Pink in power: Governor, women leaders discuss empowerment at 'Barbie' showing

This Barbie is the governor of New Mexico.

Donning a hot pink suit and rainbow heels, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined women leaders from around the state — Teacher of the Year Tara Hughes, PNM Resources CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn and Kamia Begay, the 15-year old owner of Nizhóní Soaps — at a Thursday panel and “Barbie” movie showing at Regal Winrock theaters.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland made a surprise appearance after the panel as the governor and attendees danced to Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

Lujan Grisham admitted that 20 years ago, she might not have been “pinked up” and proud of it.

“I would have told you 20 years ago, that was not strong messaging for women,” the state’s chief executive said. “And it really does indicate how far we’ve come.”

The women discussed how representation for young women in film and media had changed over the past years. Lujan Grisham brought three Barbies — one, from her childhood, in a tiara and tutu. The other two, purchased more recently, were debating for the presidency.

Several speakers highlighted the importance of empowering young women.

Hughes, who wore a spacesuit in a tribute to Astronaut Barbie, teaches preschool students. She said she tries to encourage all her students to explore STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Kamia’s mother, Rhianna Brown, said she encouraged Kamia, who grew up loving Barbie, to pursue the many careers, including firefighter, police officer and teacher, she was interested in. Kamia ultimately settled on being a business owner in 2019 when she started making soaps in her kitchen and founded Nizhóní Soaps.

The women also discussed the pitfalls for women in business, politics and media. Lujan Grisham and KOB-TV newscaster Tessa Mentus, who moderated the event, spoke about their experiences having their appearance, weight and clothes criticized as women in the public eye.

“As long as sexism and gender inequality exists, none of these battles are won,” Lujan Grisham said. “... Now, we need the attitudes to shift with the images.”