The Toy Foundation Unveils DEI Program Agenda for Preview & Holiday Market
Sponsored by Jazwares, the DEI Program will take place on September 21 at the Dallas Market Center
August 2, 2022 | The Toy Foundation (TTF) has unveiled the agenda for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program, sponsored by Jazwares, which will take place during The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market and is open to show attendees, young professionals, and students. The full day of programming on September 21 will be held on the 12th floor of the Dallas Market Center.
The event will feature four engaging sessions hosted by Target, Paramount, and Jazwares. Sessions will include a two-part discussion on inclusivity in all sectors of the toy industry, a session on career opportunities in the toy industry and how being authentic in the workplace makes a difference, and a conversation on working collectively to grow the toy industry with inclusivity at its core.
The full DEI Program schedule is available on ToyAssociation.org/PreviewMarket under the ‘Sessions’ tab.
TTF’s DEI Program Agenda
DEIB is Our Business (Part I)
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Presented by Target
At Target, our team rallies around a single purpose: to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. That purpose and our inclusion of “all” directly connects to our inclusivity value as a company. We leverage our purpose to champion a more inclusive society that provides a fulfilling place to work and enhances engagement with our guests, communities, and suppliers.
Dominique Dao Mueller, Director of Inclusive Product Design at Target, will introduce Target’s purpose and strategy for creating inclusive products, systems, and experiences across the business.
They Actually Pay Me to Play, err, Work Here?
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presented by Paramount
Nearly 600,000 people wake up every day asking themselves that question – 25,000 of them work for Paramount Global. Paramount recognizes that it thrives because of the hard work, talent, and passion of their employees – and that passion is unlocked in inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their whole self to work.
Stephanie Bailey, Vice President of Global Toys at Paramount, will discuss career paths in toy and why bringing your whole self to work makes a difference.
Lunch with the Pros (by invitation only)
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Informal Luncheon with program participants, presenters, The Toy Association Young Professionals Network, and industry veterans.
We Believe in a World Where Every Child has the Opportunity to Play
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Presented by TTF, Jazwares, and The Birthday Party Project
The Toy Foundation and its partners work together to make this happen locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
Pam Mastrota, Executive Director at The Toy Foundation; Sara Rosales Montalvo, Senior Vice President of Communications at Jazwares; and Tabatha Gonzalez-Olaechea, Senior Vice President of Development at The Birthday Party Project, will discuss why play matters and how collective action matters to impact the toy industry.
DEIB is Our Business (Part II)
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Presented by Target
In a follow up to Part I, Target’s Mueller will work with participants to solve a real-world DEI problem faced by the toy industry.
“At Jazwares, our values – passion, humility, collaboration – are reflected throughout The Toy Foundation’s DEI program and we’re proud to help bring this program to life,” said Sara Rosales, Senior Vice President of Communications at Jazwares. “Our love for play is what connects us together and there is endless opportunity for us to collectively bring the joy of our products, programs, and industry to everyone around the world.”
In addition to the four sessions, Hasbro is hosting special “huddles” exclusive to student attendees from the University of North Texas (UNT) to help bring their unique talents and diverse thought into the workforce. Lora Gunther, from Hasbro’s Recruitment team, will be in TTF’s booth throughout the day to discuss internships in the toy industry, how to craft the perfect resume, and strategies for getting noticed on LinkedIn.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion sessions will be open to all trade show attendees, students, and faculty from UNT, and The Toy Association’s diverse network of students and young professionals within the toy community through its Student Congress program and Young Professionals Network.
To get involved in TTF’s DEI initiatives and other activities, contact to Director of Development John Fistolera.
For more information about The Toy Association’s Preview & Holiday Market, visit ToyAssociation.org/PreviewMarket.
To learn about The Toy Foundation’s work to provide the power of play to children in need, visit ToyFoundation.org.