Mattel’s Computer Engineer Barbie was a lost opportunity. In 1984, 37 percent of computer science graduates in this country were women. Twenty years later, that percentage has dropped to 18 percent.

But for Barbie being a computer engineer, I wanted to see her doing the programming—with Steven and Brian (as the designer) working alongside her. Also, it’s OK for Barbie to be feminine and ...

Barbie, the favorite of little girls everywhere, has been a teenage fashion model, concert pianist, astronaut and even a Miss America. A computer geek was the one missing career in the 124 that ...