Mattel celebrates Dr. Opal Lee as part of the Inspiring Women collection because her tireless advocacy exemplifies the courage, resilience, and vision that inspire future generations. Her decades-long commitment to recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday showed the power of persistence and community leadership in driving social change. Designed by Carlyle Nuera, Barbie honors Dr. Lee. Mattel recognizes the importance of amplifying voices that have shaped American history and continues to encourage progress toward equality and justice for all. In 2021, President Biden signed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, and in 2024, the activist received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dr. Opal joins a list of women honored in the Barbie Inspiring Women series, including singers Celia Cruz and Ella Fitzgerald, astronauts Sally Ride and Ellen Ochoa, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis champions Venus Williams and Billie Jean King, and other athletes such as Sue Bird. In fashion, the collection is represented by Anna Sui. Dolls in other categories include Wilma Mankiller, Bessie Coleman, Madam C.J Walker,  Dr. Jane Goodall,  Ida B Wells, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Maria Tallchief, Anna May Wong, Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, and Frida Kahlo.