Episode 1: It All Started with a Disney College Program

Disney College Program Podcast Miniseries thumbnail in purple, blue and green with the Life at Disney logo

ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY: DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM MINISERIES

Welcome to our new miniseries where we will discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Discussing his unique Disney College Program experience, magical moments, and important lessons, you’ll hear from Colin Hooper, a current Disney College Program participant working as a Resort Concierge and Trainer at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. You’ll also hear from Taylor Barfield, a Disney College Program alum whose program helped her begin her career with Disney. Now, she is paving the way for future participants and connecting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with meaningful opportunities as an Outreach and Engagement Manager.  

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Disney College Program Podcast Mini Series Episode 1 Guest Colin wearing a light blue shirt smiling at the camera

Colin Hooper

A native of Phoenix, AZ, Colin is a current Disney College Program participant working as a Resort Concierge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. His experience has been full of making memories with new friends, enjoying new experiences, and learning new developmental skills to better himself as a cast member. After his program, Colin is interested in working with Disney Special Activities as a VIP Tour Guide and eventually finding his way to a role where he can continue to interact with guests while sharing the great legacy and heritage of Walt Disney World® Resort. 

Disney College Program Podcast Miniseries episode 1 guest, Taylor wearing a yellow shirt and smiling

Taylor Barfield

Taylor is an Outreach and Engagement Manager supporting Disney on the Yard. With a focus on designing and implementing strategies around campus and early career outreach, using her background in project management and production. Taylor also oversees programming for multiple initiatives including the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard and Disney’s Outreach and Engagement-led mentorship programs.  

Taylor began her Disney journey on the Disney College Program before joining the NFL Films and then joining ESPN Films to work on 30 for 30 Films and podcasts. Taylor is a proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alum with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Emerging Media Technology from Bowie State University, and a Master’s degree in Financial Planning from the University of Missouri.