
Supriya Hobbs and Janna Eaves met as peers in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, where they were both puzzled by the unbalanced male to female ratio in the classroom. Now, they're working to even out that discrepancy. The two engineers—one graduate and one current senior at the University of Illinois—put their brain power together to create a new doll—Miss Possible—that will inspire young girls to look beyond the stereotypes that children's dolls usually perpetuate.
The eventual product is inspired by real life trailblazing women. The first Miss Possible doll to be rolled out is legendary chemist and trailblazer for women in science, Marie Curie. The next two subjects—Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot, and Ada Lovelace, the first female programmer—have already been decided and will be rolled out later this year.
Thus far, their mission has been successful. They began an IndieGoGo campaign this July, and surpassed their fundraising goal of $75,000 by $10,000. With their goal met, the dolls will become a reality, first available in early 2015. Of course, as two engineers, Miss Possible is more than just a doll—she's an app, too! Through the doll's accompanying app, girls can learn about the experiences of these iconic women, and participate in activities that simulate the work of these women, as well! A doll with intellectual inspiration is a definite step towards inspiring interest in STEM in young women.
Watch the campaign below:
Miss Possible: Dolls to Inspire Girls Across Generations (opens in new tab) from Supriya Hobbs (opens in new tab) on Vimeo (opens in new tab).
I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.
-
The Instagram Guide to Tecate, Mexico
The Mexican town is known as “Pueblo Magico”—magical town.
By Michelle Stansbury
-
Worth It: Dior Capture Totale Le Sérum
It's the definition of a do-it-all.
By Samantha Holender
-
Kaia Gerber Is the First to Admit She's a Nepo Baby: "I Won't Deny the Privilege That I Have"
She made some great points.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger