Los Angeles – Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Wonder Women Awards, celebrated at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles, where Bronson Plaza and the Paramount Theatre were transformed into an evening celebrating excellence, leadership andconnection across the global industry.

The evening also honored Sherrie Westin, President & CEO of Sesame Workshop, with the Global Impact Award. Westin was recognized for using storytelling to deliver educational content and critical resources to children and families in more than 190 countries. Steve Totzke, President and Executive Advisor at Mattel, with the Inclusive Leadership Award. Totzke was recognized for his longstanding commitment to mentorship and inclusive leadership across the global consumer products industry.

The 2026 Wonder Women Award Winners Are:

• Brand Franchise Leadership: Bandai Namco – Tamagotchi Team: Tara Badie, Anita Komatsu, Monako Kuriiwa, Tanya Sexton
• Catalyst for Change (over 500 Employees): Buky Famosa, Mattel
• Catalyst for Change (under 500 Employees): Dr. Amanda Gummer, FUNdamentally Children – home of the Good Play Guide
• Commercial Excellence: VTech Electronics, North America – The VTech & LeapFrog Sales Team: Jane Donnelly, Amanda Vincent, Carrie Mueller, Eli Butler, Jim Mackenzie, Marnie V ogel, Melissa Granger,Nicki Shekalus, Sarah Riddle
• Designer/Inventor (over 500 Employees): Mollie Jameson, Spin Master
• Designer/Inventor (under 500 Employees): Maryam Syed, MAGNA-TILES
• Designer/Inventor (Independent): Donna Teresa Fasano, The Owl & The Hourglass
• Digital Innovator: Marie Navarro, Hasbro, Inc.
• Emerging Technology Leader: Azhelle Wade, The Toy Coach Inc., and Fiona Hardie, Amazon
• Licensing Excellence – Individual: Jean Gomez, Spin Master and Kim Bell, Paramount
• Licensing Excellence – Team: ZURU Toys Licensing Team: Aneisha Vieira, Gavin Correia, Joseph Fell, Leah Whitehead, Peyton Walker, Shuxin Chen
• Marketing Visionary: Mallory Van Laeken, Moose Toys
• Mentor of the Year: Humaira Shaikh, The LEGO Group
• PR & Communications Excellence: Shirley Kim, The Pokémon Company International
• Rising Leader (over 500 Employees): Krystal Rose, asmodee
• Rising Leader (under 500 Employees): Jimeka Broussard, Dr. Seuss Enterprises
• Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year: Maud Decombe, Miniature Market
• Unsung Hero (over 500 Employees): Mimi Douet, The LEGO Group
• Unsung Hero (under 500 Employees): Tina Patel, Playmates Toys, Inc.
• WiT Champion: Sunny Lauridsen, Just Play

“The Wonder Women Awards celebrates leaders whose influence extends far beyond business results alone,” said Wonder Women Awards Co-Chairs Deirdre Cross, Founder & CEO of Tiffany Birdsong LLC and Lourdes Arocho, SVP, Head of Licensing at Gap Inc.. “Sherrie Westin exemplifies the extraordinary power of purpose-driven leadership, using storytelling to create meaningful change for children and families around the world. We are also proud to recognize Steve Totzke for his longstanding commitment to mentorship, inclusion and the advancement of women across our industry. Together with this year’s winners, they represent the innovation, leadership and community at the heart of WiT.”

WiT extends heartfelt thanks to its 2026 sponsors for their generous investment in driving positive change for women. Proceeds from the Wonder Women Awards support WiT’s vital programming, mentorship, and the WiT Foundation Scholarship Program.

ABOUT WOMEN IN TOYS, LICENSING & ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 1991, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is a premier global nonprofit organization that champions a community of professionals who create, license, market and bring brands, products and experiences to life. Through meaningful connections, WiT expands access, advances careers and fosters collaboration. With 25 chapters worldwide, WiT supports professionals at every career stage through impactful programming, mentorship, scholarships and community-building. Learn more at womenintoys.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.