Katya Echazarreta is not only the first Mexican female astronaut to travel in space, she is also a pioneer in having a Barbie doll that has a special design based on her.

On International Women’s Day, Mattel, Inc. honored more than half a dozen prominent women from around the world by creating their own Barbie dolls.

Among them is that of Echazarreta, the NASA astronaut and electrical engineer.

The story of NASA’s Mexican

Echazarreta, in addition to being an electrical engineer, is an activist for space activities in Mexico, Glamor Woman of the Year and in 2022 it was selected to go to space out of 7,000 applicants from around the world.

Upon hearing the news, the Mexican astronaut shared her mother’s reaction to the Barbie doll on TikTok, which moved many of her followers.

In the clip, Echazarreta approaches her mother and says “Mom, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes”, and holds the doll for her. The moment her mother opens her eyes, tears well up and they share a strong, loving hug.

The video garnered over 80 likes, with many comments such as “proud mum” and “proud mum’s tears”. Many have even wondered when the dolls will go on sale.

In an interview with the Milenio newspaper, from Mexico, Katya said that her Barbie doll is unique because it is not a generic astronaut, but “of a real woman who exists, who is working, who has really lived these experiences and tries to create opportunities for all Mexican girls and boys”.

Barbie’s “Role Models” collection

With this new doll, Katya Echazarreta is being incorporated into the ‘Role Models’ that Barbie has started selling to try to reach a new audience outside of the stereotypes about women that she always uses as a hallmark of her brand.

Women like Celia Cruz, Frida Kahlo, Naomi Osaka, Lorena Ochoa and others also have dolls. All have in common the fact that they have spatially distinguished themselves in some activity.

“Barbie is committed to shedding light on empowering role models in an effort to inspire more girls. As part of the Dream Gap project, we’re introducing girls to stories of amazing women to show them that you can be anything,” said the Mattel brand about this project.

The project also has British chef Maggie Aderin-Pocock; Antje Boetius, German marine researcher and microbiologist; and Li Yinuo, co-founder of ETU Education, a new school in China that offers more personalized education.

According to Mattel, Barbie has pursued more than 40 careers, including astrophysicist, rocket scientist, physician, and robotics engineer. While in the real world women make up half of the American workforce, they make up only less than a third of the workforce in the Science Education System (STEM).

“STEM is a field where women are vastly underrepresented. Our hope is this honoring these leaders in science and technology encourages girls to follow their passion in this fieldLisa McKnight, executive vice president of Mattel and global head of Barbie & Dolls, said in a statement.