
DEI | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Recorded On: 09/23/2020
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We acknowledge that this DEI space is not reflective of where we currently are as an organization or an industry. It is, however, reflective of where we need to be in order to accomplish our vision of changing the world through the power of play.
While we are making strides as an industry to promote representation, this is a continuous effort. Being committed to DEI means that ASTRA will constantly assess our organizational values and model our responsibility to do better as an industry.
Connect with this page to keep updated on new conversations, downloads, webinars and resources to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion.
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ASTRA staff strive to apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusiveness (DEI) throughout everything we do.
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Never doubt that a
small group of
thoughtful committed
citizens can
change the world;
Indeed it's the only
thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead

Azhelle Wade
info@thetoycoach.com
Throughout my 10 year career in toys, I've married my natural design abilities and entrepreneurial fascination to become an innovator and creative leader. My friends know me as a woman working in the world of toys and fashion, who always has a new business venture or marketing concept. I’ve invented 3 patented toys, established efficient global development processes, as well as directed the re-branding of multi-million dollar product lines.
After surviving a cancer scare, I decided time waits for no woman and invented the 100 Ways To Wear, Convertible Snap Dress by Costumize Me LLC. A few times a year, you can find me at salsa dance festivals across the globe, building a sense of awareness and community around the convertible event wear brand. I'm currently in the process of flipping that business from B2C to B2B. Check out costumizeme.com for more!
President of thetoycoach.com, an online resource targeted to shed light on the toy industry for innovators and entrepreneurs with a passion for toy and game products. My podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry, supports the site with QA sessions, interviews, and creative tips.
Listen to my podcast, Making It in The Toy Industry here > www.makingitinthetoyindustry.c...

Jessica Pettitt, CSP
jess@goodenoughnow.com
Jessica Pettitt, M.Ed., CSP, pulls together her stand up comedy years with 15+ years of diversity trainings in a wide range of organizations to serve groups to move from abstract fears to actionable habits that lead teams to want to work together. With a sense of belonging and understanding, colleagues take more risks with their ideation, converse precious resources through collaboration, and maintain real connections with clients over time.

Mikaela Wingard-Phillips
Operations Manager
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelawp/
info@mathnificent.com
A 36-year old Seattle native who's lived in 3 countries and speaks English, French, German, and a little Spanish, Mikaela (she/her(s)) is passionate about play, education, social justice, womxn's sports, representation, and creating more space for those who feel they have to shrink or diminish themselves in order to survive in this world. Mikaela grew up in retail doing odd jobs for her mother Gini's store, Math 'n' Stuff. Fast forward 20 years -- after a few curves in the road to teaching, Mikaela found a home in educational/play retail at her mother's store and has invested in growing the business and expanding the product selection to be more inclusive to all folks who might happen through the door. Creating space where a person has a chance to feel seen, heard, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are is a transforming experience; I've seen it first hand.
In Mikaela's free-time (HA, what free time?), she enjoys Ultimate frisbee, movies, games, building LEGO, playing with her 5 nibblets (gender-neutral term for her siblings' kiddos), going on walks with her wife, Amanda, and eating and drinking the best food and drink Seattle and the world have to offer.
Next adventure: returning to Europe with Amanda (post-COVID, of course) and traveling together to visit the cities we each lived in.
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