From the Diamond to Disney: Destiny’s Hall of Fame Journey
The annual Florida Blue Florida Classic is set to kick off tomorrow between the in-state rival schools, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU). From ESPN’s First Take’s recent filming on B-CU’s campus to Disney on the Yard’s presence at the game, this year’s Classic is sure to be one to remember!
Meet Destiny, a proud Bethune-Cookman alum and current account manager with Disney’s Talent Connection Marketing team! From formerly pitching strikes on the B-CU softball team to now pitching marketing strategies, Destiny is using the lessons learned at her Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to build a magical career at Disney! Learn more about how Destiny’s inspiring journey has come full circle.
Walk us through your Disney career story!
I started my career at Disney as a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Disneyland Resort in 2018. From there, I worked part-time and converted to seasonal to complete school in Florida. After I graduated in 2021, I started on the Talent Connection Marketing team as an account management intern, and during that time, I got the chance to work on different accounts, including the start of Disney on the Yard’s presence at the Cricket Celebration Bowl. In 2021, I was converted into a marketing coordinator supporting Disney Parks and Disney Vacation Club resorts. In 2023, I was promoted to an account manager supporting Disney Programs and Disney Parks!
What inspired you to pursue a career with Disney?
I grew up going to Disneyland Resort in California, with my first visit being at 6 months old. With the proximity, I have always been fascinated by how vast Disney is, from parks and experiences to their entertainment and media. When I joined Disneyland Resort in 2018, I was looking for a job but never imagined the opportunities for a career that would later come.
How was the transition from intern to full-time with The Walt Disney Company?
Disney Internships are so amazing because if you put in the hard work, they will set you up for growth and develop your skillset within your specialty. During that time, I interacted with clients ranging from different professional levels, coordinated vendor orders, worked closely with collaborative members in my team, as well as helped manage projects and events. This all prepared me for the next steps within my journey as I learned the foundation of the work. Today, this type of work still comes into play, but in a different approach where I lead the development of marketing strategies alongside my amazing team!
What is something you learned on your Disney internship that you still apply to your role with the company today?
Raising my hand to help (even if outside of my normal job description) allows me to be someone who can be relied on. It also allows me to venture outside of my scope of normal responsibilities, which contributes to my personal growth and learning.
Tell us about your time on the B-CU softball team! What lessons did you learn as an HBCU student-athlete?
I competed as a D1 pitcher on the B-CU softball team from 2017-2021, and during that time, we were the 2018 and 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions. Being a champion is something that I will always hold with me and can’t be taken away. I traveled across the country to compete against different universities, including the opportunity to visit many other HBCU campuses each year. I gained life-long sisters and mentors.
Like any athlete, I was faced with obstacles and injuries, but through all that adversity, I persevered. This made me mentally stronger and prepared me for anything that would come my way.
How did your HBCU experience prepare you for growth in your career journey?
Choosing to attend and compete at Bethune-Cookman University is one of the most impactful decisions I have ever made in my life! As an athlete, I was prepared to be resilient, high-performing and a dependable teammate. As a student, I was surrounded by such a beautiful culture that can only be found at an HBCU. My professors celebrated my wins and, in the times when balancing being a student-athlete was hard, they pushed me to be successful in the classroom. Because of all this, coming to work and being myself is easy, and I’m so grateful to B-CU for setting me up with the foundation to win in life.
As an alum of Bethune-Cookman University, how do you engage with your alma mater in your current role with Talent Connection Marketing?
I have had the opportunity to go back to B-CU and share more about my personal career journey with the current students. During these trips, I have joined recruitment partners who are sharing more about career opportunities at Disney, especially with Walt Disney World® Resort being right down the I-4. What I love about this is that Disney is eager to attract HBCU talent and seeing this in real time is always so inspiring. I remember being in college and being so eager to learn more about Disney, and today, they are there and show up for the students.
Why is Disney’s commitment to HBCUs important to you?
Disney’s commitment is important to me because it’s a beloved brand that is showing up for a beloved community. There is magic that’s felt when going to a Disney Park or watching a Disney movie, and there is a similar magic in being at a HBCU. The community, culture and history are so rich. It’s incredible how Disney shows up in such a genuine way through scholarships, HBCU activations, recruitment opportunities, and of course, Drum Major Mickey Mouse!
What advice would you give to current Disney employees looking to grow in the company?
NETWORKING! Networking is such a great way to meet other employees, learn about new teams or even learn about what your role title means in a different industry/department. The most important note on networking is cultivating the relationships within your own team.
Career stories like Destiny’s demonstrate the profound impact of investing in HBCU students and alumni. Learn more about how The Walt Disney Company is building a community and committing to creating meaningful opportunities for HBCU students at Disney on the Yard.
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