As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month here at Walt Disney World, I remain thankful for the many women in my life who have served as mentors and role models throughout my Disney journey. Recently, Raevon and I were honored to host five of these women, each having served as former Walt Disney World Ambassadors, for a conversation with over 100 Disney Programs participants at Flamingo Crossings Village.
Current Vice President of Magic Kingdom Melissa Valiquette, Marjorie Colas, Jen Mason, Vanessa Rosas and Rebecca Godsil shared their favorite Ambassador moments, inspiring stories from their terms and career advice for participants interested in furthering their Disney careers – and possibly even pursuing the Ambassador role themselves. Take a look!
Having already experienced many “pinch me” moments during my Ambassador term, my favorite part of hosting this session was hearing the panelists reminisce on special memories from their terms.
“The Ambassador role is a role of service,” Vanessa Rosas shared. “The opportunity to bring Disney magic to our local communities are some of my most cherished memories from my Ambassador term.” Vanessa is currently a Manager in Sports Development and served as Ambassador from 2009 – 2010.
Another special part of the Ambassador role is that we all come from different backgrounds and places in the Company. California native Rebecca Godsil, Cast Program Manager and 2005 Walt Disney World Ambassador, started her Disney career at Disneyland Resort before coming to work at Walt Disney World.
“Returning to Disneyland and visiting the Walt Disney Studios lot as a Walt Disney World Ambassador during Global Ambassador Training was a ‘pinch me’ moment for sure,” she shared with participants.
When asked about advice for those aspiring to be a Disney Ambassador, Jen Mason, Security Operations Manager and 2011 – 2012 Ambassador, gave participants the same advice she gave me when I first met her in 2016.
“Just go for it,” she said. “I told myself that by applying for the role, I had already accomplished something great.”
It is an honor to carry on the legacy of the Disney Ambassador Program. Each of these women continue to leave a lasting impact on me and my Disney career, and I’m thrilled that Disney Programs participants had the opportunity to hear their stories and career advice. After all, a future Disney Ambassador may have been sitting in that classroom.
It is unique Learning and Career Development Sessions like this that make the Disney College Program a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Interested in applying? Applications are live now! Visit DisneyPrograms.com to learn more and be sure to follow along with other #DisneyCastLife and Ambassador adventures on Instagram at @wdw.ambassador.
