This is the first time an elected official has received a Webby Award in this category.

LANSING, MI – On May 13 Night, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was honored at the 2024 Webby Awards as the winner of the Public Service & Activism award for the “Governor Barbie” digital campaign. This award celebrates a social media campaign with an outstanding focus on civic participation and creating social change. 

“Governor Barbie and I are honored to have won this year’s Webby for Public Service & Activism on social media,” said Governor Whitmer. “Governor Barbie was introduced so that every child can see a future in public service. For decades, Barbie has been a reminder to children that they can pursue any dream they want to, no matter who they are, what they look like, or what they wear. This award represents everyone who was inspired by Governor Barbie to work together towards a dream world.”

The Webby Awards

Each year, the Webby Awards honors “the best of the Internet,” highlighting people who have used social media to promote positive change and connection across divides. The “Governor Barbie” campaign combines the seriousness of political participation with a playful, popular icon to make politics more accessible. It also empowers young leaders to show up as they are by highlighting how power and authenticity go hand in hand. 

Barbie has had hundreds of jobs but wasn’t a governor until now! Governor Barbie was created to remind everyone that they can be anything they want to be—and they can do it in their own style.

Last summer, Governor Barbie spent the day in Lansing, where she signed off on the bipartisan education budget, delivering the highest ever per-pupil funding, free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students, important investments in literacy, and much more. She traveled through Michigan in her pink electric vehicle to highlight the advancements Michigan has made in developing electric vehicle technology and the rebuilding of over 2,750 miles of road in 2023. Governor Barbie wants every child to know that they can make it in Michigan.

Governor Whitmer and her team were honored at the 2024 Webby Awards on May 13.