Tennis Champion and Entrepreneur Venus Williams to Speak at Spring Learning Society Event

Queens University of Charlotte announces tennis champion, entrepreneur, author, and cultural icon Venus Williams as the keynote speaker of the next Learning Society event on February 24, 2027, at 7 p.m. at the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, five-time Wimbledon champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist and New York Times bestselling author, will take the stage for a candid conversation on resilience, brand building and leading with purpose. Joining her on stage for the event will be moderator Eugene A. Woods, chief executive officer of Advocate Health, the nation’s third-largest nonprofit integrated health system.

Together, Williams and Woods will explore the principles that have defined their respective leadership journeys. The discussion will focus on overcoming adversity, navigating high-stakes challenges, leading with authenticity and driving meaningful, long-term impact both personally and professionally.

“We are honored to welcome Ms. Williams to Queens as our spring Learning Society speaker,” said Acting President Jesse Cureton. “Her impact spans far beyond her athletic achievements, having served as an inspiration for people of all ages. Sharing the stage with Gene Woods — a visionary leader in his own right — creates an extraordinary opportunity for our students and the broader Charlotte community to experience a truly dynamic conversation on purpose, authenticity and impact.”

With a career that began when she rose to prominence at age 14, Williams built one of the most dominant careers in sports history while fundamentally changing the game — most notably leading the historic fight for equal pay at Wimbledon. In 2023, she received the inaugural U.S. Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award in recognition of her continued commitment to leveling the playing field.

Off the court, she has translated her competitive drive into successful ventures as the founder of the award-winning design firm V Starr and wellness brand Happy Viking. She is also an investor and ambassador for WeWard, author of bestselling books including “STRIVE” and “Come to Win,” and co-host of the hit video podcast series “Stockton Street” alongside her sister, Serena.

Tickets for “A Conversation with Venus Williams” are now available. For more information, visit the Learning Society website.