A Tennis Champ, Political Star and the Minds Behind the COVID-19 Vaccines: PEOPLE's Women Changing the World

Bryant, who tragically lost husband Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna in 2020, is honoring her loved ones' memories through the newly relaunched Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The organization is dedicated to creating equal opportunity for underserved athletes and young women in sports. “As with so many industries, women aren’t prioritized as athletes,” says Vanessa, who serves as president of the board of directors. “We want to provide girls with opportunities to showcase their talent — and to feel just as important as boys do, because they deserve it.”