McKenna Pope: Want to be an activist? Start with your toys

Want to be an activist? Start with your toys

McKenna Pope's younger brother loved to cook, but he worried about using an Easy-Bake Oven -- because it was a toy for girls. So at age 13, Pope started an online petition for the American toy company Hasbro to change the pink-and-purple color scheme on the classic toy and incorporate boys into its TV marketing. In a heartening talk, Pope makes the case for gender-neutral toys and gives a rousing call to action to all kids who feel powerless.

A young activist inspired a major toy company to make its iconic Easy-Bake Oven more inclusive after her four-year-old brother felt excluded by its pink, girl-focused marketing. In just three weeks, her online petition gathered over 46,000 signatures and led to the launch of a gender-neutral version. Despite facing harsh criticism, she discovered that even kids can make their voices matter. Her story highlights the power of speaking up and rallying others through digital platforms.