Project snapshot
The toy industry generated $122.90 billion in 2022 but remains predominantly white-centric, limiting cultural diversity. To address this, I launched the Toy Creators Academy, a one-year coaching and education program culminating in two in-person pitch events: New York Now at the Javits Center and America’s largest specialty toy show. This initiative, funded by the grant, showcases student products to retailers. This project fosters an inclusive toy industry that reflects our diverse community and enriches children’s cultural experiences. We engage the NYC community through local toy stores, trade shows, social media, and our podcast, “Making It In The Toy Industry.” Sustainability is key; post-grant, we?ll continue promoting diverse narratives and talents through ongoing industry efforts and our podcast, ensuring lasting impact.
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