Mattel has made a good effort in the past few years to celebrate influential women. Just recently, they announced two new dolls that will be mass produced in The Inspiring Women Series, as well as add more role models to their one-off doll collection celebrating women who are making a difference!

Released in late August, Astronaut Sally Ride and Civil Rights Activist Rosa Parks are the newest additions to be joining already released Katherine Johnson, Frida and Amelia Earhart.

Let’s start with Sally Ride. Designed by Carlyle Nuera, this black label doll celebrates one of NASA’s first female astronauts.

From Mattel, “When Sally Ride was growing up in Los Angeles, her parents encouraged her interest in science by giving her a telescope and chemistry set. Sally’s love of learning and science motivated her to study physics in college. While she was finishing her Ph.D., Sally responded to an article in the student newspaper announcing that, for the first time, NASA was recruiting women into the astronaut corps. Out of more than 8,000 applicants, she was one of six women accepted into the program. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride blasted off aboard space shuttle Challenger to become the first American woman – and the youngest American — to fly in space. Sally’s adventurous nature, quest for discovery, and pioneering accomplishments inspire girls everywhere to boldly reach for the stars.”

While you may not have heard of Sally Ride before, I bet you’ve heard of Rosa Parks. Mattel’s Rosa Parks was designed by Kelley Lindberg and is also black label.

From Mattel, “Rosa Louise Parks worked as a seamstress and dedicated activist leading up to December 1, 1955. When she refused an order to give up her seat to a white passenger and move to the back of the bus, Mrs. Parks’ act of defiance became the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rosa Parks’ quiet strength played a notable role in the civil rights movement, but it would still take another nine years and more struggles before the 1964 Civil Rights Act overruled existing segregation laws. Hailed as “the Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks earned worldwide recognition and numerous awards including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Celebrate Rosa Parks and her impact on the civil rights movement with this Inspiring Women Series Rosa Parks Barbie doll.”

At the time of this post, Rosa Parks is already sold out in Mattel’s online shop, so she’s clearly popular among collectors. What do you think of these two new collectable dolls? Are you picking one or both up? Let us know in the comment area!

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