March 2019 marks Barbie’s 60th anniversary, and the iconic toy brand Mattel is celebrating by honoring several women it views as role models and “sheros.”
Honorees include grown-ish star Yara Shahidi, tennis champ Naomi Osaka, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and several other women who lead the way in art, tech, sports, media and business.
Naomi Osaka’s official Barbie/ NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 8, 2018: 2018 US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with US Open trophy in New York.
One dollar from every doll sold will go toward the Dream Gap Project, an initiative put forth by Mattel to “level the playing field for girls,” according to a press release. “Research has shown that starting at age five, girls start doubting their potential, this is the Dream Gap.”
Lisa McKnight, general manager and senior vice president of Barbie, shared, “With more than 200 careers, six runs for president and a trip to the moon before Neil Armstrong, Barbie continues to evolve to be a modern, relevant role model for all ages. The Barbie brand believes girls should never know a world, job, or dream women haven’t conquered. Through our global platform, we are igniting a movement to help close the Dream Gap and further establish Barbie as the ultimate girl empowerment brand.”
