How Disney's female leaders are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation
Disney has a lot to celebrate right now.
The Walt Disney Company just kicked off its 100th anniversary. Walt Disney World is wrapping up its 18-month-long 50th anniversary celebration. Highly anticipated rides like Tron Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are significantly upping Disney World's thrill factor. Disney Cruise Line is adding a new ship to its fleet and preparing to welcome guests to its newest private island, Lighthouse Point, next year. And Disney World recently struck a deal with its six cast member unions to raise the minimum wage from $15 to $18 an hour by the end of 2023.
These are all huge milestones. However, there is another milestone that is just as important and directly influences each of the achievements mentioned above: For the first time in Disney's history, all four Disney World theme parks are being led by women.
From the opening of Disney World's newest land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, to overseeing the multiyear transformation of Epcot, these women have put countless hours into making Disney World what it is today.
What better time than Women's History Month to celebrate their accomplishments within the company, learn what inspires them, see how they inspire each other and give them the fanfare they so rightfully deserve?
TPG recently had the chance to speak with Jackie Swisher, vice president of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Sarah Riles, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom, about their part in this monumental moment in company history.
Together with Melissa Valiquette, vice president of Magic Kingdom, and Kartika Rodriguez, vice president of Epcot, these women are setting a new precedent for Disney leadership.
The path to the top
Though they are each at the helm of different parks now, each woman has held a number of roles during her tenure at Disney. Riles and Swisher both began their careers in Disney's professional internship program with industrial engineering roles. At Disney, this can mean everything from planning new attractions to day-to-day park operations.
"Industrial engineering at Disney is so unique," Swisher told TPG. "During my internship, I fell in love with being a part of Disney's vision of creating happiness."
As Swisher progressed through various back-of-house roles in operations, she became interested in bringing happiness to Disney guests in a leadership role. "I knew I could use my skill set to create a broader influence by leading a team and bringing happiness to guests that way," Swisher said.
She gained the knowledge she needed by taking on roles leading Disney World's textile services and worldwide safety services teams before landing her current role as vice president at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Riles, on the other hand, credits her path at Disney to her sense of curiosity. "If a job opened, I raised my hand, and I went for it," she said.
This led her to roles in costuming, attractions, vacation planning and others before returning to lead the industrial engineering team. "One of the best things about working for Disney is that you can try so many different paths and find what you truly love to do," she added.
Their colleague Valiquette started her career at Disney as a guest relations hostess at Magic Kingdom. After moving up the ranks — including a stint as vice president of Epcot — she came full circle to her role as vice president of Magic Kingdom.
Their inspiration
When asked if they had any role models that made them see an esteemed leadership role like the ones they hold now as a possibility, both Swisher and Riles credited their mothers as primary sources of inspiration.
Swisher's mom ensured she and her siblings knew the sky was the limit. "My mom spent a lot of time making sure we knew that we could do anything," she shared.
Riles' mother similarly encouraged her. "My mom kept us very focused on school and working hard and made sure I knew that any door could open for me," she said.
After landing jobs at the Most Magical Place on Earth, Swisher and Riles felt proud to work for an organization with a strong history of women in leadership roles. "We've had women in leadership roles within the company since the early days of our careers," Swisher said. "Seeing women in those roles made us realize it could also be possible for us and gave us an opportunity to observe other female leaders," she added.
Some notable female leaders include Erin Wallace, the former head of Magic Kingdom, and Meg Crofton, the former president of Walt Disney World.
Advice for future leaders
In that vein, Riles and Swisher shared some advice for other women interested in leadership roles. "You spend so much time at your job. You have to find something you are passionate about and look forward to when you wake up every day," Riles said. "Find your strengths and pursue a career that plays to your gifts."
Swisher agreed and added that you should always be asking for feedback. "Ask your peers and leaders for feedback," she said, "Ask how you can continue to grow and improve."
Now, they — along with Valiquette and Rodriguez — have the opportunity and the responsibility to inspire the next generation of female leadership at Disney.
The women work in an extremely collaborative and supportive environment where they can lean on and learn from one another. They all have different gifts and skill sets, and they recognize that together they are stronger.
These women have made significant achievements, but Riles hopes they will be remembered for more than breaking barriers.
"I hope our legacy is that we were all united as one team of women," Riles said.
It's always inspiring to meet strong female Disney characters like Merida and Tiana in the parks. However, these five women are real-world examples that dreams are more than fairy tales. With a lot of hard work – and a little pixie dust – you can make your dreams come true.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.