HBCU pride and enjoying the tropical tides
From days on the Disney College Program to leading a tropical team in food and beverage, Makyla has grown her Disney career throughout the years.
Currently, a Guest Experience Manager in food and beverage at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Makyla shared that her path to Disney started with her HBCU. A proud alumna of “THE” Hampton University, she spent her collegiate years filled with pride and fueling her passions. “At Hampton [University], I was able to learn professionalism and how to think outside of the norm when it comes to, not only running, but excelling in a business,” she shared.
During her time in school, she decided to start her Disney journey and join the second Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard. Throughout her program she focused on engaging with her peers and leaders to take advantage of the opportunity before her. Connecting with so many different people around the company helped Makyla embrace all the different possibilities a career at Disney has. Through mentorship, she was able to actively work with a cast member she respected and looked up to. Makyla shared this about her mentor, “I told her my goals and she gave me the necessary tools. All it took was for me to use them!”
Now, Makyla is taking what she learned from her early career and leading a new generation of cast members. She always starts her day as a Guest Experience Manager connecting with her cast and preparing them for the day. Whether that be from the Disney’s Polynesian Resort’s pool bars to the yummy treats at Pineapple Lanai to the delicious libations at Trader Sam’s, Makyla is there to support her team.
“HBCU students are a force to be reckoned with.”
Makyla thanks her HBCU (Historically Black College and University) education for the success of her growth and leadership skills, “Hampton [University] taught me how to network and advocate for myself and others. Being able to learn and lead alongside so many different individuals has aided me being a leader of a variety of cast members from all different backgrounds.” Coming from an HBCU fills her with immense pride and she encourages other students to join the Disney family. She knows that HBCU students and alumni carry strong stories within them, and at a company like Disney, storytelling is engrained in everything we do.
One of her favorite memories with her team is being a part of the opening ceremony for the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
“Being in the team picture that will forever be a part of the history of this company was a true accomplishment.”
She does not take her role lightly and knows that many of her cast are now in her shoes when she was just starting with Disney. Makyla understands the importance of growing her leadership skills to bring her team success every day. “My favorite part of being a leader is having my cast look to me for advice on how they can be where I am or better. I’ve had cast sit down with me for help in developing their career. They give me confidence to know I am doing what I’m meant to be doing.”
For anyone looking to start their Disney career, Makyla shared, “Always advocate for yourself! Don’t wait for someone to come to you with an opportunity. You are your own biggest cheerleader; you obtain and gain what you proclaim!”
To learn more about opportunities within Disney on the Yard, including the HBCU Cohort, please visit www.DisneyOnTheYard.com.
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