NEWS
WiT Partners with Walmart for READY, SET, RETAIL, for Women Inventors
September 1, 2021
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), a global nonprofit organization and diverse community of professionals working in the consumer products industry, is partnering with Walmart to host Ready, Set, Retail!, a half-day virtual event on September 9, 2021, focused on helping female inventors get their products on the retailer’s shelves.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Announces the Appointment of Six New Board Members for 2021
August 26, 2021
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) a global nonprofit organization and the industry’s preeminent voice for the advancement of women, has announced the election of six new members to its Board of Directors for 2021.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Announces WiT’s 30th Anniversary Wonder Women Awards To Be Held During Toy Fair New York in February 2022
April 19, 2021
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) announces that it has rescheduled the organization’s 30th Anniversary Wonder Women Awards for Sunday, February 20, 2022 in New York City to coincide with Toy Fair New York. WiT had previously rescheduled this year’s Wonder Women Awards for September 2021 in Los Angeles due to uncertainty related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. WiT is now planning to hold its annual event in New York, where it’s been held for the past years.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Appoints Delanie West to Board of Directors as Diversity & Inclusion Chair
Black Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (B-WiT) Initiative Takes Shape to Attract and Recruit Diverse Talent
August 11, 2020
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Delanie West to its board of directors as WIT’s first Diversity & Inclusion Chair. In this role, she will be leading the organization's efforts to cultivate Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging as critical priorities across WiT’s global community, including Black Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (B-WiT), an initiative focused on attracting, recruiting, spotlighting and advocating for Black women in the industry.
WiT Announces Mentorship Program Spring Session Registration Now Open
The Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for WiT provides a personalized 1:1 mentor-match experience and shared learning opportunities for mentees and mentors alike.
April 29, 2020
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Spring 2020 Session of the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for WiT, the toy industry’s first-ever global 1:1 mentorship program that is designed to advance career growth through mentorship, coaching, professional development and learning.
Women In Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Announces Its Inaugural WiT Leadership Forum
Immersive Day of Dialogue and Discovery for Industry Leaders, to be held Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Target in Minneapolis
February 26, 2020
This one-day event will bring together a diverse community of inspiring and innovative leaders who will share compelling insights to spark transformational discovery and activate bold ideas.
Mattel Announces Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for Women in Toys Timed to Company's 75th Anniversary
Toy Industry’s First-Ever Mentorship Program for Women Launches in Honor of Mattel Co-Founder, Ruth Handler
February 23, 2020
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced the creation of the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WiT). The mentorship program, the toy industry’s first for women, was launched at the 2020 Wonder Women Awards ceremony, an annual celebration of the industry's female leaders, and WiT's largest fundraising event, held at Chelsea Pier on February 23, during New York International Toy Fair.
Women In Toys, Licesning & Entertainment Announces Industry Veteran Janice Ross As New President
Ashley Mady Steps Down After Leading the Global Organization to Meteoric Growth
February 22, 2020
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT), announced the appointment of Janice Ross as the global organization’s new President, succeeding Ashley Mady, Head of Brand Development at Basic Fun!, who served for six years and led WiT to substantial growth.
WiT To Honor Pam Lifford, President of Warner Bros. Global Brands & Experiences, and Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer at 16th Annual Wonder Women Awards
January 14, 2020
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) announced the prestigious Honorees for its 16th Annual Wonder Women Awards are Pam Lifford, President of Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences, who will receive WIT’s Mentor of the Year Award, and Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, who will receive the WiT Changemaker Award.
WiT Announces 16th Annual Wonder Women Awards Finalists
January 10, 2020
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) announced its 2020 slate of finalists for the 16th Annual Wonder Women Awards, which celebrates top female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and other changemakers for their extraordinary accomplishments and impact within the toy, licensing and the entertainment industries.
Women In Toys Inventors Pitch New Products
WiT EMPOWERMENT DAY OFFERS ONE-OF-A-KIND ACCESS TO DEAL-MAKING AND MENTORING FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS OCTOBER 1, 2019 - Dallas Market Center @ Toy Fair Dallas, 7th Floor
September 19, 2019
Women from around the world will pitch their latest toy, game and play product ideas on October 1st at the Women In Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) Empowerment Day https://womenintoys.com/empowerment-day/ in Dallas, Texas.
Female Entrepreneurs and Inventors Get Priceless Access to Walmart Buyers and Toy Industry Executives
June 13, 2019
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its annual WiT Empowerment Day, to be held at Dallas Market Center on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, during Toy Fair Dallas.
WiT to Honor Powerhouse Trailblazers Pam Kaufman from Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products and Gaye Dean from Target at 15th Annual Wonder Women Awards
January 08, 2019
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) will honor Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products’ President, Pam Kaufman, with its Wonder Woman Mentorship Award and Target Corporation’s veteran, Gaye Dean, as its Wonder Woman in Retailing, at the organization’s 15th Annual Wonder Women Awards held during the New York International Fall Toy Fair on February 17, 2019.
WiT Announces Finalists for the 15th Annual Wonder Women Awards
December 13, 2018
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) proudly announces the slate of finalists for the 15th Annual Wonder Women Awards on Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Women in Toys Announces New Appointments to Board of Directors
March 01, 2018
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is pleased to announce additions to its leadership with the election of new board members.
2018 WIT Wonder Women Gala to Honor Norma Rosenhain with Lifetime Achievement Award and Nancy Zwiers with Mentorship Award
Toys“R”Us® President of Play Named the 2018 Wonder Girl Honoree, WIT Scholarships Announced and More Wonder Women Awards Recognitions
December 12, 2017
Today, Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT) announced honorees for its annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, which celebrates industry leaders for their outstanding contributions in toys, licensing and entertainment.
WIT Selects The Toy Association as Management Services Provider
October 23, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), the leading global career development and networking organization for professional women working in the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries, announced today that they are outsourcing association management services to The Toy Association.
WIT To Host New York Comic Con Panel
Panel Explores the Power of Narrative and Iconic Characters in Today’s Culture
October 02, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced it has curated a panel for NY Comic Con on “The Power of Narrative: Iconic Characters and How They Reflect a Dynamic Culture.”
WIT Empowerment Day and Toy Industry Mentors Announced
Female Entrepreneurs to Gain Years of Experience from Top Industry Experts and Benefit from Product Pitch Opportunities with Walmart and Toy Companies
August 22, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) has announced the speakers, industry experts, and panelists who will participate in its annual WIT Empowerment Day event, to be held Monday, October 2, 2017, the day before Fall Toy Preview® in Dallas officially begins.
Pitch, Learn & Grow at WIT Empowerment Day on October 2 at Dallas Market Center
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Kicks Off Fall Toy Preview® with product pitch opportunities and networking with Walmart, Hasbro, Spin Master, Jazwares and top industry experts
June 15, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is pleased to announce that its annual WIT Empowerment Day will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017, the day before Fall Toy Preview® in Dallas officially begins.
Nominations Now Open for 14th Annual Women In Toys Wonder Women Awards
August 01, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced today that nominations are now open for the 14th Annual Wonder Women Awards, which honor top female thought leaders, executives, entrepreneurs and other changemakers whose work or product has made a positive impact in toys, licensing and entertainment.
Women In Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Announces New Board and Advisory Members
New Chapters Also Added in Puerto Rico and France
May 03, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), the leading global professional women’s organization in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, today announced the expansion of its board of directors with new members.
Women In Toys Announces Winners at Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala
February 19, 2017
More than 600 executives in toys, licensing and entertainment gathered Sunday night to honor women leaders at the Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala in New York City. WIT honored executives who shine as among the toy industry’s top Changemakers.
WIT Announces 2017 Wonder Women Awards Finalists
ChiTAG Founder Mary Couzin To Receive WIT’s Inaugural Elise Lachowyn Mentorship Award
February 03, 2017
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT) will honor a dozen outstanding female business leaders and more than 50 remarkable finalists at the 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, held during the New York International Toy Fair. Winners will be announced on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at this year’s Gala, themed Changemakers: Playing it Forward, at Pier 60.
Geena Davis to Be Honored with the Women in Toys Changemaker Award, and Jill Barad Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala
Honorees Reflect Female Changemakers in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment
November 29, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced today that the organization will honor Academy Award®-winning actor and advocate Geena Davis with a Changemaker Award and Jill Barad with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 WIT Wonder Women Awards Gala on February 19, 2017 in New York City.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 13TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN TOYS WONDER WOMEN AWARDS
New Gala Theme, Award Categories, Nomination/Voting Process and Timelines Announced
October 04, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced today that nominations are now open for the 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards, which honors top female thought leaders, executives, entrepreneurs and other changemakers whose work or product has made a positive impact in toys, licensing and entertainment. Also announced are new nominations guidelines, criteria, voting process, timelines, and elimination of the entry fee to nominate; all designed to enhance the annual Awards program.
WIT and Toys“R”Us® Host “BREAKING IN” Panel Discussion and Networking Event
Event to Take Place September 22 at Toys“R”Us, Inc. Wayne, NJ Headquarters
September 16, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) has announced a full panel discussion and networking event entitled, “BREAKING IN: How to Get on the Shelves at Toys“R”Us,” to take place at the Toys“R”Us, Inc. Global Resource Center in Wayne, NJ on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 5:30 PM.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Appoints Alita Friedman as New Treasurer
September 12, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) the leading global professional women’s organization in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, today announced the appointment of Alita Friedman as the new WIT treasurer.
WIT Announces Additions to Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Chapter Chairs
June 20, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) the leading global professional women’s organization in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, today announced the amplification of its board of directors with new members. WIT is also pleased to announce it has added new advisory board members, as well as chapter chairs due to the organization’s perpetual growth.
Power up Your Business at WIT Empowerment Day on September 26 at Dallas Market Center
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Kicks Off Fall Toy Preview® with product pitch opportunities and networking with Walmart, Hasbro, Spin Master, Moose Toys, Jazwares and top industry experts.
June 08, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is pleased to announce that its annual WIT Empowerment Day event will be held on Monday, September 26, 2016, the day before Fall Toy Preview® in Dallas officially begins.
WIT Recognizes Industry Innovators at Annual Award Gala
Mattel Honored with Game Changer Award; Hasbro, SpinMaster, Moose Toys and Walmart Top Winners
February 15, 2016
More than 500 executives in toys, licensing and entertainment gathered Sunday night to honor women leaders at the 12th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Toys in New York City.
WIT and the Strong National Museum of Play Announce Establishment of the WIT Collection
Archive Collection Documents Contributions of Women in the Toy Industry
February 15, 2016
As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), in partnership with The Strong National Museum of Play, announces the establishment of The WIT Collection – archived materials that will document, preserve and make accessible the many ground-breaking contributions made to the Toy Industry by women inventors, designers, manufacturers, marketers and newsmakers. These curated archival contributions will be announced on an annual basis as part of WIT’s new Member Emeritus Program.
12th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala to Honor Innovators in Toy, Licensing and Entertainment Industries
Game Changer Stylist Micaela Erlanger and Positive Body Image Advocate and Supermodel EMME to Present WIT’s Game Changer Award to Mattel; WIT Announces 2016 Nominees
February 09, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT) will honor a dozen impactful women business leaders, its founders, and more than 50 remarkable Finalists at the 12th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Toys. From the largest global companies such as Mattel, Hasbro, Walmart, Disney, Nickelodeon and more, to hot start-ups like EQtainment and Ozobot, more than 500 industry leaders will gather Sunday for the event.
WIT Announces 2017 Wonder Women Awards Finalists
January 26, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT) will honor a dozen outstanding female business leaders and more than 50 remarkable finalists at the 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, held during the New York International Toy Fair.
Women In Toys Names Mary Kay Russell First Executive Director
New Hire Helps Position Organization for More Growth
January 26, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), the leading global professional women’s organization in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries industry announced today the hiring of Mary Kay Russell as Executive Director.
WIT Enters 25th Year with Support from Major Toy Industry Players 2016 Sponsors Support Initiatives that Empower Women
January 19, 2016
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is pleased to announce its 2016 sponsors, who are helping to fund many of the organization’s initiatives that empower women in the toy industry.
Women In Toys Announces New Executive Committee and Board Appointment
New Committees Support Growth of Membership and New Initiatives
December 30, 2015
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), the leading global professional women’s organization in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, has elected a new Executive Committee, which will provide strategic direction and guide WIT in its efforts to provide members with business advancement, education, mentoring and recognition.
Nominations Open for 2016 WIT Wonder Women Awards Awards Gala Honors Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment at Grand Hyatt New York on February 14, 2016
October 20, 2015
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is now accepting nominations for the Wonder Women Awards, an annual tribute to the industry’s top female executives and entrepreneurs. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2016 Wonder Women Awards Gala on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Grand Hyatt New York, during New York International Toy Fair.
Speakers Announced for Women In Toys Empowerment Day
Toy Industry Organization Opens Rolodex to Female-owned Start-ups and Entrepreneurs
September 10, 2015
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is proud to announce its slate of speakers who will participate in the 2015 WIT Empowerment Day on Monday, October 5 at 10:00 AM, on the eve of Fall Toy Preview® at Dallas Market Center.
Mark Cuban to Deliver Keynote at Empowerment Day to Toy Industry Women
WIT Empowerment Day Provides Priceless Opportunities for Female Business Owners
July 13, 2015
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT), is pleased to announce that billionaire business maverick and iconic serial entrepreneur Mark Cuban will deliver the opening keynote at their 2015 WIT Empowerment Day, which will be held at Dallas Market Center on October 5, 2015.
Sesame Street Veteran and Retailer Amazon.com Receive Top Honors at Women in Toys 11th Annual Awards Dinner
Ann Kearns, Vice President, Global Toys, Sesame Street Honored for Lifetime Achievement; Eva Lorenz Honored for Amazon.com, Retailer of the Year
February 05, 2015
Recognizing the best and brightest women in the toy industry today, Women in Toys (WIT) will honor Ann Kearns, Vice President, Global Toys, Sesame Workshop, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Eva Lorenz, Amazon.com, Inc., General Manager for Toys & Games, with Retailer of the Year at this year’s WIT 11th Annual Wonder Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Dinner Sunday, February 15, coinciding with the 112th International Toy Fair in New York City.
Women in Toys (WIT) Announces New Empowerment Program for Members
February 05, 2015
Recognizing the best and brightest women in the toy industry today, Women in Toys (WIT) will honor Ann Kearns, Vice President, Global Toys, Sesame Workshop, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Eva Lorenz, Amazon.com, Inc., General Manager for Toys & Games, with Retailer of the Year at this year’s WIT 11th Annual Wonder Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Dinner Sunday, February 15, coinciding with the 112th International Toy Fair in New York City.
Women in Toys (WIT) Announces New Empowerment Program for Members
September 22, 2014
Women in Toys (WIT), the preeminent networking organization for women in the toy, licensing and entertainment industry, announces the launch of their new Empowerment Program, with three exciting initiatives that provide members with numerous opportunities for professional support, career development, and a roadmap to success.
Women In Toys Announces New President and Board Members
Organization Realigns to Focus on Growth and Advancement for Women in the Toy, Licensing & Entertainment Industries
April 15, 2014
Women in Toys (WIT), a global organization for professional women in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Mady, President of Brandberry, Inc. as their new board president, succeeding Joan Luks, President of The Serenata Group, who served as board president for 3 ½ years.
Women in Toys (WIT) Announces a New WIT - Walmart Collaboration, February 10-13, 2013 at New York Toy Fair
December 12, 2012
WIT is very pleased to announce the launch of a new and groundbreaking initiative at Toy Fair 2013 entitled the WOMEN IN TOYS - WALMART WOMEN'S GLOBAL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Initiative, which will help Walmart reach its goal to source $20 Billion from Women-Owned Businesses by 2016.