by JULIE GWALTNEY, Vice President of Toys, TOMY International
Awards season in the toy industry is a time to celebrate excellence in product, design, invention, marketing, and sales. It also presents an opportunity to give back to our communities and inspire the next generation of leaders. One thing I love about my work with Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is the opportunity to celebrate excellence in women beyond awards season and throughout the year.
An important way that WiT champions success is through the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program. Working with a mentor can have a huge impact on women and assist them in achieving their highest professional goals. It helps mentees build skill sets, enhance leadership abilities, and provides an opportunity to applaud successes with trusted sponsors. From experience, I can say that mentors can learn a lot from their mentees as well! It’s a growth opportunity for everyone.
As a Co-Chair of WiT’s Chicago Chapter, I love toasting achievements with my local WiT members. Through our local events, we bring women and our community together to network, discover new opportunities, build lasting relationships, and lift each other up throughout the year.
WONDER WOMEN EVERYWHERE
One of my favorite ways WiT celebrates excellence among women is through the Wonder Women Awards. During the LA Fall Toy Previews, we gathered in Hollywood at the historic Beverly Hilton to honor our industry’s amazing entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers. This gala celebrated excellence while fostering connections and opportunities that last well beyond the one evening. It was also a night to reflect and inspire.
There were so many unforgettable moments during the event, including reconnecting with mentees from our mentorship program, connecting with colleagues in person that I hadn’t seen in some time, and celebrating achievements via the awards themselves. It was great watching teams gather to support and cheer on their members while learning new things about colleagues and fellow manufacturers. Of course, a highlight of the gala was celebrating and honoring Kitty Black Perkins, the designer of the first Black Barbie at Mattel.
But there was one additional moment of the evening that really stood out: the moment we announced the WiT Scholarship winners and they took the stage. This diverse group of strong and intelligent young women represents the future of our industry and may be the source of nominees and winners to be honored at future Wonder Women Awards.
Yes, we were celebrating their excellence in academic and philanthropic accomplishments to date, but more than that, we were all imagining what they can — and will — accomplish in the future! As a WiT Board Member and a reviewer of the scholarship applicants, I’m proud to be part of an organization that celebrates its current members and supports the next generation.
So, as we continue to participate in awards season celebrations honoring excellence in our industry, take a moment to reflect not only on the achievements but also on the pride we should all feel being a part of an industry that not only celebrates excellence but also gives back to our communities in a way that sets the stage for a bright future.
A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2025 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
