Barbie ………. she’s back!

Hollywood

by Janet Donovan | on April 8th, 2012 |

Genna Davis

The EPIC Awards Gala is an inspiring, high-impact event with more than 350 leaders in business and politics, all who share a commitment to shaping the next generation of skilled, talented, innovative leaders. This year it took place in NYC.

So, what’s Barbie doing in a place like this? Now don’t get all huffy ladies, Barbie founder Ruth Handler has to be one of the smartest business woman around. So, while you may not want to emulate Barbie, do consider Handler.

It is estimated that over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries with Mattel claiming that three Barbie dolls are sold every second.

This year the event was hosted by Geena Davis, Academy Award® winning actor & White House Project Board Member and honored:

Susan L. Taylor, Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement & Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Essence Magazine who received The Marie C. Wilson ‘Impact’ Award: Igniting the leadership of the next generation of leaders to follow their dreams.

James S. Turley, Chairman & CEO of Ernst & Young, received The EPIC ‘Go Lead’ Award: Igniting the Leadership of Women in Business.

Jack Lofton and Keith Patterson, Co-Directors of the upcoming documentary Ann Richards’ Texas received The EPIC ‘Go Run’ Award: Igniting the Leadership of Women in Politics.

And Emma Contiguglia, Girl Scout of New York City, received The Barbie ‘I Can Be Award’ for her exceptional community service.

The EPIC Awards celebrates those who are igniting the leadership of women.

Wendy Diamond and Geena Davis

Animal Fair’s Wendy Diamond joined actress Anna Sophia Robb who will be playing young Carrie Bradshaw in the upcoming series The Carrie Diaries. Always mindful of the role that pets play in people’s life, Diamond said: “Pet-parenting is a great way to exercise the same skills and positive character-traits fostered by the project, including responsibility, compassion and a strong sense of activism. There’s a reason why behind so many great leaders, there’s a great pet – imagine what these empowered women can do for the cause of animal activism!”

Actress Anna Sophia Robb

Sponsors for The White House Project EPIC Awards included: AmericanExpress OPEN, Barbie, Barclays Wealth, Best Buy, Bloomberg, Chadick Ellig, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, Google, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Morgan Stanley, Navigant, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Target, Temin & Company, Walmart.

Inside the event: