Ahead of International Women’s Day, Barbie names 2022 role models and announces multi-year partnership with charity Inspiring Girls International.
Photo of Pat McGrath by Ben Hassett.
Barbie has announced Dame Pat McGrath DBE as a UK Barbie Role Model by unveiling a one-of-a-kind doll created in her likeness. Pat McGrath is the world’s most influential makeup artist and founder of the billion-dollar beauty brand Pat McGrath Labs. For more than 25 years, her creative vision has made her a tour de force whose legendary and creative power has transformed both beauty and fashion on a global scale.
Pat McGrath commented: “It is an honour having a Barbie in my likeness and I hope it inspires everyone to follow their dreams and believe that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. I want my legacy to be one of change and positivity. I am excited that young people might see my doll and believe that a love of makeup and creativity can lead to your dreams coming true.”
Alongside Pat McGrath, the Barbie brand is honouring a raft of female founders from around the world.
Barbie is also announcing its first ever global Dream Gap Project partnership with charitable organisation Inspiring Girls International. Founded by Miriam González Durántez, the non-profit works to raise the aspirations of young girls by giving them the tools to broaden their horizons and aim high. Together, Barbie and Inspiring Girls International will work with local schools in the UK, USA, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Brazil & Australia to deliver Dream Gap workshops featuring advice from trailblazing Barbie Role Models.
Miriam González Durántez said: “I am delighted that Mattel and Inspiring Girls will be working collaboratively to deliver tailored Dream Gap workshops to young girls around the world. Through this exciting global partnership, inspiring role models who work across a range of different sectors, will help raise the aspirations of young girls and empower the next generation of women to be anything they want to be. If she can see it, she can certainly be it.”
Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel says “We know that children are inspired by what they see around them, which is why it’s so important for young girls to see themselves reflected in role models who’ve daringly pushed past roadblocks and overcome the Dream Gap to become the brave women they are today. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to honour 12 global trailblazing women to help empower the next generation of female leaders by sharing their stories.”
The full 2022 Barbie Role Models line up includes:
- Pat McGrath (United Kingdom) – Makeup Artist and Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
- 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
- Melissa Sariffodeen (Canada) – CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code
- Adriana Azuara (Mexico) – Founder of All4Spas
- Doani Emanuela Bertain (Brazil) – Teacher and Founder of Salsa 8
- Jane Martino (Australia) – Chair and Co-Founder of Smiling Mind
- Lan Yu (China) – Fashion Designer and Founder of the ‘Woven Land’ Project and ‘Rainbow Baobao’
- Butet Manurung (Indonesia) – Activist and Founder of Sokola Rimba
- 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’
Previous UK Role Models include Dame Sarah Gilbert DBE, Vaccinologist, 2021, Clara Amfo, Broadcaster, 2021, Dina Asher-Smith, Fastest Woman in British History, 2020, Sky Brown, Champion Skateboarder, 2020, Adwoa Aboah, Activist & Model, 2019 & Nicola Adams, Boxer, 2018. Global Role Models include US Olympian Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammed, Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Gymnast Gabby Douglas, Model and Body Activist Ashley Graham and Actress Zendaya.
Find out more about the programme at www.Barbie.com/rolemodels.
