As Barbie and Mattel are committed to representation and inclusion, they lift up role models who are making a positive impact during this challenging time. In this collection, they honor six frontline workers from around the world, with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in their likeness. From an ER nurse to a biomedical researcher and more, these heroes continue to rise up to serve their communities in this time of need and are inspiring current and future generations to follow their lead. 

Included in this collection is Las Vegas doctor Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz. She treated COVID-19 patients and teamed up with other Asian-American physicians to fight racial bias and discrimination. Dr. Cruz said on her Instagram, "here’s to breaking barriers, speaking truths, and empowering the next generation."

Cover Photo Credit: Barbie Facebook

With February being Black History Month, Carlyle Nuera is part of history by bringing the Dr. Maya Angelou Barbie to life. The Dr. Maya Angelou Barbie is part of the Inspiring Women Series, "which pays tribute to Women of Achievement throughout history." To accurately represent the poet and civil rights activist, he collaborated with Dr. Angelou's son on the design. Carlyle says, "the doll was designed to look like Dr. Angelou circa 1970s, around the time when ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ was first released."

Carlyle is an artist and designer, and the winner of the 2019 Global Pinoy Award by MEGA Magazine. A Los Angeles native, he began his career at Mattel a decade ago, but always loved product design. He's currently the Lead Designer for Barbie Signature at Mattel. If you visit the Barbie website, you can see all the dolls designed by Carlyle. Dolls that he helped design include: Billie Jean King Barbie, Luciana Barbie, Gabby Douglas Barbie.

Cover Photo Credit: Carlyle Nuera Instagram