Women’s History Month: Celebrating some of the women who support our Disney Programs cast members

 

During a Disney Program, participants can enjoy a variety of resources to guide them through their experience. An amazing resource in their work areas are our Programs Champions. A Programs Champion is a park or resort leader who serves as an advocate and go-to person in their work area on all-things Disney Programs. If chosen to be a Champion, these leaders not only maintain their day-to-day responsibilities as leaders, but they are also there to answer program-related questions, educate fellow leaders on the components of the program, and keep a pulse on participant feedback.

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we wanted to spotlight some of the many women who support our Disney Programs participants as Programs Champions. We spoke to a few of these Champions and asked about Disney Programs, the women who inspire them and more!

 

Danica Manns | Guest Experience Manager –Outdoor Foods, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

What made you want to become a Programs Champion?

During my College Program, I had so many great leaders who helped me get to where I am, and I wanted to be able to return that courtesy for future participants who aspire to move into leadership with the company.

What is your advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney someday?

The best advice that I can give to young women looking to be leaders at Disney is to never give up and find a role model or mentor. It takes hard work and sometimes feels like the odds are stacked against you but remaining positive and pushing through can go a really long way. Finding a mentor can also be helpful because a mentor can assist with questions and give you guidance.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

Women’s History Month has so much significance for me because it reminds me of all the women who paved the way for me to continue in their footsteps and allows me to celebrate them. It shows me what is possible and reminds me that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. It also means a lot to me that Disney puts such a focus on diversity and inclusion and creates a space for us to have these conversations.

 

Carmen Vendrell | Guest Experience Manager—Food and Beverage, EPCOT

What does it mean to you to be a woman leading at Disney?

When I was little, I was the “bossy” friend; always directing what games we were going to play and all that. At Disney, that is seen as leadership. Having ideas of how to improve work environments was sometimes seen as an overstep. At Disney, it is seen as creativity, championing change, and driving results. Being a female leader at Disney has helped, for the most part, turn all those seemingly negative attributes from my youth and have them seen in a positive manner – I’m not bossy, I’m a leader. I’m not aggressive, I’m assertive and firm. I’m not a know-it-all, but I am a subject matter expert. Being surrounded by so many different backgrounds and points of view has helped me embrace who I am and in turn I try to do the same for other women who may have been told they are “too much” at some point in their lives.

What made you want to become a Programs Champion?

I really enjoyed my College Program and learned so much from my peers and leaders. My program leaders were always incredibly encouraging to myself and others, ensuring we were going in the direction we wanted and helping us accomplish our goals. I hope to do the same for the College Program participants that cross my path; help them learn, grow and achieve whatever goals they have set forth for themselves.

Share a bit about what you love the most about Disney Programs.

I love that the program gives our participants a step toward independence, it’s a bridge between college and life after college. Our participants bring a different type of electric energy and buzz to the location. They have a different and fresh perspective. It’s so fun to see them come out of their shells, show their true selves as they get more comfortable and just soak in the experience, learning from those around them.

 

Savone James | Guest Experience Manager—Guest Relations, EPCOT

What does it mean to you to be a woman leading at Disney?

To be a woman leading at Disney means that I can inspire fellow cast and guests to pursue their dreams because they aren’t as out of reach as they might have believed. I can also influence other women and help get them where they want to be. We can go after any career we want and work hard even in a dress.

Which female Disney character inspires you the most?

This one was tough… I am stuck between Tiana for her ambition and drive, but I also find every woman in the “Black Panther” movie inspiring. Shuri for her intelligence and wittiness, Okoye for her loyalty and strength, and Nakia for her passion and wisdom.

What is your advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney someday?

You deserve a seat at the table so don’t be afraid to take up space and sit down in your chair. Your thoughts, opinions and ideas matter so let your voice be heard!

 

Niuvys Rodriguez | Gust Experience Manager—Entertainment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

What made you want to become a Programs Champion?

I left my country, family and friends to learn and grow through new experiences. As you can imagine, being away from home was scary – I met and built wonderful relationships that helped me along the way. Now, I have the opportunity to guide others.

What is your advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney someday?

Work hard, be humble and genuine, build strong relationships and never forget you can achieve anything you want.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Woman’s History Month is a time to reflect on the courage of women of past generations and to celebrate how their effort and bravery allowed them the opportunity and freedom we have today.

 

Stefania Maresca | Guest Experience Manager—Food and Beverage, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

What made you want to become a Programs Champion?

I’ve always had a huge passion for the College Program since that’s where I had my start! Becoming a Programs Champion was something I was interested in because not only could I be a point of contact for my line of business, but also for the whole resort.  My college program changed my entire perspective of my career, and I was so fortunate to have an incredible leadership team to guide me through the next steps. It’s very fulfilling to now lead this next generation of participants and help set them up for success in this next stage of their career.

Share a bit about what you love the most about Disney Programs.

I love the opportunities the program provides! Not only does it build a sense of community, but it’s a great way to learn how to build relationships and lay groundwork for your career! I love how there are so many opportunities that are unique to the program that our participants can take advantage of to make the most of their career. I think my favorite thing about the college program is that no matter where you work or what you do, you are always going to learn something new.

Which female Disney character (can be Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, etc.) inspires you the most?

Moana. Not only is she willing to risk everything to save her island and her family, but she is so independent and is ready to do it all on her own! She teaches us that the worst things that happen to us don’t have to define us and that our greatest fears do not have to dictate how we choose to live our lives.

Sammy Ferzacca | Guest Experience Manager—Guest Relations, Disney Springs

What is your advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney someday?

My advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney is that the path to leadership is personal to you! We are a company filled with many types of roles and opportunities within leadership. A great reminder is that: leadership starts today. Be a leader amongst your peers, network with your current leaders and peers, take part in the classes and seminars on how to grow professionally, and bring people with you along the journey. Share you story, listen to others stories, empathize with those around you, and be the leader you want to see in the world. The relationships and impacts you are making today are just as important as the ones you will make years from now.

Share a bit about what you love the most about Disney Programs.

The Disney Programs are a fantastic way to get involved in what The Walt Disney Company has to offer! What I love most about Disney Programs and our participants is watching the working relationships that form that will last far beyond the current role in front of them. This is an unforgettable experience and bond that will last a lifetime.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

Women’s History Month is an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come, where we are today, and where women and allies will continue to pave the path in HERstory. While this month highlights the sacrifices and the triumphs of women in our past and present, it is an opportunity to reset, educate, evolve our way of thinking and actions to strive for equality for all throughout all the months of the year.

 

Lisa Hood | Pastry Sous Chef, Magic Kingdom

Which female Disney character inspires you the most?

There’s two for me: Merida and Mulan. I’m part Scottish, I love archery, and I have my opinions on things, so Merida is my princess. And Mulan inspires me because she was willing to give up everything to protect her family, and despite facing so many setbacks and challenges she stayed true to her heart and saved all of China!

What does it mean to you to be a woman leading at Disney?

For me, being a woman leading in a kitchen means I have the chance to foster growth and opportunities for not just other women, but everyone in the kitchens who want it.

What is your advice for young women looking to become leaders at Disney someday?

You do need to have a tough skin and be willing to put in the work—but that goes for everyone person in a kitchen, not just the women. Though I would add this piece of advice for women: don’t hide or shy away from being who you are. You can be strong in the kitchen and still show everyone your personality and what makes you uniquely you. The days of having to be “one of the boys” are over!

 

If you’re a current participant, connect with your leaders to help you locate your area Programs Champions!

To learn more about Disney Programs, visit disneyprograms.com!