Toy Association’s Kimberly Carcone Among Outstanding Women Honored at 2024 Wonder Women Awards

wonder women awards 2024September 16, 2024 | Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) named Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association, as a 2024 Wonder Woman in the Unsung Hero category. Carcone and winners in 19 categories were celebrated at the 19th annual Wonder Women Awards on September 13 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. WiT also honored Kitty Black Perkins, former chief Barbie designer at Mattel, with the Trailblazer Honoree Award.

The Wonder Women Awards honors outstanding female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose exceptional accomplishments have made a profound impact on the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries.

“It’s incredible to see Kim recognized as the Wonder Woman we all know she is!” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “Her exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and steadfast commitment are what help make The Toy Association’s market events, including the LA Fall Preview and Toy Fair, globally renowned. Congratulation to Kim and all the honorees of the Wonder Women Awards!”

The Wonder Women Awards’ Unsung Hero category recognizes a talented professional who consistently goes above and beyond to make magic happen in various essential areas, such as operations and logistics. This award celebrates those whose countless contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the success of their company. Carcone's nomination in this category is a testament to her strategic vision and tireless efforts in managing The Toy Association’s global market events, including Toy Fair® and LA Fall Preview. Her leadership has set new industry standards, especially during a time when business needs are evolving.

The full list of 2024 Wonder Women Award winners are:

  • Advocate for Change: Lissa Alberto-Calma, The LEGO Group
  • Brand Excellence: Hasbro’s Furby Development Team - Angie Northrup, David Laskowski, Holly Myhre, Joe LaPlante, Justin Pringle, Kevan MacIver, Kristin McKay, Melissa Jones, Robin Matusik, Shaun Cormier, Vivian Lee Kim
  • Brand Franchise: Aimee London, Mattel
  • Commercial Sales: Jazwares' Commercial Sales Team, led by Elizabeth Kong and Kelly Bloom – Adam Hackney, Brent Reid, Connor Hinckley, and Katy Peck
  • Designer/Inventor - Corporate: Claudia D. Sandoval, Melissa & Doug
  • Designer/Inventor - Small Business: Gayle Keller, Theodora S.T.E.A.M. Girls, LLC
  • Digital Innovator: Sarah Braun, Amazon
  • Digital Storyteller: Amanda Cioletti, Informa Markets
  • Inbound Licensing: Alison Carroll, Mattel
  • Licensing Agent: Michelle McLaughlin, Brand Activation Consulting
  • Marketing: Lucy Bullock, Moose Toys
  • Mentor of the Year: Belinda Gruebner, Moose Toys
  • PR Excellence: Crystal Flynn, Hasbro, Inc. and Molly Quiring, Universal Products & Experiences
  • Rising Leader < 500 Employees: Michelle Weber, Toy’n Around and Jenny Lorton, Toysmith
  • Rising Leader > 500 Employees: Becca Griffin, Hasbro, Inc. and Sasha Bash, Amazon
  • Small Business Owner of the Year: Anita Grant, Hello Hair
  • Sustainability Excellence: Emilie Stinson Nosovic, The LEGO Group
  • Unsung Hero < 500 Employees: Kimberly Carcone, The Toy Association and Allie Wachter, Just Play
  • Unsung Hero > 500 Employees: Susan Abraham, Spin Master and Josephine Rotolo, Paramount Global

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Wonder Women Everywhere,” paid tribute to the trailblazing women who not only inspire and lead throughout the industry, but also uplift the talent and contributions of those around them. In total, 137 women were nominated from companies like Amazon, Mattel, The LEGO Group, Moose Toys, Jazwares, EXG Pro, and more, for categories ranging from Digital Innovator and Advocate for Change to Rising Leader and PR Excellence.

WiT also presented six $5,000 scholarships to students who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence in their chosen fields of business, design, engineering, and entrepreneurial studies. Presented by Kathi Vidal, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, these six scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants.

Visit womenintoys.com for more information.