Icon with Minnesota Ties Becomes A Barbie
Barbie is a brand that inspires the limitless potential in young girls. Today, she turns 59 today and she looks better than ever! March 9th is recognized as National Barbie Day. It's the anniversary of the day when Ms. Barbara Millicent Roberts, now known as Barbie, made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959.
Yesterday was International Women's Day (find out why being a woman in Minnesota is awesome!). In honor of that day, Mattel released three women who have made "herstory" in different industries including the infamous female pilot, Amelia Earhart.
This would famous mystery has roots right here in Minnesota! Her mission to prove men and women could be equal in a 1937 record-making flight, she vanished. But just 24 years prior, she was a student at Central High School in St. Paul. Her family also attended St. Clements Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir. The newest "Inspiring Woman Series" pays tribute to Women of Achievement throughout history. This Minnesota resident's Barbie doll is available online for the "adult collector" this coming May.
Barbie has held a lot of positions. The iconic doll we all grew up with has had more than 150 different jobs, many of them culturally advanced for the times. She was an astronaut before any American, male or female, had landed on the moon. She became president in 1992, a title we’re still waiting for a real-life woman to share. Mattel has continued its evolution of Barbie with a goal of inspiring young girls.
Lisa McKnight, the senior vice president and general manager of Barbie, said Tuesday in a press release. “Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real-life role models to remind them that they can be anything.” I think Barbie will continue to be a staple in girls lives and keep reaching new heights.