THEY ARE WOMEN, HEAR THEM ROAR
Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment Celebrates Growth, Success, and 25 Years by GENNA ROSENBERG, vice chair, WIT Executive Committee, principal at GennComm TWO WOMEN IN THE TOY INDUSTRY walk into a restaurant... What may seem like the start of a joke is anything but. It’s the beginning to how one of the most popular, influential, and successful women’s organizations in the toy industry was created. Years ago, groups of women would get together for dinner and networking. While there were women in the toy business in various positions in the industry, there weren’t many opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. After years of informal dinners and chats, Susan Matsumoto and her “founder in crime” Anne Pitrone decided to formalize the get-togethers, and in 1991 Women in Toys (WIT) was born. Much like rearing a young child, those early days were exciting and exhausting, but well worth it. “In the beginning, there was such a feeling of camaraderie and power, when all these women from different segments of the business and country got together,” explains Matsumoto. “The more we met, the more we wanted to meet again, and women started bringing others. It was really an exciting time.” As WIT continued to grow, the proverbial
village took over. Women from all over the country got involved and created national chapters and committees, addressing issues affecting women in the industry ranging from empowerment to corporate development, research, scholarships, and much more. Over time, the group expanded even further, adding international chapters and giving women from all corners of the world the opportunity to achieve professional success. If you’re a parent, you know the old saying: “You turn your back one day and your child is all grown up.” As Women in Toys hits the quarter century mark, it is clear just how much this group has grown. Companies of all sizes and all aspects of the industry have taken notice. Membership is as high as it has ever been. Each year, companies such as Mattel, Hasbro, Disney, Nickelodeon, Bandai, Wicked Cool Toys, and many others pledge their support in numerous and various ways. The Women in Toys Wonder Woman Awards—the prestigious awards gala that recognizes leaders, pioneers, innovators, and shining stars in the industry—has become a must-attend event during North American International Toy Fair in New York City. With an eye on the future, the women
WIT's board members toast at the 2015 Wonder Women Awards Gala
238 THE TOY BOOK | FEBRUARY 2016 | TOYBOOK.COM
WIT Founders Anne Pitrone and Susan Matsumoto
guiding the WIT ship have a clear course for success. WIT recently announced the hiring of Mary Kay Russell as executive director. With WIT’s tremendous growth over the past 25 years, the position was created to help WIT achieve its mission, manage day-to-day operations of its committees and volunteers, and provide guidance on infrastructure growth for WIT’s future. There’s also a new executive committee on board, which includes some of the industry’s most accomplished leaders: Chair Ashley Mady, president at Brandberry; Vice-Chair Genna Rosenberg, principal at GennComm; Second Vice Chair Nancy Zwiers, CMO at Spin Master; Secretary Deb de Sherbinin, founder/CEO at KidSmart; and Treasurer Shannon Gray, global director of operations and logistics at WABA Fun. “Each year, we’re surpassing goals, and I’m beyond proud of everything this group has been able to do together,” says Ashley Mady, WIT president since 2014. “Our growth is really a testament to the commitment of these women over the past few decades.” It’s not over-reaching to express just how influential Women in Toys has become. As Matsumoto explains, “One of my proudest accomplishments was working with Anne Pitrone in founding Women in Toys. The talent and efforts of all the women who have expanded this organization have been remarkable, and I’m grateful that they took that kernel of an idea and grew it to be the outstanding organization it is now.” »