to you?
Serena Williams: To me, being a Barbie Icon means showing up fully as yourself and owning every part of your story. It’s about strength, resilience, style, intelligence—all of it existing in one space without compromise. I think about the young girls who are watching and realizing they don’t have to fit into one box. Representation matters, and I am so proud to be a part of that evolution.
Image: courtesy Mattel Inc.
You’ve broken barriers, built businesses, and inspired a generation. When girls see your Barbie years from now, what do you want them to take away from her?
I want them to see that they can define success on their own terms. I hope they see resilience, confidence, and the courage to keep going even when the odds aren’t in their favor. It’s about understanding that setbacks don’t define you—your response does. And most importantly, I want them to believe that their dreams are valid, no matter how big they seem.
You went from dominating tennis to building businesses and investing in companies. What’s one leadership lesson from sports that didn’t translate to being a CEO, and what lesson did you have to learn to make that transition?
In tennis, everything is on you—you win or lose by your own decisions. That mindset doesn’t fully translate to being a CEO, because business is about collaboration and trust. I had to learn that building a strong team and empowering them is where real success comes from. Leadership in business is less about individual performance and more about collective impact.
You’re now a founder, investor, and producer. What upcoming projects or ventures are you most excited about next?
I’m really excited about continuing to invest in founders who don’t always get the spotlight, especially women and people of color. There’s so much innovation out there that just needs the right support and belief behind it. I’m also passionate about storytelling—producing projects that reflect diverse experiences and voices.
For me, it’s about building platforms and opening doors. For me, it’s about building platforms and opening doors and creating opportunities that last.
You’ve mastered tennis, business, and motherhood—what’s the one thing you’re still trying to get better at every day?
I’m always working on balance and being present in the moment. I’ve spent so much of my life focused on winning and achieving that I’m now learning to slow down and appreciate where I am. Giving myself grace is a big one—understanding that I don’t have to be perfect in every role. Some days are about being a great mom, some are about business, and that’s okay. Growth for me now looks like peace and presence.
Will we ever see a Barbie duo set between you and your sister, Venus?
I mean, that would be iconic, right? Venus and I have shared so much together, and a duo set would really capture our sisterhood and legacy. It wouldn’t just be about tennis—it’d be about supporting each other through everything. I think people really connect with that story. So yeah, I’d love to see it happen.