Barbie the Computer Engineer Designed to Inspire Girls

Now, Barbie is not only blond, beautiful, and model-thin; she is smart and STEM-savvy. Mattel, the toy manufacturer responsible for putting a Barbie doll in the hands of probably every American girl, has introduced a Computer Engineer Barbie as part of its "I Can Be" series, launched to inspire girls to choose careers in a variety of fields, including STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

The profession of computer engineer was chosen based on the 2010 popular vote at Barbie.com. According to a Mattel press release, "The 'I Can Be' Career Series is designed to expose young girls to careers in various fields—many of which are not traditionally pursued by women. Anne Parducci, Mattel Senior Vice President/Girls explains the toy manufacturer's motivation behind the career series. "Barbie was actually created in 1959 with a career as a teenage fashion model," she explains. "With the new 'I Can Be' Career Series, Barbie doll continues to show girls that they can achieve anything and creates a dialogue for parents and daughters to talk about the endless professional opportunities that are possible in their future."