In a heartwarming tribute to pioneering women, Barbie has unveiled its Dream Team collection, which celebrates the achievements of real-life female icons across various fields. Marking International Women’s Day, the collection features notable figures, including tennis superstar Serena Williams, footballer Chloe Kelly, and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Barbie-Kelli-Gerardi-1-030426-c89de77e373b46abac0b64468ad57cff.jpg)
For Gerardi, the collaboration has been particularly special. She expressed her emotions to PEOPLE, stating that the moment of receiving her own Barbie doll left her in tears. “It’s such a full-circle moment,” said Gerardi, who is on the cusp of welcoming her second daughter, alongside her eight-year-old. She reflected on her childhood with Barbie dolls, emphasising how integral they have been to her family’s imaginative play.
The research astronaut has often been affectionately referred to as ‘real-life space Barbie’ by her supporters on social media. Gerardi praised Mattel for capturing her essence with astonishing accuracy in the doll’s design. “One of the most amazing parts of this experience has been seeing their process and the artistry that goes into bringing a doll to life,” she remarked. She noted that the Barbie doll is a “one-to-one exact replica,” complete with matching patches on their flight jackets and her signature star necklace.
In November 2023, Gerardi made history as the 90th woman to venture into space during Virgin Galactic’s Galactic 05 mission. Looking ahead, she is scheduled for a second mission in 2026. Raised near Florida’s Space Coast in Jupiter, she described space exploration as the backdrop of her youth. Gerardi aims to inspire future generations of scientists and has dedicated much of her career to making space accessible through research.
“My goal was really about helping open the door to space for the next generation so we can use it as a laboratory for the benefit of humanity,” she explained. The opportunity to be part of the Barbie Dream Team and to celebrate International Women’s Day with Mattel is a significant honour for Gerardi.
As she anticipates her own daughter will grow up with a different perspective of women in science, Gerardi remarked on the importance of representation. “The honour is immense,” she said, highlighting the rigidity of gender schemas formed at a young age. While she strives to inspire her daughter, she acknowledges that even she finds it challenging to picture women like herself in the field she works in.
Gerardi’s passion for expanding opportunities for young girls in science is evident, particularly given Barbie’s history of being a trailblazer. “Barbie was an astronaut before women were even eligible for space flight,” she noted, highlighting the strides women have made over generations. She reflected on her own mother witnessing her flight and how her daughter now takes such achievements for granted.
The Dream Team collection embodies not just celebration, but also hope for the future. Gerardi remarked, “This partnership represents optimism for what’s to come, recognising the efforts that paved the way for new paths, and celebrating those who dare to pursue them.”
The Barbie Dream Team includes a diverse range of women, featuring athletes, adventurers, and artists, such as cricketer Smriti Mandhana, race car driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, surfer Stephanie Gilmore, and singer Helene Fischer. Each doll reflects the unique contributions these women have made to their respective fields, collectively inspiring the next generation to dream big.
In showcasing this collection, Barbie continues to promote empowerment and representation, inviting young girls everywhere to envision a future where they can aspire to be anything they choose. With the Dream Team, Barbie not only honours trailblazers like Kellie Gerardi but also pushes the boundaries of what young girls believe they can achieve.