Meet the Disney Technologists Speaking at the 2025 Grace Hopper Celebration
This November, The Walt Disney Company will once again be attending the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing – the largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists in the world. We’re thrilled that 22 technologists from across Disney were selected as speakers for the event, which is taking place in Chicago this year. We caught up with a few of them ahead of the conference, and they’re sharing what it’s like to work in tech at Disney, their excitement about attending the event and advice for attendees and aspiring technologists.
Tiffeny, Software Engineer II
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“Getting to represent Disney at the Grace Hopper Celebration is a huge honor, and honestly surreal! It feels like a very full-circle moment, because I was actually hired by Disney through Grace Hopper. To go from a virtual attendee to a speaker on stage is an amazing feeling, and I'm so excited to share my journey and the cool technical problems we get to tackle at Disney.”
Amy, Sr. Software Engineer, Machine Learning
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“Working in tech at Disney is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. It’s a huge, diverse media and streaming company, and we work on problems that no one else has solved before, from large-scale streaming to live sports events on ESPN. The scale, variety and impact make every day exciting and unique.”
Emma, Software Engineer II
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“My advice for aspiring technologists attending the Grace Hopper Celebration is to always stay positive and know that there's a place for you in the tech industry. Additionally, make the most of the event as an opportunity to reach out and form valuable connections.”
Stephanie, Associate Software Engineer
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“Every line of code we write helps bring a bit of Disney magic to millions of people around the world. And the scale is incredible! We’re solving complex engineering challenges at a truly global level, but what makes it even more meaningful is the collaboration. You’re surrounded by passionate, creative people who care deeply about the details and the impact of what we build.”
Gauri, Lead Software Engineer
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“When I joined the company, I was instantly filled with a sense of pride to be part of a place that quite literally creates magic. But it’s truly the people who work here that make the experience so special. I love that there’s a reservoir of unique individuals you can connect with at any time—and you are encouraged to do so.”
Ifteda, Sr. Software Engineer
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“At Disney, I have the unique opportunity to deliver the end product we all know to be magic. We are at the confluence of innovation and storytelling. Every line of code, every system design and every launch is in service of someone’s special moment. Technology here isn’t just about efficiency or scale. It’s about sharing life-affirming stories that enable empathy and connection on a global stage.”
Stephanie, Sr. Product Manager II
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“My favorite part of my role is finding clarity in complexity. I love turning raw data into stories that help our partners make smarter decisions about their campaigns. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with engineers, analysts and product partners who share the same curiosity and commitment to quality — and to see how our work directly enables better insights for our business and our advertisers.”
Biz, Manager, Software Engineering
Disney Experiences Technology
“Grace Hopper Celebration is such a special week – a time to connect, learn and grow. As the week progresses, take a moment here and there to jot down what you’ll do once this week is over. One of the best things you can do to set your future self up for success is calling out how you’ll act on the new learnings and connections.”
April, Associate Software Engineer
Disney Experiences Technology
“Representing Disney at the Grace Hopper Celebration is an incredible honor. My Disney journey began in high school at the Disney Dreamers Academy where I first met my mentor, a female leader in technology at the company. Because I saw myself represented in this space, I knew it was possible to become a software engineer at Disney. Since then, it has been my goal to also serve as that representation for others.”
Mitali, Lead Software Engineer
Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology
“One of my favorite aspects of my role is mentoring and supporting the growth of software engineers. Helping talented individuals develop their skills is incredibly rewarding and inspiring. I especially enjoy the collaborative environment at Disney, where product and platform engineers work together, often facing challenges like balancing speed versus quality and navigating legacy code.”
Shakira, VP, Cyber Security Assurance & Compliance
Disney Enterprise Technology
“One of my favorite parts of this role is the sheer variety. No two days are ever the same. The dynamic nature of working in cybersecurity at Disney means constantly facing new challenges, whether it's protecting our digital platforms, supporting new creative technologies or responding to emerging threats across our diverse businesses.”
Joy, VP, Enterprise Programs & Strategy
Disney Enterprise Technology
“My favorite part of my role is being deeply connected to the heartbeat of the business; listening, understanding and translating needs into solutions that truly enable impact. In today’s environment, where every organization is striving for greater efficiency and smarter service delivery, technology isn’t just a support function; it’s the strategy.”
Dana, Director, Core Systems & Platforms
Disney Enterprise Technology
“My advice to aspiring technologist is to use every experience as a learning experience, adding to your toolbox of knowledge and skills. Be open to new opportunities, challenge yourself and fall back on your toolbox. Set your sights on where you want to go and remember that your path may not look traditional. Keep going, you will get there.”
Haiben, Sr Staff Security Specialist
Disney Enterprise Technology
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Disney at the Grace Hopper Celebration. The event is a powerful gathering of women in technology, and being part of it allows me to share Disney’s commitment to inclusion, innovation and empowering technologists from all backgrounds.”
Farah, Manager, Product Management
Disney Studio Technology
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Disney at the Grace Hopper Celebration. The event is a powerful gathering of women in technology, and being part of it allows me to share Disney’s commitment to inclusion, innovation and empowering technologists from all backgrounds.”
Will you be at the 2025 Grace Hopper Celebration? Be sure to stop by our technologist’s speaking sessions for interesting and exciting presentations highlighting their experiences working in technology at Disney. We can’t wait to see you there!
Feeling inspired and ready to start your tech career at Disney? Visit DisneyTech.com to explore open roles and apply.
