Barbie honors Ellen Ochoa with inspiring women doll

Barbie has honored the first Hispanic woman to fly into space with her own Barbie doll. 

Mattel unveiled the “Barbie Inspiring Women Ellen Ochoa” set, modeled after the former NASA astronaut. This is only the fifth time that the iconic fashion doll has honored a real-life space explorer, and only the third time that such a doll has been offered for sale to the public.

Deep curiosity

"Before I became the first Hispanic woman to fly in space, my journey into the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) was driven by a deep curiosity and desire to explore the unknown. That's why it means so much to me to be honored by Barbie—a brand that inspires imagination and possibility," Ochoa said in a statement from Mattel.

Encourage young people

"It's important to me to encourage young people to bring their curiosity and personal perspective to their dreams, whatever they may be—just as I have tried to do throughout my career. This partnership with Barbie feels like an exciting next step in that mission," Ochoa said.

The new Barbie is modeled after Ochoa's appearance at the time of her first of four space flights in 1993, when she launched as a mission specialist on the STS-56 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Source: https://latinitasmagazine.org/barbie-celebrates-space-pioneer-ellen-ochoa-with-inspiring-women-doll/