By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.
Serena Williams is already a Grand Slam tennis champion.
Next month, the 23-time major champion will become a major toy icon.
Former world No. 1 Serena Williams will receive the inaugural Barbie Dream Fest Icon Award at the first ever Barbie Dream Fest, taking place March 27–29, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The Barbie Dream Fest Icon Award honors leaders, creators, and changemakers who embody the spirit of possibility.
Inspired by the Barbie brand’s legacy of empowering girls to unlock their limitless potential, “this prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who break barriers, redefine expectations, and inspire others to dream without limits. Icon Award recipients represent the heart of Dream Fest: empowerment, authenticity, and the fearless courage to lead the way,” Mattel announced.
“Barbie has always stood for dreaming without limits,” Serena Williams said. “She shows girls everywhere they can be athletes, leaders, creators – anything they imagine.
“I’m so excited to be part of the first-ever Barbie Dream Fest, where it’s all about celebrating the legacy of Barbie and inspiring the next generation to believe they can be anything.”
As this year’s honoree, Serena Williams will appear in an exclusive live conversation for convention guests and participate in a limited photo opportunity made available to select pass holders.
In addition to Serena Williams, the brand announced “Barbie Dream Fest will welcome an extraordinary lineup of inspiring role models spanning sports, science, fashion, and storytelling who will be featured on panels and interactive programs, as well as autograph, photo op, and meet and greet opportunities with fans:”
- Angel Reese – WNBA star, NCAA champion, host of the popular Unapologetically Angel podcast, and cultural icon defining a new era of athletic excellence and confidence.
- Dr. Swati Mohan – Aerospace engineer and NASA Mission Operations lead for the Perseverance Rover landing on Mars.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad – Olympic medalist, entrepreneur, and barrier-breaking fencer who inspired the first hijabi Barbie.
- Madison Marilla – Digital creator, autism advocate, “Love on the Spectrum” cast member, and voice of a new generation celebrating self-expression, creativity, and confidence.
- Emily Calandrelli – Emmy-nominated science communicator, New York Times Bestselling author, and host of Xploration Outer Space and Emily’s Wonder Lab, inspiring kids everywhere to embrace STEM.
- Robin Gerber – Bestselling author, historian, and expert on female leadership, known for Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her.
- Chef Becky Brown: Master Chef finalist, Chopped Champion, and the Executive Chef behind the Malibu Barbie Cafe
Tickets for Barbie Dream Fest are on sale now at BarbieDreamFest.com.
Serena Williams’ Barbie Dream Fest Icon Award comes about seventh months after older sister Venus Williams was honored with her own Barbie Doll.
The doll depicts Venus wearing all-white apparel in tribute to her five Wimbledon championships and the fact she was a crucial voice in Wimbledon paying women equal prize money to men.
The Venus doll is part of the Barbie Doll’s “Inspiring Women” collection and hit major retailers last August 15th.
