In 2020, Mattel announced the creation of the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program in partnership with Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WIT). The mentorship program, the toy industry’s first for women, was launched at the 2020 Wonder Women Awards ceremony, an annual celebration of the industry’s female leaders.

The program is designed to advance career growth across the toy industry through personalized one-to-one mentor/ mentee partnerships that match seasoned and influential leaders with women who are focused on honing their leadership skills, building their network, and advancing their careers. It also includes coaching, professional development, and learning.

Underwritten by the Mattel Children’s Foundation and named after Ruth Handler, Mattel’s co-founder and creator of the Barbie brand, the program is designed to be company-agnostic.