Mattel is partnering with female entrepreneurs this International Women’s Day and is releasing Barbie dolls in their likeness to inspire the next generation of leaders and dreamers.
Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code (CNW Group/Mattel Canada, Inc.)
Barbie has chosen CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code Melissa Sariffodeen and has created a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness. Canada Learning Code is a nation-wide program that ensures women and youth receive the critical skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to become passionate builders of technology.
Stating that she still plays with Barbie dolls, Sariffodeen said, “I have been a fan of Barbie since I was a child, playing with the dolls and making clothes for them. It was an important outlet for imagination and creativity – a chance to be anyone and anything.”
“I am truly honoured to be a Barbie Role Model and I hope that I can inspire girls, especially those interested in technology, to have big dreams, work hard and never stop reaching for their limitless potential.”
Barbie is honouring 12 global female role models who are leaders in their respective industries of tech, wellness, STEM, education and more with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in their likeness as part of International Women’s Day.
The global lineup of role models includes:
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- Melissa Sariffodeen (Canada) – CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code and Ladies Learning Code
- Shonda Rhimes (United States) – Founder of American Television Production Company Shondaland
- Ari Horie (United States/Japan) – Founder & CEO, Women’s Startup Lab and Women’s Startup Lab Impact Foundation
- Pat McGrath (United Kingdom) – Makeup Artist and Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
- Adriana Azuara (Mexico) – Founder of All4Spas
- Doani Emanuela Bertain (Brazil) – Teacher and Founder of Sala 8
- Jane Martino (Newton) (Australia) – Chair and Co-Founder of Smiling Mind
- Lan Yu (China) – Fashion Designer
- Butet Manurung (Indonesia) – Founder and Director of SOKOLA
- Sonia Peronaci (Italy) – Founder of Italian food website, ‘GialloZafferano’
- Tijen Onaran (Germany) – CEO and Founder of Global Digital Women and Co-Founder of ACI Diversity Consulting
- Lena Mahfouf (France) – Digital Creator, Videographer and Author of ‘Always More’
Last year, Mattel introduced a new Barbie doll made in the likeness of a Canadian frontline medical worker who has worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The company also partnered with Tim Hortons and released Hockey Barbie dolls recognizing two Canadian women who have broken barriers in the sport of hockey – Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse.