Mattel Unveils Barbie with Engineering Career as State Prepares for Momentum 2010 Women’s Summits

Mattel has announced the 126th career-themed edition of its Barbie doll, and by popular vote, that career is in the engineering profession.  “Barbie is another wonderful way of introducing girls to engineering, a profession working on the world’s most important challenges,” said Randy Atkins of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). 

Mattel announced the new Barbie at the New York Toy Fair after consumers around the globe cast their votes for what should be the next career endeavor for the 51-year old fashion doll.  Mattel worked with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and NAE in developing the clothing and accessories for the doll which carries a smart phone, wears stylish pink-frame glasses and a flat watch, has a laptop complete with case and dons a Bluetooth earpiece. 

“As an engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can design products that can have an important and positive impact on people’s everyday lives,” said Nora Lin, president of  SWE.

This announcement comes amid the state’s plans to host two Summits targeted at women and encouraging them to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  Momentum 2010:  Young Women’s Summit, for young women ages 12-18, is scheduled for Sunday March 7 from 9:30a.m. to 3 p.m.  The Summit will celebrate the potential of girls, while honoring the accomplishments of women and will focus on advancing young women through education, economics and health.  The Summit will be held at Columbus School for Girls at the registration price of just $5. 

A similar Summit is being planned for women the following day, March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center.  Momentum 2010:  Ohio Women’s Summit will also celebrate the potential and accomplishments of women and will increase awareness of all the resources available to women to help them lead healthy and financially stable lives. Access to information about STEM career opportunities will also be available. 

For more information or to register for the Momentum 2010 Summits for girls, click here

For more information or to register for the Momentum 2010 Summits for women, click here

For more on the new Barbie, see the release 

In a related story, AEP was recognized by the National Association of Female Executives as one of the top 50 companies in the nation for executive women.For more details, see the release from AEP