December 12, 2017 – New York, NY – 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 will induct Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Norma Rosenhain, Creata CEO and Nancy Zwiers, EVP and Global CMO for Spin Master, with the Elise Lachowyn Mentorship Award.

The 14th Wonder Women Gala on Sunday, February 18, 2018 will celebrate Wonder Women honorees and dozens of finalists in the following categories: Creator/Innovator, Licensing, Manufacturing, Marketing, Public Relations, Retailer, Sales and Rising Star Award categories, with esteemed winners announced that night. WIT will also recognize the Toys“R”Us® President of Play, 11-year-old Ariana Gentry, with a special Wonder Girl Award for her toy expertise and organic passion for play. The WIT Foundation Scholarship program will present seven scholarships to student recipients at related toy, engineering and licensing industry-focused programs at universities around the world.

“We are pleased to honor and shine a bright light on this year’s accomplished honorees, finalists and award winners,” says Genna Rosenberg, Wonder Women Co-Chair and CEO at GennComm. “These dedicated leaders in business have curated remarkable achievements, and made impactful contributions in myriad ways – both through their work product, as well as by demonstrating a commitment to paying it forward to inspire those around them.”

Coinciding with the North American International Toy Fair in New York City, WIT’s Wonder Women Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser. Last year more than 650 industry executives attended and contributed to funding WIT’s valuable programming, which is focused on providing career growth opportunities for WIT’s collaborative community of women working in toys, licensing and entertainment through education, empowerment initiatives and scholarships.

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an industry thought leader who personifies innovative and visionary leadership, and has made significant contributions to toys, licensing or entertainment. Norma Rosenhain is founder, owner and CEO of the Creata Group of companies, including Creata, a consumer marketing and promotional company; Centa IP, a global licensing agency; Ultimate Source, a global toy company; and Build a Bear Australia & Singapore. She has produced over 15 billion toys and distributed to 120 countries over her accomplished career, spanning more than 30 years.

The Elise Lachowyn Mentorship Award was established with the support of Tech4Kids to recognize outstanding industry mentors for the impact they have had on the professional development and career advancement for those they mentor. Nancy Zwiers is the EVP and Global CMO at Spin Master, and throughout her 25-year career has served as a role model and mentor with a strong commitment to the advancement of women. She also mentors U.S. Foreign Service Public Diplomats, helping them more powerfully communicate with youth around the globe. Locally, Nancy helps children through CASA and countless executives in the toy industry.

WIT’s 2018 Wonder Girl Award honoree is charismatic Ariana Gentry, the first-ever Toys“R”Us President of Play. Ariana rose to the top of the ballot during the company’s 2016 President of Play Competition – standing out from more than 1,000 candidates thanks to her infectious smile and enthusiasm for play. As the company’s ultimate champion of play, Ariana is the company’s resident toy tester and plays with the hottest products and games. She also regularly serves as a Toys“R”Us spokesperson at red carpet events, on social media and anywhere else the company needs a real kid’s input.

Voting for Wonder Women Awards will be open to all WIT members, board of directors and advisory board, beginning on December 20, 2017. Tickets to the Gala are now available for purchase by clicking here.

To learn about WIT’s 2018 annual Sponsorship opportunities and individual Superhero Circle donation program, please click here.