Access to successful female role models in STEM is essential for children to build and maintain an interest in the industry. To show girls that they can be anything, Barbie is continuing its commitment to recognising female role models and highlighting careers which are historically underrepresented by women.
The lineup of female role models includes three exceptional sisters from the United States – Susan, Anne and Janet Wojcicki – who serve as inspiration in a variety of STEM fields for the next generation of women leaders.
Susan Wojcicki is the longtime CEO of YouTube; Anne Wojcicki is Co-Founder and CEO of 23andME; and Janet Wojcicki is Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of California.
From the UK, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Space Scientist and Science Educator, has also been honoured with a doll. Maggie is a space scientist, science communicator and presenter of the BBC’s The Sky at Night.
She completed a PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1994, after an undergraduate degree in Physics also at Imperial. Maggie is also an honorary research associate of University College London’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
She is Managing Director of Science Innovation Ltd, through which she organises public engagement activities which show school children and adults the wonders of space.
In 2009, Maggie was awarded an MBE for services to science education. She is also the first black woman to win a gold medal in the Physics News Award. She has earned the title of the president-elect of the British Science Association.
Also honoured with dolls are Katya Echazarreta, Electrical Engineer and Science Show Host; Prof Dr Antje Boetius, Marine Researcher and Microbiologist; and Yinuo Li, Co-Founder, ETU Education.
Barbie will pay tribute to all these global role models through a special episode of the Barbie You Can Be Anything Series – an inspiring digital series featuring conversations with female role models – with Anne Wojcicki as she shares the fun of science, genetics, and DNA with kids from the Boys and Girls Club.
In further commitment to leveling the playing field for girls globally, Barbie established the Barbie Dream Gap Project in 2018, a multi-year global initiative created to raise awareness around limiting factors that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Since launching, the brand has committed over 1.5 million dollars through the Barbie Dream Gap Project to nonprofit partners on a mission to achieve equality by fueling education, leadership skills and mentorship opportunities for girls.
Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel, said, “Barbie is dedicated to showcasing women who are role models from all backgrounds, professions, and nationalities so that girls around the world can see themselves in careers that might not always seem as accessible.”
“STEM is a field where women are severely underrepresented, and our hope is that honouring these seven leaders in science and technology will encourage girls to follow their passion in this field.”
“This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to continue our work in closing the Dream Gap and reminding girls of their limitless potential.”
