Hidden no more! Pioneering NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson now has her very own Barbie doll.
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Mattel has recently announced the release of 17 new one-of-a-kind dolls in the likeness of various trailblazing women. One of which will honor 99-year-old former NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson whose noteworthy story was most recently told in the movie, “Hidden Figures.”
Mattel’s “Shero Dolls” features dolls styled after modern-day inspirational women, such as Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, ballerina Misty Copeland, and visionary filmmaker Ava DuVernay. This line was originally launched back in 2015 and will now feature fourteen new additions. The new “Inspiring Women” line will pay homage to more historical figures, like Johnson, who’s contributions in years past opened the doors for the accomplishments of present day women and girls. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Johnson is joined by other historic women such as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in this inaugural line of featured historic dolls. In a statement issued by one of Mattel’s senior vice presidents and general managers for the line, Lisa McKnight, “we are thrilled to shine a light on real-life role models to remind them (girls) that they can be anything.”