The U.S. 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, Sept. 4, alongside a group of grassroots tennis leaders from across the country — include a woman from Jacksonville.
Known for her powerful films and TV shows that center on social justice and racial equality, DuVernay received this year’s U.S. 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, U.S. 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 16 of the USTA’s sections who have helped to remove barriers for others and inspired the next generation of tennis players.
Among them was USTA Section “Champions of Equality” honoree Terri Florio of Jacksonville.
Florio has spent her career removing barriers, inspiring women and delivering equitable opportunities for everyone. She was honored with the Champions of Equality Award for her work as the executive director of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation since 1997, which she has built into a premier National Junior Tennis and Learning program.
Prior to her work in Jacksonville, she was one of only three female tournament directors worldwide on the men’s ATP Tennis Tour marketing and was involved in organizing the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
