Katya Echazarreta is not only the first Mexican woman astronaut to travel and into space, but she is also a pioneer in having
a Barbie doll that has a special design based on her.
On International Women's Day, Mattel, Inc. honored more than half a dozen leading women from around the world by creating their own Barbie dolls.
Among them is that of Echazarreta, the NASA astronaut and electrical engineer.
Katya Echazarreta's version according to Barbie.
The story of the Mexican from NASA
Echazarreta, in addition to being an electrical engineer, is an activist for space activities in Mexico, Glamor Woman of the Year and
in 2022 she was selected to go to space among 7,000 applicants from around the world.
Upon hearing the news, the Mexican astronaut shared her mother's reaction to the Barbie doll on TikTok, which moved several of her followers.
In the clip, Echazarreta approaches her mother and says "
Mommy, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes
" and brings the doll closer to her.
The moment her mother opens her eyes, tears well up and they share a tight, loving hug.
Katya Echazarreta.
She thrilled her mother with her doll.
The video has garnered over 80 likes, with many comments like "proud mom" and "tears of a proud mom."
Several even wondered when the dolls will go on sale.
In an interview with the Milenio newspaper, from Mexico, Katya said that her Barbie doll is unique because it is not about a generic astronaut, but "
of a real woman who exists, who is working, who really had these experiences and seeks to create opportunities for all the Mexican girls and boys
”.
The Barbie "Role Models" Collection
With this new doll, Katya Echazarreta is incorporated into the 'Role Models' that Barbie began to sell to try to reach a new audience outside of the stereotypes about women that she always uses as her brand's hallmark.
Women like Celia Cruz, Frida Kahlo, Naomi Osaka, Lorena Ochoa and others also have dolls.
All of them have in common that they have stood out in a spatial way in some activity.
Katya Echazarreta.
Barbie
is committed to shining a light on empowering role models in an effort to inspire more girls.
As part of the Dream Gap Project, we are presenting girls with stories of remarkable women to show them that you can be anything," said the Mattel brand about this project.
The project also features
British rocket scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock;
Antje Boetius, a marine researcher and microbiologist from Germany;
and Li Yinuo, co-founder of ETU Education
, a new school in China that offers a more personalized education.
According to Mattel, Barbie has pursued more than 40 careers, including astrophysicist, rocket scientist, doctor and robotics engineer.
While in the real world women make up half of the American workforce, they only make up less than a third of the workforce in the Science of Education System (STEM).
Celia Cruz honored by Barbie.
"STEM is a field in which women are vastly underrepresented. Our hope is that
honoring these leaders in science and technology will encourage girls to follow their passion in this field
," Lisa McKnight, vice president, said in a statement. Executive and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel.
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