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The team at Nickelodeon brought members of Women in Animation and WIT together as they hosted an amazing event at their gorgeous new animation studio in Burbank CA. It was an incredible evening under the stars, filled with fun, inspiration, noshing, networking, and newfound friendships. The event began with cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres and was followed by a dynamic discussion from a panel of women who are creatively working across both the toy and animation business. Photo: Bonnie Osborne/Nickelodeon©2017 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Bonnie Osborne/Nickelodeon©2017 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Moderated by Anne Mullen, EVP, Creative and Marketing, Franchises and Preschool, the panel included panelists Megan Casey, VP, Current Series Animation at Nickelodeon; Stacey Kim, Director, Preschool Production and Development; Ellen Martin, Creator & Executive Producer, Blaze and the Monster Machines; and Claudia Spinelli, VP Current Series Animation. Photo: Bonnie Osborne/Nickelodeon©2017 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon is long known for their commitment to championing women and cultivating strong female leaders. We were moved to learn first-hand about the impact this has had on the women working at Nick, who have benefited both professionally and personally from the company’s female-friendly corporate culture and their attention to work-life balance. We wish to thank our generous hosts at Nickelodeon for making this wonderful evening possible, especially Pam Kaufman, Jennifer Caveza and Liz Cohen. Click here to view all event photos.

How She Did It – Lessons from Women in Leadership Nickelodeon, The Girls’ Lounge, and WIT presented a powerhouse panel that packed the room at Javits Center on February 20th during NY Toy Fair. Moderating the panel was Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of The Girls’ Lounge – and a fearless changemaker who is passionately committed to championing female leadership and greater gender equality in the workplace. And she makes no apologies for bringing femininity forward — a mindset which we at WIT embrace! The event welcomed hundreds who joined in for open and honest dialogue with some of our industry’s most powerful and inspirational women. Panelists included Jill Barad, former Chairman and CEO at Mattel, Anne Marie Kehoe, Vice President of Toys at Walmart, Pam Kaufman, CMO & President, Consumer Products at Nickelodeon, and Farnaz Esnaashari, Creator & Producer at Nickelodeon. The discussion was open, honest, and filled with insight, laughter, and uncompromised authenticity. The takeaways and lessons learned were priceless. We thank these incredible women for sharing their stories and personal experiences about their paths to success! Special thanks to the Toy Industry Association and Adventure Publishing for their generous support.

WIT Emeritus Members Inducted at 2017 Wonder Women Gala We celebrated Women’s History Month a little early on February 19 at the 13th Annual Wonder Women Gala, as WIT co-founder Susan Matsumoto, and past president Joan Luks introduced our first inductees to the WIT Emeritus Program. Left to right: Judy Shackelford, Erin Libby, Carol Spencer, Shirley Henschel, Claire Marschak Maureen and Laurie Trotto, Laurie Schacht The WIT Emeritus Program was established in 2016 by WIT and its founders Anne Pitrone and Susan Matsumoto, to pay tribute to women who are pioneering leaders in the industry and trailblazers of toys, and to highlight and preserve the indelible mark they’ve made. The Program includes the establishment of The WIT Collection at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. With the enthusiastic support of Chris Bensch, Vice President for Collections at the Strong, and his passionate team, our Emeritus members’ work will be preserved in history, including their drawings, prototypes, production samples, digital assets and important notes and papers. We applaud these 2017 inductees for their outstanding leadership as well as their incredible bodies of work as executives, designers, inventors, producers and entrepreneurs. 2017 WIT EMERITUS MEMBER INDUCTEES: Carol Spencer (Doll & Doll Fashion Designer) – For over 35 years, Carol built her career at Mattel as their premiere fashion designer for Barbie – taking her from the early 1960’s through the evolving decades that established Barbie as a fashion icon. Carol also launched the prestigious Barbie collector doll line and created the Kelly doll line. Claire Marschak (Inventor) –  Building on a career that started with a senior-year internship at Fisher Price Toys, Claire returned after graduation to work on infant, toddler and girls’ toys. She eventually launched her inventing firm specializing in infant and preschool concepts for clients like Fisher-Price, Today’s Kids, Playskool, Little Tikes, Lamaze, and Tomy. Erin Libby (Sculptor/Doll Designer) – Erin started her career at Mattel where she was Manager of Doll Characterization working on and guiding through such projects as faces on all dolls, plus Liddle Kiddles, Sudsy, and Malibu Barbie. She then established her design firm, The Erin Works, working on major doll projects like Cabbage Patch Kids, Puff-a-Lumps, and Baby So Beautiful. (Not present at the Gala.) Judy Shackelford (Toy Executive/Inventor) – Judy is a toy industry trailblazer both within the corporate toy world and as an inventor. She was the first female Vice-President at Mattel and became the highest ranking woman in a Fortune 500 toy company as Executive Vice-President Worldwide Marketing and Product Development at Mattel.  As CEO of J. Shackelford Associates, LLC, she was notable for the first introduction of electronically interactive smart dolls like Amazing Amy, Amazing Ally, Amazing Babies, and Amazing Amanda for Playmates. (Not present at the Gala.) Laurie Schacht (Publishing) – Laurie is President and Chief Toy Officer at Adventure Publishing Group. With more than 25 years in the toy industry, Laurie and Adventure Publishing Group have reported on the toy industry through their publications – The Toy Book, The Licensing Book, and The Toy Insider – keeping readers up-to-date on all toy and licensing industry breaking news and deals. Maureen & Laureen Trotto (Inventors) – After teaching at FIT for six years and inventing Sectaurs: Warriors of Symbion for Coleco and Boglins, Maureen joined her sister Laureen in a life-long dream of working together and, along with Duane Langenwalter, formed Thin Air. Over the past 35 years, their combined forces invented and hold patents on many toy concepts including Shoezies, Bead Blast Barbie, Tea Time with Me Belle, Total Meltdown, Sing Along with Mickey and many more. Shirley Henschel (Licensing) – One of licensing’s pioneers, Shirley started her career in licensing major auto racing drivers including Stirling Moss. Later, for Marden-Kane, Inc. she represented Edward Gorey and well-known comic strip characters including Little Orphan Annie, Brenda Starr, Gasoline Alley and others. In 1979, Shirley started her company, Alaska Momma, Inc. whose licenses included the Norfin Trolls, Willie Wonka’s “Nerds” characters, Mel Odum’s “Gene” Doll, and many others. (Not present at the Gala.)

2017 WIT Wonder Women Awards Gala Oh, What a Night! On February 19, over 650 executives and senior leaders in toys, licensing and entertainment celebrated our industry’s outstanding women at the 13th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala. The fun and festive event took place at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City and benefited WIT and The WIT Foundation. Click here to learn more about our talented and inspirational winners. Congratulations 2017 Winners! [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] The Honorees! [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] Lifetime Achievement Jill Barad and Richard Dickson The Gala got off to a fabulous start as former Chairman and CEO of Mattel, Jill Barad, was honored for Lifetime Achievement. Presenting the award was Richard Dickson, President and COO of Mattel, who recognized Jill as an inspiration and force of nature for all she’s done and continues to do to advance our industry. Click the video below for Jill’s inspiring message . . . Richard also presented Jill with Mattel’s official key to the Dreamhouse, a beautiful token of friendship, admiration, and appreciation for all she has done for kids everywhere. [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] Gamechanger Award Academy Award-winning actor and advocate Geena Davis was honored with the 2017 Gamechanger Award. Geena was recognized and celebrated for her meaningful and impactful work with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media, an organization that researches gender in media, and campaigns for the equal representation of women in entertainment. We enthusiastically salute Geena on her passionate efforts, and the profound impact she has had on reducing stereotypes and the portrayal of females both on the screen and on stores shelves. Click the video below to learn how Geena is spearheading important change . . . [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] Elise Lachowyn Mentorship Award Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of WIT’s inaugural Elise Lachowyn Mentorship Award, honoring Mary Couzin, Founder of the Chicago Toy & Game Group. With support from Tech4Kids, the award was presented by their CEO Brad Pederson and Elise’s husband, Drew Robertson, and recognized Mary for her contributions to the industry as a generous mentor and tenacious advocate for toy and game inventors around the world. [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] WIT Emeritus Member Program Left to Right: Christopher Bensch, Carol Spencer, Maureen Trotto, Carol Marschak, Laureen Trotto (not pictured: Laurie Schacht, Judy Shackelford, Erin Libby, Shirley Henschel). Our industry’s early trailblazers were also celebrated as we introduced WIT’s first group of inductees into the WIT Emeritus Member Program. Developed in partnership with The Strong Museum of Play, this exciting initiative recognizes executives, designers, inventors, producers and entrepreneurs whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the toy industry. Read more here about the Program and these amazing women. [vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#f4389c’ thickness=’2′ up=’10’ down=’20’] Superhero Circle WIT celebrated Superheroes at the Wonder Women Gala! WIT board member and Empowerment Co-Chair Nancy Zwiers, announced the Superhero Donor Challenge, a donation matching program, sponsored by the Nancy Zwiers Empowerment Fund. Nancy announced that she would give an additional $1,000 for every single Superhero who donates $5,000 or more, and $100 for each $1,000 donation. Supporters who donated $5,000 on the spot included Brian Goldner, Jerry Perez, Weibe Tinga, Jill Barad, and Brad Pederson. THANK YOU to our Superheroes and to Nancy! We greatly appreciate your kind generosity and passionate support of WIT. For all those who were unable to attend the Gala but would like to make a Superhero donation, please click here. Nancy Zwiers’ Superhero Donor Challenge matching program will expire May 2, 2017. To view all the Wonder Women Gala photos on Facebook, click here and tag yourself! SAVE THE DATE 2018 Wonder Women Awards Gala Sunday, February 18, 2018, Chelsea Piers, New York City

We’re always excited for the TOTY’s, (Toy of the Year Awards) and this year’s 17th annual event gives us even more reason to celebrate! Gone are the “girl” or “boy” toys and games, making way for fresh new categories including Action Figure of the Year, Collectible of the Year, Construction Toy of the Year, Doll of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Vehicle of the Year. We applaud the TIA for creating positive change for the industry and future generations by abolishing gender-focused awards! This is always a fun and elegant evening of celebration and great networking. You’ll mix and mingle with lots of toy industry friends and colleagues, and make new business connections too. The evening includes a networking cocktail reception, followed by the awards ceremony and dinner. The TOTY Awards take place on Friday, February 17 at the amazing Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The event honors outstanding toy products from over 100 finalists in 14 categories, supports the many charitable initiatives of the Toy Industry Foundation, and salutes new inductees into the Hall of Fame. To learn more, visit www.TOTYAwards.org. We hope to see you there!

The Toronto WIT Chapter kicked off the holiday season with their biggest and merriest event of the year! This was one for the record books. Toronto co-chairs Jessica Gavin and Kristin Lecour welcomed a tremendous turnout, and guests from all corners of the industry enjoyed a fun and festive evening filled with food, drink, music, laughter, and of course…fantastic networking. Melanie Teed-Murch, President of Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us Canada delivered the warm and inspirational keynote, and it was truly a highlight of the evening. Representatives from Autism Speaks Canada were also there to show their support for WIT and to present a special award to Melanie. As a philanthropic leader, Toys “R” Us has donated over $6 million to Autism Speaks Canada and continues to show true dedication to the autism community. The kindness and generosity of sponsors and spirited supporters made the event extra jolly and bright. Many thanks to our event sponsors, including Nickelodeon, Sutikki, Spin Master and Guru Studios for their amazing support and generous donations, and to Toys”R”Us for donating a $500 TRU gift card for the raffle. Special thanks also to the many companies who donated items for the gift bags, sending guests home with lots of goodies and tidings of joy. ‘Tis the season of giving! In this holiday season of giving, Toys “R” Us invites you to help those with autism reach their full potential with your donation to Autism Speaks Canada. Please click here to make your donation today.

On Saturday, November 19th, WIT hosted a panel discussion and breakfast prior to the opening of The Chicago Toy & Game Fair at Navy Pier in Chicago. Panelists discussed how products positively influences the lives of kids and adults and why consumers are craving more great products. Our panel also highlighted how play impacts and develops a child’s decision-making skills, how play benefits us emotionally and how toys and games can even help to alleviate stress in our lives.

Thank you to our NoCA members and our guests who attended the incredibly inspiring Empowerment Luncheon event on November 10, 2016, in San Francisco! Natascha Thomson, Jim Block and Mystical Greatrick provided amazing goodies and tools for improving our social media profile and effectiveness! Each member left with a tummy full of sandwiches, sweets and tea, pages full of notes on how to improve your social media profile, and a professional headshot. A great event to end a year full of empowering content and networking opportunities for the WIT NoCA chapter! —Caitlin Gutekunst, NoCA Chapter Co-Chair

WIT So Cal members were treated to a hands-on Leadership Accelerator presented by award-winning author and entrepreneur Marsh Engle. Hosted by ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive, the group discussed leadership values, personal brand development, and opportunities to be of service to those in need through the toy drive.

July 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Rare Bar & Grill Murray Hill, 303 Lexington AveNew York, NY 10016 United States WIT’s New York Chapter is gathering at the Rare Bar & Grill Murray Hill rooftop for a summer evening happy hour. Join us for this casual event and enjoy catching up with old and new members alike. Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Location: Rare Bar & Grill Murray Hill located in the Shelbourne Hotel – 303 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 Cost: There is no cost to attend however there will be a cash bar available. Contact Heidi Schwartz with any questions… Find out more »

Curious About Crowdfunding WIT’s Northern California Chapter learned all about crowdfunding at their recent networking event at Indiegogo. Host Alisa Cordesius, Indiegogo’s Director of Social Innovation & Design, shared the many benefits of a crowdfunding campaign in addition to cash in the bank—such as raising awareness, validating a concept, gauging demand and testing the styles and pricing in the market. Another key takeaway? Crowdfunding provides an instantaneous feedback loop, allowing for agility and the chance to collect a wealth of information to improve business. Thanks to WIT’s NoCA Chapter Co-Chair for organizing this fun and informative event, and to Indiegogo for generously sponsoring and hosting!

A WIT-Fueled Evening of Inspiration and Entrepreneurship in NYC! Guests gathered together in New York City, on May 11th, for a fun and empowering evening to learn how two successful toy industry women got their start in business — Samantha Freeman, CEO of Out of the Blue Enterprises and Kate Karcher Clark, President & CEO of Yottoy Productions, Inc. Many thanks to Out of the Blue for hosting and sponsoring a fantastic event, including the delicious nibbles and vino! Samantha kicked things off by sharing the story of her journey, including how she got her start in the industry and the many steps she took to launch Out of the Blue and become CEO of Colorforms. She also provided invaluable insights on what it’s like to work in a variety of media platforms and how to navigate the educational marketplace. Kate introduced us to the world of creating toys based on timeless children’s books. From the land of Madeline to the jungles of Curious George, Kate has gained a foothold in the toy and gift industry with retail and promotional clients by bringing classic children’s books to life. Check out her top 10 tips for what it takes to be a successful women-owned business: 10 Tips for Women-Owned Businesses: 1.  Follow your intuition. 2.  Be a creative thinker. 3.  Don’t think you are so driven in business that you don’t have time for your children. 4.  Delegate in all aspects of your life. 5.  Don’t sweat the small stuff. 6.  You must be a driven multi-tasker. 7.  Catch up whenever you can, but turn off work sometimes to gain fresh perspective. 8.  Realize everything won’t be perfect, and don’t feel guilty about what you can’t get done. 9.  Look for what you can do to change an industry – what sets your business apart. 10. Tap into organizations that promote women!