Protecting Our Planet Through Disney Conservation | S2E9
ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY PODCAST
From educating guests in our theme parks and resorts to evolving The Walt Disney Company’s nature strategy, our guests for this episode of the Life at Disney podcast inspire action to protect the planet through conservation.
Join Stephen as he sits down with Leslie, Program Manager with Nature Strategy & Integration and Dario, Education Manager with Guest Animal Experiences to learn more about conservation at Disney. In her role, Leslie helps manage the various Disney Conservation Fund philanthropic programs that help nonprofit organizations and communities save wildlife and more. For Dario, he partners with several education, operations, and animal care teams to provide an exceptional guest experience in our theme parks and resorts.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Leslie began her Disney career in 2009 as an Education Intern at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where she inspired guests to learn about wildlife and supported community programs like Conservation Day Camp and activities at local children’s hospitals that brought the magic of nature to families in Central Florida.
As part of the Environmental Sustainability team, Leslie supports the company's evolving nature strategy and manages the Disney Conservation Fund philanthropic programs that help nonprofit organizations and communities save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. These programs have directed more than $125M to protect more than 1,000 species across half the countries of the world to date and are part of the collective efforts called Disney Planet Possible — tangible actions we’re taking to make a happier, healthier planet possible for all.
Leslie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Environmental Education and Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Dario is an Education Manager at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Microbiology.
Dario started his Disney journey on the Disney College Program as a Parking Host at Magic Kingdom Park in 2011. After graduating, he returned as a Wilderness Explorer Education Presenter Intern. Dario has had several roles since, including time as a Wild Africa Trek Guide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and as an Education Coordinator supporting Cultural Representatives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
In his spare time Dario enjoys exploring Florida through kayaking and snorkeling. If he’s visiting home in Tucson, Arizona, Dario can be found hiking and mountain biking.
