What began as a college senior project has evolved into a collaboration with Sesame Workshop. In celebration of National Autism Acceptance Month, Glo Pals is introducing two new characters. Julia, a Sesame Street Muppet with autism, and Elmo, everyone’s favorite furry red monster will be joining the collection.
Hagan Walker and Anna Barker were budding entrepreneurs in Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach when they created colorful cubes that, when dropped in liquid, light up in bright colors.
After receiving feedback from a mom who used the cubes to create a calm environment for her autistic child. Since then the cube technology has been repurposed into Glo Pals which inspire imaginative learning and sensory play.
“The idea that we could base our business on helping brighten the lives of young families, including those affected by autism, is inspirational to us,” said Barker, Glo’s vice president of business development. “We want to do more than just build a successful company — we want to help make our community and our world a better place.”
As part of Glo’s initiative to improve their communities, they contribute a portion of their profits to the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, a part of Children’s of Mississippi in Jackson, Miss.
“Sesame Workshop is committed to supporting autistic children and their families,” said Gabriela Arenas, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America. “Each year, we add more research-based content and resources to the See Amazing initiative. This year, we’re proud to work with Glo, an inspiring young company whose mission to make a difference aligns with our long history of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder through engaging activities and so much more.”
