Disney Cast Member Redefines Career Expectations While Embracing Heritage

Via-DisneyParksBlog

During the month of May, we are celebrating the diverse and intersectional Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and their many contributions to United States history and culture. Our Disney cast members’ contributions are an important part of our celebration.

As a Filipino-American cast member at the Disneyland Resort, Brittney Sia says it’s her goal to redefine what she sees as career stereotypes and expectations for Filipino-American women.

“It’s one of two things: you are expected to go into business or be a nurse,” Brittney said.

Brittney is out to shatter those stereotypes as one of the newest participants in a Disney program called Code: Rosie, a unique development program that aims to increase the representation of women in technology.

Before beginning the Code: Rosie program, Brittney had been a Guest Service Assistant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. As part of her participation in the program, she has taken a new role as an entry-level product manager with Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution (DMED). After the six-week program, Brittney and the other participants will have the opportunity to be placed in a permanent Product Manager role within DMED Technology. “That’s what I love about this company — it offers a lot of opportunities, whether it’s continuing your education with Disney Aspire, Code: Rosie or simply learning a new role,” Brittney said.

Through the Code: Rosie program, Brittney is gaining hands-on experience in product management and technology. She is currently tasked to make improvements to the official Star Wars website. “Each lesson of the day, I am applying directly to my current project,” Brittney said.

Brittney is passionate about defining her professional identity while celebrating her cultural heritage — and encourages her fellow cast members to do the same. “Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and share your unique identity or have conversations and educate others,” she said.  She is well on her way to redefining the cultural stereotypes of Filipino-American women and other diverse cultures. “We are not tied down to one type of career or talent. We can do it all and I think that is something that should be encouraged within every culture,” she said.

Looking to the future in her new role as part of the Code: Rosie program, she is excited to build an even bigger community of cast who identify as AANHPI. To Brittney, the most rewarding part about being Filipino-American and being a part of the AANHPI community is having a group of friends to always fall back on.

“There is a saying in Filipino culture—isang bagsak—which directly translates to “one clap or one fall,” it symbolizes unity in a community where we all fall and rise together,” Brittney said.

Continue to visit the Disney Parks Blog as we celebrate AANHPI heritage during the month of May.