Disney Celebrates Two Moms Who Have Cultivated Careers and Created Paths For Their Children
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and it’s time to celebrate all the moms out there!
Happy Mother’s Day!
For many years, Disney has not only been a place of family fun, but also flourishing career paths. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Disney is shining a spotlight on moms who have cultivated careers and even created paths for their children to grow!
Let’s Celebrate Moms
Connie began working an after-school job at Disney World when she was just 16 years old. This was just the beginning, because Connie’s career at Disney has now spanned over 35 years!
After working in various positions across parks and resorts, she now works in Workforce Management, where she has supported Cast Members behind the scenes since 2005.
Photo: Disney
Throughout her Disney career, Connie raised two children on her own, making Disney World a “second home” for her family. Now her children have joined the “family business!”
Photo: Disney
Connie’s son Matthew works in food and beverage at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort while studying pastry and culinary arts at Valencia College through Disney Aspire. Meanwhile, Connie’s daughter Aiyana recently joined Disney World by studying business administration through Disney Aspire.
Photo: Disney
“Growing up, I always saw how much my mom cared about what she did,” Matthew said. “Watching her build a career here at Disney made me want to find something I’m passionate about too, and Disney has given me the chance to do that.”
“Watching my mom build her career has really inspired me,” Aiyana said. “It pushes me to work hard, keep learning, and believe that one day I can build something just as meaningful.”
Photo: Disney
Connie says that connecting with her family and watching them start their careers has been rewarding.
“One of my proudest moments has been seeing my kids find their own paths here,” Connie said. “Disney has supported me through every stage of my life, and now I get to see that same support extended to my children.”
Photo: Disney
Over at Disneyland Resort, Jenny Sweetman joined Disneyland in 1983 as a hostess in New Orleans Square. She has since gained experience across almost every area of the resort!
Her three daughters grew up watching their mother’s career with pride, imagining futures at Disney for themselves too.
Photo: Disney
“As kids, we didn’t always understand what our mom did,” said Jessica, one of Jenny’s daughters. “We just knew she worked at Disneyland, and that meant something. We saw how much she loved what she did, and how much she cared about the people she worked with.
“I just wanted them to know they could do anything,” Jenny said. “Disney gave me the space to grow, and I wanted them to feel that same kind of possibilities for themselves.”
Photo: Disney
Kellie was the first daughter to follow Jenny’s footsteps, joining Disneyland Resort in 2011, eventually working in safety-focused roles. She has also pursued her education through Disney’s Educational Programs.
Andie next joined Disneyland Resort, working in retail while pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management.
Photo: Disney
And finally, Jessica was hired almost 30 years to the day of Jenny’s first role, working in the same land as her mother’s early career. Jessica has since earned her MBA with the help of Disney Aspire, now working in Communications.
Photo: Disney
This Mother’s Day, Disney is celebrating Connie, Jenny, and all the moms like them who have contributed love and dedication to the parks, making magic not only for guests but also for their families.
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