Debbie Sterling, a native of Los Angeles, California, was born on February 26, 1983. From a young age, she displayed a strong passion for creativity and problem-solving. Her grandmother, Sterling Sturtevant, an Academy Award-winning art director, inspired her with stories of her own success in a male-dominated industry.
Sterling graduated from Stanford University in 2005 with a degree in engineering. During her time at Stanford, she became acutely aware of the lack of female representation in the field. This realization would later drive her to create GoldieBlox, a company dedicated to empowering young girls to explore the world of engineering and design.
After facing rejection from traditional toy companies who doubted the market for engineering toys for girls, Sterling turned to crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to launch GoldieBlox. Her innovative approach was met with overwhelming support, as she raised nearly $300,000 to bring her vision to life.
GoldieBlox quickly gained traction, earning Sterling recognition as a trailblazer in the industry. She was named TIME's Person of the Moment and was featured on Business Insider's list of 30 Women Who Are Changing the World. With over 20,000 followers on the company's Instagram account, Sterling continues to inspire young girls to pursue their interests in STEM fields.
When she's not leading GoldieBlox to new heights, Sterling enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her hometown of Los Angeles. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive and diverse world for future generations is evident in both her personal and professional life.
Debbie Sterling's journey from Stanford graduate to pioneering business executive serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Through GoldieBlox, she has sparked a movement to break down gender stereotypes and empower young girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
Her success on Kickstarter and subsequent accolades are a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. As she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators, Sterling's legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the fields of engineering and beyond.