Marjorie Spitalnik is the passionate Latin American entrepreneur behind Little Rebels, a plush doll collection inspired by iconic women like Amelia Earhart, that interacts with an app to teach the stories behind these trailblazers, the founder and CEO boasts over 15 years of dynamic experience in Advertising and Communications. A distinguished alumna of the US State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative and a Master in Entrepreneurship for Kids and Youth, she also completed the prestigious ECLA Program at Columbia Business School.
Hi there! My name is Marjorie and I am a toypreneur from Latin America. Back in 2019 I embarked on the adventure of developing a toy brand aimed to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders.
Toys aren’t just for fun—they’re also tools for sparking imagination, promoting learning, and
inspiring creativity. Every favorite toy has a story of clever ideas and originality behind it, and it’s
about time we recognize the amazing women who have made huge contributions to the toy
industry. Women, whether as inventors, designers, entrepreneurs, or executives, have played a
crucial role in shaping how we play for years. In this article, we’ll celebrate these women, talking
about their accomplishments, the difference they’ve made, and the challenges they’ve faced.
Throughout history, women have played instrumental roles in the development of iconic toys, yet their contributions have often been overshadowed or overlooked. Take, for instance, Ruth
Handler, the co-founder of Mattel and the visionary behind the iconic Barbie doll. Her
revolutionary idea not only transformed the toy industry but also challenged societal norms and
sparked conversations about body image and gender representation. And her legacy still goes on until today, through her mentorship program for example.
Similarly, we cannot forget the pioneering work of Carol Shaw, one of the first female video game developers who created the influential game “River Raid.” These women, among many others, broke barriers and defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of toys.
In today’s rapidly evolving toy industry, women continue to play a crucial role in driving innovation and inspiring young minds. From STEM-focused toys that encourage girls to explore science and engineering to inclusive doll lines that celebrate diversity and representation, female creators are leading the charge in designing toys that reflect the diverse interests and identities of children worldwide.
Despite significant strides, women in the toy industry continue to face challenges, ranging from
gender bias and unequal representation to limited access to funding and resources. However,
these obstacles have only fueled their determination to shatter glass ceilings and advocate for
change.
I experienced that first handed, more than once. When pitching my toy brand, all I heard was
“nobody will ever buy a doll from a real woman”, “your dolls will never hit the shelves”, “this is a
terrible idea, don’t waste your time”, and so on. If I have listened to all of those naysayers, I would not be here today, nor my dolls in Macy’s and Toys R Us, to name a few.
Organizations like Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) are working tirelessly to
support and empower women in all facets of the toy industry, providing networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. By fostering a supportive community and amplifying the voices of female creators, these organizations are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive toy industry for future
generations, but there is still a lot to be done.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in toys, let us recognize the transformative power of play and the pivotal role that women have played in shaping it. From pioneering inventors to
visionary entrepreneurs, their contributions have not only enriched the lives of children but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse toy industry.
Cheers to all these amazing women revolutionizing the toy industry.
Let’s Rebel!
Marjorie
