Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Are Changing the Game for #PaidFamilyLeave

When it comes to family, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are proving that the love and care they show at home can also create lasting change for millions. Together, they’re championing a cause close to their hearts: paid family leave for all Americans. 💪💛

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How Serena’s Journey Sparked a Movement

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After winning the US Open while pregnant, Serena Williams took a well-earned maternity break in 2017. Thanks to her sponsor, Nike, Serena continued to receive her full pay during this time. But her pregnancy journey wasn’t without its challenges—Serena faced life-threatening complications during childbirth.

This experience deeply impacted her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Seeing how vital it was to have the time and resources to care for his family, Alexis took 16 weeks of paternity leave to support Serena and their daughter, Olympia. But he couldn’t stop thinking about families who don’t have the same options.

What about the parents who have to choose between their paycheck and being present for their newborn? This heartbreaking reality drove Alexis to become a vocal advocate for paid family leave, inspiring change one step at a time.

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Alexis Ohanian’s Advocacy in Action

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From Congress to the NFL, Alexis has been tirelessly working to normalize and implement paid parental leave across industries.

• In Congress: With support from Representative Colin Allred, Alexis played a key role in helping pass 12 weeks of parental leave for federal employees, including military families.
• In Sports: Alexis has celebrated wins like ESPN’s Mina Kimes receiving paid maternity leave, calling it an important step toward making paid leave the norm.

Alexis shared a heartfelt message for Mina, saying:

"Keep normalizing #PaidFamilyLeave — all the best @minakimes & have a great maternity leave! Some things in life are, in fact, even more important than football."

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Why Dads—Especially in Leadership Roles—Play a Crucial Role

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While paid family leave benefits all parents, dads often face unique challenges in taking it. In many workplaces, paternity leave is stigmatized, viewed as optional, or even frowned upon. This is where fathers, especially those in leadership roles, have an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

• Lead by Example: When dads in positions of power take parental leave, it sends a powerful message to their teams. It shows that prioritizing family is not just acceptable—it’s encouraged.
• Normalize Paternity Leave: By publicly advocating for and taking paid leave, dads can break down outdated stereotypes and pave the way for other fathers to do the same without fear of judgment.
• Champion Policy Change: Leaders have the power to influence workplace culture and advocate for policies that support paid family leave for all employees, regardless of gender or role.

Alexis Ohanian’s decision to take 16 weeks of paternity leave wasn’t just about his family—it was a statement. As he puts it:

"We can’t expect real cultural change unless fathers step up and show that parenting is just as much their role as it is moms’."

When dads take leave, they create ripple effects that benefit everyone, fostering healthier families and more equitable workplaces.

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The Bigger Picture: A Fight for All Families

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In the U.S., 1 in 4 women returns to work within two weeks of giving birth—a statistic that Alexis finds unacceptable. He and Serena know firsthand how crucial those early weeks are, not just for recovery but for bonding as a family.

When Serena and Alexis welcomed their second daughter, Adira River, Alexis doubled down on his mission, reminding the world that this fight is far from over.

In a recent Instagram post, Alexis reflected on his journey:

"I started this fight when Olympia was born because I realized how lucky I was. We took the fight to Congress and got 12 weeks of parental leave for federal employees — we have much more to do."

Currently on paternity leave himself, Alexis is enjoying precious family time while staying committed to his goal: ensuring every American family has access to paid family leave.

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Why Paid Family Leave Matters

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Paid family leave isn’t just a benefit—it’s a lifeline for many families.

• It allows parents to bond with their newborns without financial stress.
• It supports moms’ recovery after childbirth.
• It sets the foundation for stronger, healthier families.

As Alexis and his allies work to expand paid leave, they’re fighting for a future where no family has to choose between a paycheck and their well-being.

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What’s Next for the Movement?

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Alexis Ohanian is committed to keeping this conversation alive. With leaders like Representative Colin Allred joining the cause, progress is being made—but there’s still a long way to go.

For Alexis, it’s not just about his family; it’s about creating a culture of care for all.

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How You Can Help

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Want to support the fight for #PaidFamilyLeave?

• Share stories that highlight the importance of paid leave.
• Reach out to your representatives to advocate for parental leave policies.
• Spread awareness using hashtags like #PaidFamilyLeave and #NormalizePaidLeave.

Together, we can help create a world where families come first. 💛

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