Hasbro, Jazwares, Paramount and Target to Headline The Toy Foundation’s DEI Program in Dallas

DEI program to take place on September 21 during The Toy Association’s Preview & Holiday Market this September

June 21, 2022 | The Toy Foundation (TTF) is delighted to announce Hasbro, Jazwares, Paramount, and Target will headline a brand new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program for students, young professionals and the toy industry on September 21 during The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market in Dallas. The full day of programming is available for all trade show attendees to join and participate.

“The Toy Foundation and its Board are excited to offer insights and knowledge to the play community and those just starting their careers to help drive the change in bringing more diversity into our industry,” said Nikhil Nayar, Senior Vice President, Hardlines at Target and Chair of TTF’s DEI Committee. “We aim to instill a culture of inclusion in all facets of our work, from personnel to toy creation, content marketing, and the communities of all our customers.”

TTF’s Preview & Holiday Market DEI program is in partnership with the University of North Texas (UNT) at Dallas, which serves a diverse student population to help expand their worldview, positively impact the local community, learn leadership skills, and more. Its talented students will engage in the full day of activities to explore the power of play and the opportunities to join and make a difference within the industry.

The program is also supported by The Toy Association, which serves a diverse network of students and young professionals within the toy community through its Student Congress program and Young Professionals Network. While all Preview & Holiday Market attendees are invited to learn from the DEI program in Dallas, it is specifically tailored to students and professionals beginning their toy industry careers.

“All of us at Jazwares are proud to be a leader in The Toy Foundation’s DEI program in Dallas and foster an environment that brings more diversity into the industry,” said Michael Rinzler, Executive Vice President & Partner at Jazwares, and Chair of TTF’s Development and Fundraising Committee. “Jazwares Cares, our philanthropic arm, is passionate about working with students and young professionals to support education and development through play.”

In addition to its role in Dallas, Jazwares is the launch sponsor of TTF’s overall DEI initiatives. This summer, Jazwares is hosting an internship program for 20 students with the support of TTF’s partner, Life & Career Coaching, to offer the students an additional mentor to guide their transition into the professional workforce.

“We look forward to offering the industry and young professionals a hallmark event with Hasbro, Jazwares, Paramount and Target to cultivate a trusted environment to listen, share, and grow as individuals and companies,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director for The Toy Foundation. “Following, we look forward to building upon our Preview & Holiday Market programming with yearlong activities for the industry to join.”

More details about the TTF’s DEI program at the Preview & Holiday Market will be announced in the coming weeks. To get involved, contact to TTF’s Director of Development John Fistolera.

To learn about The Toy Foundation’s, visit ToyFoundation.org.