+
Mattel, Inc. partners with Girls Write Now to help give girls and gender-expansive youth the resources and support they need to continue to believe that they can be anything.
EXPERIENCE THE PARTNERSHIP
FRIDAY NIGHT SALON
Flying Solo: Writing Daring Feats with Gigi Coleman
You’ve heard of the Wright Brothers. You’ve heard of Amelia Earhart. But what do you know about the first female African-American pilot, Bessie Coleman?
Gigi Coleman grew up hearing stories about her Great-Aunt Bessie. Inspired by her legacy, Gigi created an organization called The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars to share Bessie’s history with the world. Now, Bessie’s legacy will live on through a partnership with the Barbie Inspiring Women Series! The Bessie Coleman doll is a celebration of resilience as Gigi Coleman honors her great-aunt and shares her story.
FRIDAY NIGHT SALON
Honoring Ida B. Wells with Author of her Biography & Great-Granddaughter Michelle Duster
Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells and author of Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells, celebrates the release of the Ida B. Wells Barbie Inspiring Women doll with this salon on writing history through a family member’s story—the family we’re born into, chose or that chose us.
FUNDRAISER
Barbie Dream Gap GoFundMe to Empower Young Writers
Barbie established the Dream Gap Project Fund with $250K in March 2019 to fuel efforts to close the Dream Gap. No matter how big or small a donation, every bit counts. Your support will go towards leveling the playing field for girls, by providing tools, resources and support to organizations on the ground working to change the lives of girls around the world.
SPECIAL EVENT
Girls Write Now Mentee Q&A with Shonda Rhimes
TV Producer Shonda Rhimes inspires Girls Write Now mentees with a behind-the-scenes look at her creative career as part of The Dream Gap Project by Mattel.
FEATURED SPEAKing opportunity
Barbie Dream Gap Women’s Day Event Features Mentor & Mentee Alum Kat Jagai
In this virtual #EqualityLounge we’ll hear from leaders who understand the value of having diverse role models and are spearheading initiatives within their own organizations to advance the careers of women and girls around the world.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Closing the Dream Gap
Research shows that starting at age five, many girls begin to develop self-limiting beliefs and think they’re not as smart and capable as boys. They stop believing their gender can be anything. This critical time in girls’ development when they begin losing confidence is called the Dream Gap.
The Dream Gap creates barriers for girls to reach their full potential, which can negatively affect and inhibit their future trajectory or career choices. Early indicators suggest that for Black girls, the impact is even larger and this self-perception at a young age can be detrimental.
Girls Write Now
For 25 years, Girls Write Now has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change. Thank you for joining our movement.