Disney on the Yard Stories
Learn More about Disney on the Yard through our blog posts highlighting employee stories, events, student and recent graduate opportunities and more!
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Disney Programs Reps: HBCU Roll Call!
We’re hitting the road and coming to you! If you haven’t heard, applications for the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort are officially open and you don’t want to miss your…
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Bringing Passion Through Storytelling: Meet Staff Writer, Zaire!
Creating stories for all audiences to enjoy has been a dream come true for this Delaware State University alum. Meet Zaire, a Staff Writer on Disney Channel’s “The Proud Family:…
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight Ryan, Manager of Advertising and Media
Ryan is a Manager of Advertising and Media here at The Walt Disney Company. Ryan is a proud Hampton University Pirate who majored in Strategic Communications at the Scripps Howards…
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight on Maya, Production Assistant at ESPN
Maya is a Production Assistant with ESPN+ Originals through the ESPN Next program. She is a proud Howard University alumna and during her tenure studied broadcast journalism at The Cathy…
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Rising to the Innovation Challenge – Disney on the Yard’s HBCU Student Competition
Keep reading if you… Have dreams of making an impact at a top company, starting your own business, or driving change within an entire industry. Are often the one who…
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Bringing Hollywood Magic to HBCU in LA, Disney Style
At Disney, we want all youth to have access to rewarding opportunities in our industries. Through the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, we are empowering the next generation of storytellers and…
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan, Product Integration Manager
Meet Jonathan-a three-time graduate of Florida A&M University, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Product Integration Manager at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Attending an HBCU prepared Jonathan…
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Participant spotlight: Cleo, thriving and gaining independence on her Disney College Program
Cleo, a current participant of the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard, came from North Carolina to represent her Historically Black College and University (HBCU),…
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It’s Official: The Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard is Back!
Contributed by: Jaylen H., Communications Intern | HBCU student from Lane College While there have been several “pinch me” moments throughout my Disney Professional Internship, welcoming back the Disney College…
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HBCU Spotlight: Chloe, Disney College Program HBCU Cohort participant
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to arrive at a place and instantly know you belong? What about helping others arrive to that place and have the…
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HBCU Spotlight: Chloe, Disney College Program HBCU Cohort participant
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to arrive at a place and instantly know you belong? What about helping others arrive to that place and have the…
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight on Terrika Foster-Brasby, Reporter & Analyst at ESPN
Terrika Foster-Brasby is making an impact at The Walt Disney Company as a proud HBCU alum. Her time spent at Saint Augustine’s University and as a member of Sigma Gamma…
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Disney on the Yard, National Geographic Live and Disney Institute Inspire Exploration and Development at HBCUs Across the Country
Inclusion is at the heart of everything that we do at The Walt Disney Company. Through our storytelling, content, experiences, and products we strive to create a culture of belonging…
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight: Ebony, Human Resources Business Partner
Ebony, Human Resources Business Partner, is making a difference in the lives of corporate employees at The Walt Disney Company. Ebony’s undergraduate experience attending an HBCU continues to impact her…
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Disney on the Yard supports the Cricket Celebration Bowl
In December of 2022, Disney on the Yard headed to Atlanta, GA as a corporate partner of the Cricket Celebration Bowl! The Cricket Celebration Bowl is an annual nationally televised,…
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HBCU Spotlight: Christopher Allen, Filmmaker Services Manager, The Walt Disney Company
Meet Christopher, a filmmaker services manager with The Walt Disney Company. This role allows Chris to support the creation of shows and movies we love as they enter the post-production and editing phases. An alumnus of Morgan State University, Chris still carries and utilizes skills and lessons from his time at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Through Disney on the Yard, Chris has the opportunity to impact and serve others by aiding HBCU students achieve their career goals with Disney.
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight on Jianna Cousin, ABC News Digital News Associate
Jianna Cousin, ABC News Digital News Associate at Disney General Entertainment, is a proud HBCU alum! While attending Clark Atlanta University, Jianna became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and studied Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Journalism. Learn more about how attending an HBCU prepared her for success at Disney!
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HBCU Spotlight: Ida Muldrow, Costume Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Disney is a place of storytelling and where our favorite stories come to life! When you visit a Disney theme park or resort, the costumes, or uniforms, that cast members wear are an extension of the immersive stories and experiences we create for our guests. For Ida, Costume Designer with Disney Live Entertainment, an exciting opportunity to tell a new story through costume came last year allowing her to revisit a lived experience to create an authentic outcome.
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HBCU Spotlight: Tai McEachin, Proprietor, Entertainment – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Tai’s Disney career is rooted in childhood memories of visiting the parks with her family. From two Disney Internships and a career spanning 15 at Walt Disney World® Resort, there was never a specific role in mind for Tai. Instead, her focus was on being the best version of herself in each role she held, and her desire to create the same happiness and memories for others that sparked her career. Today, Tai serves as the Entertainment Proprietor at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park leading atmosphere entertainment and operations that lead to exciting moments for guests and an inclusive workplace for her cast.
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HBCU Spotlight: Clint Clarke, Audio Designer Sr | Disney Live Entertainment
An essential part of every visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort is to end the night enjoying a firework spectacular. Last fall, EPCOT introduced a new firework show called, Harmonious, which features an enhanced audio experience with design contributions from Florida A&M University graduate, Clint Clarke.
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Episode 3: Disney Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Disney on the Yard and Business Employee Resource Groups
At Disney, inclusion is for everyone. We strive to design work environments that inspire optimism and drive innovation for all employees at all levels. And because we recognize that maintaining an inclusive, supportive workplace requires mindful attention and intention, we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our people. To discuss the opportunities available for our cast members, crew, Imagineers, and employees, as well as our external audience in the diversity, inclusion, and equity space, we are joined by Corey Savage, Senior Outreach & Engagement Manager, and LaJoy Mercer, Technical Recruiter as they share their experience and how they have seen this evolve while with The Walt Disney Company.
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HBCU Spotlight: James Smartt Jr., Content Production Undergraduate Associate
Meet James, a graduate of Morehouse College working as a Digital Content Production Intern with Disney’s Global Talent Acquisition Marketing. In this role, James supports the creation of content and visual aids attracting candidates to open roles across The Walt Disney Company. In addition to his internship responsibilities, James is excited to make a positive impact on those around him and give back to current HBCU students. Learn more about James and his contributions to Disney on the Yard and The Walt Disney Company.
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HBCU Spotlight on: Lauren Glover, Sr. Manager Learning & Development, Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lauren joined Lucasfilm in 2019, seeking new opportunities for growth. Now, as a Sr. Manager of Learning and Development, learn how she is providing new learning and growth opportunities for other employees.
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Disney on the Yard Supports the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge
Disney on the Yard is back on the road! Recently, the team headed to Atlanta, GA to help Alabama State University and Howard University kick off football season at the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge! The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge is an annual season kickoff event showcasing a team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the prominent conferences of HBCU athletics and NCAA Division I schools. And of course, Drum Major Mickey Mouse tagged along for the exciting, and jam-packed weekend.
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The Walt Disney Company Joins Propel Education Center in Support of the Next Generation of Diverse Storytellers and Innovators
Disney will co-create curriculum, provide mentors and place students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in internships to prepare them for future careers.
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HBCU Spotlight: Jordan Waddell, Merchandising Project Manager, Development, Optimization & Standards, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Jordan classifies himself as non-traditional. From his decision to attend North Carolina A&T to the beginning of his career at Walt Disney World. The North Carolina native is proof of Disney’s long-standing relationships with historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Lear how after attending a career fair for extra credit, the relationship between Jordan and his future employer was sealed.
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Disney on the Yard Kicks Off HBCU Summer College Program
This summer, Disney on the Yard launched its inaugural Disney on the Yard Summer College Program with participants representing 35 HBCUs. This program is a part of Disney’s beloved college program in which students gain on-the-job experience through uniquely Disney learning experiences and is also a testament to The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in action. Connected to this commitment, Disney also provides philanthropic support of HBCUs by funding scholarships and providing other direct grants.
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Spotlight on: Corey Savage, Sr. Outreach & Engagement Manager, The Walt Disney Company
Although he’s only been with The Walt Disney Company for less than a year, Corey Savage, senior Outreach & Engagement Manager, has logged countless miles, phone calls, and Zoom meetings connecting Disney with Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the nation. Learn more about his role in building community, establishing strong relationships, and sharing the great things happening at HBCUs and Disney.
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HBCU Spotlight: Karla Baker, Merchandise General Manager, Epcot
Karla is the General Manager of Merchandise at Epcot, who has a Disney career spanning 23 years, three theme parks, World of Disney leadership, co-leader and executive champion of WDW Pulse, and recently added Executive Champion of the Disney Programs Equity Council to her plate. Learn how inclusivity has always been woven into Karla’s career.
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HBCU Spotlight: Sherrell Wilson, Recruiter, Disney College and International Program
In his nearly 14 years with The Walt Disney Company, Grambling State University alumnus Sherrell Wilson has come full circle. He joined Disney as a College Program participant and now has the pleasure of recruiting students worldwide. Learn more about Sherrell, his love for Grambling, and his work leading the outreach and engagement workstream for Disney’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) task force.
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HBCU Spotlight: Destiny Enriquez, Global Talent Acquisition Marketing Coordinator
Meet Destiny Enriquez, a Professional Intern with the Global Talent Acquisition Marketing Team. Learn more about Destiny, her passion for her HBCU, and how her experience has come full circle.
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HBCU Spotlight: Camron Yarber, Director for the Office of the CHRO
Camron Yarber is a graduate of Morehouse College and recently became the Chief of Staff and Office Director for The Walt Disney Company as Chief Human Resources Officer. Learn more about Camron and how he continues to make contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
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Professional Intern Spotlight: Damien Jenkins – Talent Acquisition Marketing Account Management Intern
Meet Damien, a professional intern with Talent Acquisition Marketing supporting account management. Learn about the different businesses he supports, and the different perspectives and ideas he brings to the team he supports, especially as it pertains to attracting early talent.
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Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars Named for 2022 Cohort
The Walt Disney Company and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced the 2022 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars, representing students from four-year institutions across the country, including many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
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HBCU Spotlight: Jamila Hunter, Executive Vice President Programming and Development, Freeform
Meet Jamila Hunter, Executive Vice President of Programming and Development at Freeform as she shares how her time at an HBCU boosted her confidence and her abilities, and how she is now leading young adult programming development.
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HBCU Spotlight: Brandy Tate, Director I at ESPN
Meet Brandy Tate, an alumna of Tennessee State University and co-lead of ESPN Pulse, one of Disney’s longest-standing Business Employee Resource Group (BERG).
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Disney Aspire Welcomes First In-Network HBCU
North Carolina A&T State University joins the list of schools part of the Disney Aspire network.
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Disney on the Yard at the Cricket Celebration Bowl
Mickey Mouse and Disney on the Yard had a jam-packed weekend during this year’s Cricket Celebration Bowl, an ABC-televised, ESPN post-season football game for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football teams.
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HBCU Alumni Spotlight: Marcus Matthews, Senior Editor, ‘The Undefeated’
A Q&A from Howard University alum Marcus Matthews talks about his work in radio, newspapers, digital, and with major cable companies.
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The Second Annual Disney on the Yard Virtual Homecoming: How it Started, How it’s Going
Learn about the speakers and events that took place at the 2nd annual Homecoming event hosted by the HBCU initiative, Disney on the Yard, and the HBCU Alumni Network.
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HBCU Spotlight: Niki Hawkins, Vice President, Community Engagement, ABC, WPVI-TV
Meet Niki Hawkins, Vice President of Community Engagement for ABC WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, who is making a positive impact on her home community while creating authentic content for and about underserved communities in Philadelphia.
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