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FLUSHING, N.Y., September 5, 2024 – The US Open’s second annual ‘Champions of Equality’ event, a celebration of the women who have led the fight for equality in sports and entertainment, saw award-winning television creator, producer and author Shonda Rhimes honored alongside a group of the game’s foremost grassroots leaders from across the country.

Rhimes is the first woman to create three television dramas to have achieved the 100-episode milestone and is the CEO of the global media company Shondaland. Rhimes received the second US Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award on Thursday and was joined by former US Open and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova for a panel discussion moderated by renowned broadcaster Robin Roberts.

U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) also joined Billie Jean King on stage during the event to speak on the campaign to award King the highest honor presented by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan legislation in May.

Sixteen women nominated from USTA Sections were also honored with their own Champion of Equality awards for their contributions at the grassroots level put toward the ongoing effort of leveling the playing field for all. The full list of USTA Section honorees is below.

USTA Section ‘Champions of Equality’

Eastern: Janet Lefkowitz
Florida: Rita Dotson
Hawaii Pacific: Lauren Conching
Intermountain: Taryn Archer
Mid-Atlantic: Janine Mobley-Burke
Middle States: Ellen Williams
Midwest: Susan Klumpner
Missouri Valley: Bunny Bruning
New England: Clintona “Toni” Wiley
Northern: Felicia Rachiatore
Northern California: Martha Ehrenfeld
Pacific Northwest: Christine Sinclair
Southern: Paula Hale
Southern California: Beth Kuney
Southwest: Andrea Meyer
Texas: Alberta “Bert” Cole