TIA's Joan Lawrence Honored by Women In Toys (WIT) at Annual NYC Gala
February 15, 2016 | Joan Lawrence, known as the “Toy Safety Mom” and the Toy Industry Association's (TIA) SVP, Standards and Regulatory Affairs was honored February 14 at the 12th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala. Lawrence received the Social Responsibility award at the event, which was presented by Women In Toys (WIT) at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.
The gala hosted an audience of more than 500 toy, licensing and entertainment executives. Awards were given to 12 distinguished winners from more than 50 international nominees.
In her acceptance speech, Lawrence said it was especially gratifying to be recognized for doing a job she loves. She added that “toy safety is a cause that continues to be important to me beyond my role as a mother of three.”
"Joan has dedicated her career to toy safety and this award is richly-deserved recognition," said Steve Pasierb, TIA president and CEO. "Joan has worked collaboratively around the globe to advance safety standards while also touching the lives of millions of parents and children with her keen ability to communicate helpful information about safe toys and play."
Lawrence joined TIA in 1992 and chairs the ASTM subcommittee on Toy Safety, which is responsible for the continuing development of toy safety standard ASTM F963. She leads the Association's efforts to encourage harmonized safety standards and has served as a board member and president of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO). As TIA's primary spokesperson on toy safety, her advice on toy safety and standards appear regularly on websites and in articles and broadcast segments around the globe and her toy safety shopping tips and “how to” videos are featured elements of PlaySafe.org.
Click here for a link to the full list of Wonder Women Award winners.