Lioness Leah Williamson tops new list of role models for kids

Today marks the launch of Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine – a new role model led initiative created by Disney Princess and The Female Lead. Fronted by Lioness Captain, Leah Williamson, the campaign aims to inspire and grow the confidence of young children as they prepare to begin a new chapter – starting school – and the early years that follow.

New research suggests 72 per cent of young children are worried about this significant life event, with over half (51 per cent) of parents also sharing this anxiety.

The nationwide research commissioned by Disney, surveyed over 1,000 parents, carers and guardians and revealed that three quarters (74 per cent) are looking for tips to help build their children’s confidence, and 65 per cent are seeking role models for their kids – whether other young people, female leaders or Disney Princesses.

Top ten role models for kids as revealed in the research:
Leah Williamson
Beth Mead
Emma Watson
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
Lucy Bronze
Emma Raducanu
Laura Kenny
Sky Brown
Alex Scott
Ariana Grande

Together Disney Princess and global educational charity, The Female Lead, have created a series of rousing pep talk videos and self-affirmation mantras on Disney Junior YouTube and @DisneyFamilyUK featuring the stories of Disney’s trusted Princess characters. In September, the initiative will see new Disney Princess inspired educational resources launch in schools across the UK.

Supporting the charge is Lioness Captain, Leah Williamson, who recently captained England to Euros 2022 victory and made history in the process by becoming the first English football team, male or female, to win the European Championships. Leah was also named one of kids’ most inspirational role models by parents.

The Female Lead’s newest recruit, Leah Williamson, said: “Early years at school are exciting. I remember it as a time where I really started to recognise my love for football and how much I loved to play. Having the confidence to pursue endeavours are at the heart of all Disney Princess stories – so what better way to inspire children than through practising self-belief and perseverance, they can be anything they want to be!”

The Princess Pep Talks available on Disney Junior YouTube showcase stories featuring inspiring qualities like Tiana’s perseverance and Rapunzel’s bravery told by real life young role models YouTubers, authors and kid-trepreneurs Kirsten (14) and Aiyven (13) Mbawa from Northampton.

Recognised by The Female Lead as pioneers, Kirsten and Aiyven have both been inaugurated as the first official Young Female Leaders for the charity. The sisters shot to fame as published novelists, and now run Happier Every Chapter, a monthly book subscription service they crowdfunded on Kickstarter to promote literacy and diversity for children.

The Pep Talks see the sisters share stories themed around Disney Princess mantras, such as Elsa’s ‘My potential is limitless’, and cover the themes of adventure, confidence and self-potential to prepare 3–6-year-old children, as they begin their early school years.

Edwina Dunn, Founder of The Female Lead, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Leah, Kirsten and Aiyven into our cohort of inspiring women. Teaming up with Disney Princess has allowed us to extend our efforts to lift others up in the pre-school and early years space – and we cannot wait to see the response.”

At retail, parents can find an array of Disney Princess products available to help support children’s imagination and play. From LEGO builds, dolls and dress-up, 74 per cent of parents, guardians and carers are already using toys and play to build their children’s confidence and support important play patterns.

Sarah Fox, VP Marketing and Communications, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA, said: “We know that starting school can be an emotional time for both parents and children. We hope Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine and its incredible line-up of female role models inspire kids to find the confidence they possess as they start a new chapter of their very own story – just like Disney Princesses.”