As part of its International Women’s Day celebration, the iconic doll brand from Mattel is honoring a new generation of trailblazing women with a special tribute, including a Barbie modeled after astronaut Kellie Gerardi.
Gerardi is one of several global role models named to Barbie’s first-ever “Barbie Dream Team,” a lineup of accomplished women who have helped break barriers in their respective fields. Each honoree is being recognized with a one-of-a-kind doll created in her likeness.
The initiative launched during Women’s History Month and is tied to celebrations around International Women’s Day on March 8.
Gerardi, a research astronaut and payload specialist known for conducting microgravity research, said joining the Barbie Dream Team is a meaningful moment for young girls interested in science and space.
“I’m so excited to join the Barbie Dream Team to celebrate International Women’s Day and show girls everywhere that science and space are for everyone,” Gerardi said in a statement. “After helping open the door for scientists to fly and operate their own research on commercial spacecraft and walking through it myself as a payload specialist and astronaut, it’s now my mission to hold that door open wider for the next generation of girls to follow.”
Gerardi added that pushing past comfort zones can unlock big possibilities.
“When you’re brave enough to leave your comfort zone and dream big, not even the sky is the limit,” she said.
The Barbie Dream Team recognizes women who were among the first in their industries or who have helped redefine what success looks like in their fields. Other honorees include tennis legend Serena Williams, Mexican race car driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, English soccer star Chloe Kelly, Australian surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore, Indian cricket standout Smriti Mandhana, German pop singer Helene Fischer and mountaineer Zoja Skubis, the youngest Polish woman to summit Mount Everest and Manaslu.
