When ADWEEK recognized the brightest minds in branding and marketing in 2024 with the Brand Genius Award, they described Alexis Ohanian as someone who’s “elevating women’s sports.” From paying an Olympic athlete’s rent and starting a women-only track and field event with the largest prize money in the sport, he’s done it all. And who can forget when he took the blame for something out of his control when it came to protecting gymnast Jordan Chiles?

During the Paris Olympics, Jordan Chiles was stripped of the bronze medal she won in the floor exercise final. That entire controversy led to significant backlash and abuse online, a lot of which was directed at the gymnast. Discussing this on CBS Mornings, Alexis Ohanian said, “I’ve unfortunately had a front-row seat to this… I realize I created Reddit, so I take responsibility for some of this with social media.”

Having co-founded Reddit, the 41-year-old resigned from the company in 2020 for this very reason – the platform’s lax guidelines about hate speech. After stepping down from the board – and urging them to appoint a Black candidate as his replacement – he became the Founding Controlling Owner of Angel City FC, the NWSL team that joined the league in 2022. And now, he’s partnered with American athlete Gabby Thomas to launch Athlos NYC. So, when he posted ADWEEK’s recognition on Instagram, Serena Williams couldn’t help but show her love, too!

Ohanian wrote, “It’s wild to me that after 15 years of building a brand like Snoo & Reddit, I’m being recognized for everything I’ve done in the 4 years since leaving Reddit, which delights me because I resigned in protest so that I could spend the rest of my years not only doing the best work of my career but also in a way that aligns with my values.” 

Thanking ADWEEK for its honor, the 41-year-old added, “Normally, I’d use moments like this to thank all my haters — but this time, I’ll focus on all of you who have supported the ambitious work we’ve been doing at [Seven Seven Six] the last 4 years.” This venture capital fund Ohanian founded helped launch Athlos, the all-women track and field event that’ll showcase the fastest athletes in the world going against each other. Taking place on September 26 in the Icahn Stadium in New York, the winner of each event will receive $60,000.

Alexis Ohanian wrote, “THIS is my life’s work. This team is the best I’ve ever worked with, and I’m grateful to get to wake up every morning and build with them. I’m counting on you all to keep supporting [Angel City FC, Athlos, OffseasonFC, The Sports Bra], and more — there’s much more to do!” Serena Williams shared that post on her Instagram story with the caption, “So deserved. Congrats @alexisohanian.” Venus Williams joined in on the celebrations, too!

She shared an Instagram story about Ohanian’s achievement that read, “My brother @alexisohanian so proud!” The Williams sisters weren’t the only ones to congratulate the entrepreneur. Jamaican-American former track and field athlete Sanya Richards-Ross commented, “Love it!!! Congrats 🙌🏽,” while Netflix’s former Chief Marketing Officer Bozoma Saint John wrote, “Mastermind!!!! We love to see it!! Duly deserved, my friend!” And how can we forget Flavor Flav, the person who collaborated with Ohanian to pay an athlete’s rent?

On August 1, discus throw athlete Veronica Farley tweeted, “I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent. My school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything) enough to buy new cars and houses.” Flavor Flav replied: “I gotchu… DM me, and I’ll send payment TODAY, so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW…” When Alexis Ohanian saw the exchange, he wrote, “C’mon now! I’ll split it with [Flav].”

According to Serena Williams’ husband, “Social content is driven by women.” He says every social media platform has become a success because of teen girls. According to a 2022 report by SponsorUnited, female college athletes generate four times the total audience engagement of male athletes and seven times more engagement per deal.

Coming back to ADWEEK’s honor, the 2024 class of the Brand Genius Award represented people who created a buzz with their unique imagination and drive for the growth of companies and communities together. No wonder Ohanian got this award! That said, Alexis Ohanian, Venus, and Serena Williams celebrating each other’s success isn’t new! They have done it together multiple times in the past, and here are some of the most memorable moments capturing the super-talented trio of the Ohanian-Williams family.

“Will get it autographed by her”: Serena Williams’ husband celebrates Venus’ new journey 

Almost two years ago, there was a moment when Alexis Ohanian was spotted congratulating Venus Williams on the 28th anniversary of her WTA debut win with a heartfelt note on Instagram. Then again, in that same year, we saw both Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian congratulate Venus for being featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine. Ohanian wrote, “LFG, sis!” 

Recently, when Venus launched her new book ‘Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome,’ Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian were the first ones to congratulate her. Serena shared an Instagram post, while Ohanian shared a video on his story, saying, “A huge shoutout to my amazing sis, Venus Williams. Her new book is out. I just got my copy. That’s right; I bought my own. I will get it autographed by her, though.“

Then, a few months ago, we saw Serena Williams congratulating her husband on Reddit’s IPO launch. There have been multiple such events where the couple has been spotted showing their support for each other. Even the Williams sisters have stood beside each other since their tough childhood days. We’ve heard a lot of stories about that, too! So, these are perfect examples of how their bonds have become stronger with every passing day, making for a closely-knit family.