Barbara Handler's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Barbara Handler is a name that may not be immediately recognizable to everyone, but her story is undeniably intertwined with one of the most iconic toys of all time, the Barbie doll. Barbara is the daughter of Ruth Handler, the inventor of Barbie and co-founder of the toy company Mattel. However, Barbara's journey goes far beyond being the daughter of a famous entrepreneur. She has made her mark in her own right as an advocate for women's empowerment and as a prominent voice in the world of philanthropy.

Born on June 18, 1944, Barbara was raised in a household where creativity and innovation were deeply valued. Her parents, Ruth and Elliot Handler, ran a small furniture-making business together before eventually venturing into the toy industry. As a child, Barbara witnessed firsthand her mother's relentless pursuit of her ideas, including the creation of the Barbie doll. This early exposure to her mother's entrepreneurial spirit undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Barbara.

As she grew older, Barbara became more involved in her family's businesses, starting with Mattel. She began her career at Mattel in the early 1970s, just as the company was experiencing significant growth and expansion. Barbara's main focus initially was on creating and producing television programs and movies for children, an area she excelled in. Her contributions to the entertainment division of Mattel helped solidify the company's reputation as a creator of quality children's entertainment.

Despite her success at Mattel, Barbara always felt drawn to social causes and activism. In particular, she became passionate about women's rights and empowerment. This drive led her to co-found EmpowHer Institute in 2003, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing young, at-risk women with the education and skills necessary to break free from cycles of poverty and violence. Through mentoring programs and educational opportunities, EmpowHer Institute empowers these young women to transform their lives and become leaders in their communities.

Barbara's work with EmpowHer Institute showcases her commitment to inspiring and supporting women on their paths to success. Her involvement with the organization is deeply personal, as she understands the challenges that women face firsthand. In an interview, Barbara revealed that she had been given a Barbie doll as a child, but never saw herself represented in the toy. This experience heightened her awareness of the need for more diverse and inclusive representations of women in the media and popular culture. It motivated her to use her platform to advocate for greater representation and gender equality.

In addition to her work with EmpowHer Institute, Barbara Handler has also dedicated her time and resources to numerous philanthropic endeavors. She has been involved with organizations such as City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Her philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, as she actively participates in fundraising events and uses her voice to raise awareness for various causes.

Barbara Handler's impact goes far beyond her famous lineage. Through her work with EmpowHer Institute and her activism, she has become a voice for women's empowerment and an agent for positive change. Her experiences in the world of entrepreneurship and her dedication to philanthropy have shaped her into a formidable force in her own right. Barbara's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equal world for women everywhere.