EL SEGUNDO, Calif.,
Nov. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
(NASDAQ: MAT) - Today, Barbie® honors
journalists Savannah Guthrie and
Hoda Kotb as role models, or
"Sheroes," for breaking boundaries to inspire the next generation
of girls. The pair made history as the first female duo to anchor
NBC's TODAY Show in the franchise's 66-year history. This milestone
furthers girls and women alike, as the co-hosts bring a diverse
perspective in the newsroom at a time when it's needed most.
Guthrie and Kotb will be awarded one-of-a-kind dolls in their
likeness at the Glamour Women of the Year Summit.
This effort is part of the brand's commitment to show girls more
role models through the Dream Gap Project, an ongoing global
initiative to raise awareness around limiting factors that prevent
girls from reaching their full potential. Research has shown that
starting at the age of five, many girls are less likely than boys
to view their own gender as smart and begin to lose confidence in
their own competence -- this is coined the "Dream Gap."
To help close the Dream Gap, Barbie is committed to highlight a
minimum of 10 role models annually, because showing girls more role
models is an effective way to inspire their limitless potential. To
date, the brand has surpassed this goal by highlighting more than
20 historical and modern role models in 2018.
"As we head into our 60th year, it is important that
we continue to shine a light on female role models – or Sheroes as
we call them – like Savannah and Hoda, to show girls they can be
anything," said Lisa McKnight,
General Manager and Senior Vice President, Barbie. "Savannah and
Hoda have modernized morning news and allowed more women and girls
to see themselves, and their stories, reflected on television."
At the Glamour Women of the Year Summit, Barbie will
honor Guthrie and Kotb on stage and lead a conversation around
supporting girls. This is not the first time Barbie has partnered
with Glamour, as the brand honored Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American Olympian to
compete while wearing a hijab, and Ashley
Graham, model and body activist, at past Glamour
Women of the Year events.
"I'm so proud to continue the partnership with Barbie and The
Dream Gap, especially in what we at Glamour consider to be the year
of the woman," said editor-in-chief Samantha Barry. "It's more important than ever
to show young girls that nothing is out of reach. These dolls
represent a landmark moment for women this year, and I hope to
inspire the next generation of women journalists."
While the co-hosts are gifted one-of-a-kind dolls, young fans
can imagine themselves in the newsroom with the Barbie TV News Team
Doll set, and play out different roles in other fields with more
than 50 career doll options to choose from this holiday season.
To learn more about the brand's commitment to close the Dream
Gap, please visit barbie.com/DreamGap and join the social
conversation with #CloseTheDreamGap.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children's
entertainment company that specializes in design and production of
quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products
and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children
through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic
franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®,
American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas &
Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular
brands that we own or license in partnership with global
entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television
content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations
and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with
the world's leading retail and technology companies. Since its
founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in
exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach
their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
Media Contact:
Kelly Powers
310-343-5981
kelly.powers@mattel.com
Marissa Beck
424-321-1692
marissa.beck2@mattel.com
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SOURCE Mattel, Inc.