Since 1986, American Girl® has been teaching girls about the world around them, encouraging imaginations, promoting community involvement , and inspiring them to become leaders. Now, they’re embracing their role as change agents and shining a light on important social issues. They just launched three new contemporary characters in their World By Us™ collection — Makena, Maritza, and Evette — who are all tackling issues affecting the world around us.
With dolls, books, outfits, and more, the World By Us™ collection teaches girls that they can create the kind of world they want to live in. Makena, Maritza, and Evette serve as contemporary, culturally relevant characters who encourage girls to make a difference and celebrate what makes them unique.
Learn more about each of the incredible new characters:
Makena Williams™
Makena is a 13-year-old who is passionate about fashion, art, and social media. Every day, she uses her platform to show how fashion can make a statement. Makena’s big family supports her and encourages her to be herself and use her voice. When Makena experiences racial injustice in her neighborhood, she uses her passions to speak about equality and the beauty of cultural diversity.
Maritza Ochoa™
Maritza, who is Bolivian on her mom’s side and Mexican on her dad’s side, loves celebrating her Latin heritage. Maritza is incredibly athletic and dreams of being on the US Women’s National Soccer Team — and eventually becoming the first Latina coach. When Maritza finds out that her friend’s uncle, who is undocumented but working toward citizenship, has been detained by immigration, Maritza throws herself into the fight for immigrant rights. She knows that families are stronger when they stay together and that our communities are stronger when they are more diverse.
Evette Peeters™
Evette is obsessed with sustainability — from wearing upcycled clothes, to reusing old items to make crafts, or cleaning up the parks in her neighborhood. Evette is biracial, with a Black mom and a White dad. Her grandmothers have never gotten along, but when Evette finds out that the reason for the rift is racially-based, she goes on a mission to mend their relationship by cleaning up a local river. Evette learns that her passion for taking care of the environment directly ties to her interest in healing her family’s racial divides.
