Toy company Matell has created a Barbie in honor of Katya Echazarreta, Mexico’s first female astronaut, a native of the Jalisco town of Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos.
The special-tribute edition doll is part of the Barbie Role Model program launched in 2015 to highlight women who reflect the virtues of self-improvement, academic excellence and social empowerment. Although the dolls are not for sale, Matell says they generate important buzz and conversations in the digital universe.
Other Mexican women with dolls made in their honor include iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and Guadalajara-born professional golfer Lorena Ochoa.