Ava Duvernay gets her own Barbie

theGRIO REPORT - Barbie has announced a new campaign that seeks to honor today's influential women. Mattel, the company which manufactures the famous toy dolls, identified 6 "Sheroes" to receive their own "one-of-a-kind doll." Oscar-nominated director Ava Duvernay was among the honorees...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Barbie has announced a new campaign that seeks to honor today’s influential women.

Mattel, the company which manufactures the famous toy dolls, identified 6 “Sheroes” to receive their own “one-of-a-kind doll.”

Oscar-nominated director Ava Duvernay was among the honorees.

“Barbie has always represented that girls have choices, and this Spring we are proud to honor six Sheroes who through their trade and philanthropic efforts are an inspiration to girls,” said Evelyn Mazzocco, the Senior Vice President Global Brands Creative for Barbie Media. “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.”

The Sheroes will be honored at the Variety Power of Women Luncheon in New York City and presented with the doll, which can then be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to a charity of their choice.

The Sheroes were announced as follows:

  • Ava DuVernay: Director of 2015 Academy Award Best Picture nominee, “Selma,” and founder of African American Film Festival Releasing Movement.
  • Emmy Rossum: Golden Globe nominated actress and spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society.
  • Eva Chen: The youngest appointed female Editor-in-Chief of a national fashion magazine, Lucky.
  • Kristin Chenoweth: Emmy and Tony Award nominee and winner and founder of the Kristin Chenoweth Art & Education Fund.
  • Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser: Five year-old fashion designer whose work appeared in Vogue and who signed with J.Crew for the “Little Mayhem for J.Crew” collection, launching in June.
  • Trisha Yearwood: Award-winning country artist, best-selling author and Food Network host and entrepreneur.

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