After best known for leading a team that sequenced the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in just 48 hours in Brazil – a record time compared to other countries – Bahia biomedical scientist Dr. Jacqueline Goose is now a Barbie doll. To honor the great mark in the career of a scientist who broke down barriers, tackled many challenges and is now an inspiration to future generations, Barbie presents Jacqueline with a one-of-a-kind doll made of her own. This initiative is part of the “Women’s Inspiration” (Kiddleh in English) line.
Doctor of Human and Experimental Pathology at UFBA (Federal University of Bahia), an institution associated with Fiocruz, and MSc in Biotechnology in Health and Investigative Medicine, researcher coordinates the CADDE (Centre for Discovery, Diagnostics, Genomics and Epidemiology of Arboviruses), a partnership between Brazil and the United Kingdom. She is now among the list of women honored by Barbie, along with American model Ashley Graham, Russian astronaut Anna Kekina, British model and activist Aduwa Aboah, Italian chef Rosana Mazzali and top surfer Maya Gabera – the first Brazilian to be elected by the doll. Program, in 2019 – among other characters, from medicine and music
“As a scientist, woman and black, Barbie is being honored and becoming a role model for new generations is to prove that through opportunity, talent and intelligence can reach and even achieve positive outcomes for the nation,” says the Biomedical Woman, who continues to highlight the dedication and commitment shown by all professionals. On the front lines in the fight against the epidemic. “Children imagine they can be whatever they want to be, but seeing what they can become, listening to other people’s paths and getting to know themselves in them, it all makes a huge difference.”
In addition to Jacqueline, five other women, considered the heroines of the pandemic, have been honored by Mattel for their tireless work in the fight against COVID-19 and for their positive impact on society. American nurse Amy O’Sullivan. Audrey Cruz, who served on the front lines in Las Vegas and played an important role in combating racial prejudice and discrimination; Canadian psychiatrist Chica Stacy Orewa, who has advocated systemic racism in health care; Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccines, UK, pioneered Oxford vaccine development; and Australian Kirby White, who has developed a robe that can be washed and reused, allowing frontline workers to continue caring for patients during the pandemic.
Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Mattel Dolls, narrates how the Inspiring Women project has pushed the boundaries inspiring girls to become whatever they want: “Barbie recognizes that all frontline workers have made huge sacrifices in the face of the pandemic and the challenges that have led to exacerbate them,” adding, “To ease their efforts, we share their stories and leverage the Barbie platform to inspire the next generation to follow these heroes. Our hope is to nurture and stimulate the imaginations of children who interpret their plots as heroes.”
Created in 1959 and today with more than 200 professions, Barbie wants to show girls that they can become anything they desire and that it is possible to create a world of endless possibilities. No dream is too big if you can imagine it – no matter if the desire is to be a fairy or an astronaut. The doll continues to incite children in Brazil and around the world and present the conquest of different women, letting them feel inspired and empowered. Dreaming of what they want to be is just the beginning. Find out that they really can make all the difference.
“Friendly zombie guru. Avid pop culture scholar. Freelance travel geek. Wannabe troublemaker. Coffee specialist.”
