Ruth Handler

Ruth Handler was an American businesswoman and inventor, best known as the co-founder of Mattel, Inc. and the creator of the Barbie doll. She was born on November 4, 1916, in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in a family of Jewish immigrants. Handler began her career in the toy industry as an executive at her husband's company, and later co-founded Mattel with her husband Elliot Handler. The company's first success was the Barbie doll, which was launched in 1959. Handler was also a pioneer for women in business and was a vocal advocate for women's rights. She passed away on April 27, 2002, at the age of 85.