Path to Disney Careers Begins at HBCUs for Many Cast Members
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 29, 2013 – Football is only one part of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience. For HBCU alumni, the education they receive has a much greater and longer-lasting influence.
Walt Disney World Resort employs many HBCU alumni as Cast Members in a wide variety of roles.
For LaJoy Mercer, a guest service manager at Magic Kingdom, her Disney career path began with a solid foundation from Florida A&M University.
“My education has not only helped me achieve my dreams, but it helped me to realize new ones, said Mercer. “With a solid educational foundation, I’m better able to deliver on the Disney promise.”
Willean Presley is a graduate of Alabama State University and a senior safety professional at Walt Disney World Resort.
“Receiving a higher education at Alabama State helped me become qualified to do my job successfully,” Presley said.
After receiving a degree in political science and theatre from FAMU, Cast Member Lisa Harris now works in marketing at Disney.
She said her college days helped her hone her problem-solving skills and ability to develop great relationships.
“There was a focus on excellence at FAMU, which was great preparation for working at Disney, where we deliver excellent guest service,” said Harris.