In celebration of International Women’s day, a British space scientist has been honored by Barbie with her own doll.
Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock was recently named a “Barbie Role Model,” an honor that recognizes her work to make space and science accessible to girls and comes with a one-of-a-kind doll made in her likeness, per Euronews.
Aderin-Pocock’s Barbie, which was created by toy company Mattel, dons a starry dress, twists with a purple hue, and a telescope accessory modeled after the James Webb Space Telescope.
“I hope my doll will remind girls that, when you reach for the stars, anything is possible,” Aderin-Pocock said in a statement.
Barbie has also pledged to donate Aderin-Pocock’s book “Am I Made Of Stardust?” to schools across the UK with help from partner charity Inspiring Girls.
Aderin-Pocock said she never imagined having a Barbie created in her likeness.
“As a black woman, I’ve found that I don’t always fit some people’s perception of a scientist,” the space scientist said. “We do often have these stereotypical images of what people do, and I like to smash those stereotypes whenever I get the opportunity.”
“As a child growing up I played with Barbies, and I still do now with my daughter,” she continued. “When I was little, Barbie didn’t look like me, so to have one created in my likeness is mind-boggling. It’s such an honor to receive this doll that is celebrating my achievements… My daughter and I danced around the living room when we heard!”
Aderin-Pocock was gifted her doll by Mattel, and it won’t be available for sale to the public.
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