Students explore careers at Disney Dreamers Academy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Youth at the Disney Dreamers Academy spent Friday immersed in inspiration and hands-on career exploration during the second day of the program at Walt Disney World.

The day’s events balanced motivational sessions with “Career Academy Rotations,” where students engaged in round-table introductions and workshops tailored to their professional interests.

The morning kicked off with a welcome rally at Disney’s Contemporary Convention Center. The Dreamers were addressed by a lineup of speakers, including event host Princeton Parker, Walt Disney World Vice President of Marketing and Strategy Sivonne Davis, Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Opportunity and Inclusion Officer for the Walt Disney Company, actress and “DREAMbassador” Malia Baker, and WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.

Davis and her team, along with parters across the Walt Disney Company, put together this year’s Dreamers Academy. She told the AmNews the program is continue the legacy of the program in its 19th year.

“I hope the students at this year’s Academy engage with each other, but also with people here at Walt Disney World, people here from the Walt Disney Company, people here at large who are a part of the support system,” Davis said. “I also want them to feel encouraged to continue to pursue not just one dream, but many dreams. I hope that they feel like they’re getting exposure to new possibilities, maybe new dreams, and access to people who can help bring those dreams forward.”

Cyril Josh Barker photos

In an interview with the AmNews, Wilson shared that her involvement is rooted in a personal mission to uplift the next generation.

“My family has always taught me to help those coming up behind me,” Wilson said. “The basketball is eventually going to stop bouncing, so what do you do after that? Giving youth a chance to dream is amazing. I felt like I had to be here—it was a calling.”

Wilson surprised four Disney Dreamers — Krysten Lewis of West Monroe, LA, Domenique Sexton of Chesapeake, VA, Alani Jordan of Laurel, MD and Shakayah Watson of Snellville, GA — when she invited them to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with her.

After the ride, the Disney Dreamers surprised Wilson in return by arranging a special meeting with Princess Tiana—one of her favorite Disney characters and the inspiration behind her custom-themed shoes.

Also on Thursday, Baker delivered a special surprise to Dreamer Micaela La Serna of Chapel Hill, NC. La Serna, who is passionate about musical theater and aspires to become an actor, received an invitation to attend the premiere of Baker’s upcoming film, “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” set to debut soon on Disney+.

Joining the mentorship effort is nationally syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley. Now in his fourth year with the Academy, Smiley emphasized his commitment to fostering positivity.

“I’m here for the kids,” Smiley told the AmNews. “I hope that anything I’ve said or done adds the same kind of positivity to their lives that was poured into mine.”

During the afternoon “Career EXPOSE,” students were challenged to lean into their curiosity and confidence. Among the 100 students selected for this year’s class is Joshua Anikwue of Brooklyn. A science student with aspirations of becoming a doctor or an engineer, Anikwue said the academy is already broadening his horizons.

“I feel like participating in the Disney Dreamers Academy will help me make connections and find people who share my passion,” Anikwue said. “Being here inspires me to do better and clearly see what I want to achieve.”

The program continues Saturday with sessions focused on creative networking and panel discussions featuring accomplished professionals. Scheduled speakers include artist Nikkolas Smith, fashion designer Jerome LaMaar, and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, with a performance by singer JayDon. The weekend will conclude with a formal farewell celebration.

Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.

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