AAMU Alumna Part of Disney College Program
LaBordeaux Featured on ‘Life at Disney Podcast’
When she arrived at AAMU, Tasia LaBordeaux says she was shy, and all she wanted to do was stay in her room. You wouldn’t know that now. The AAMU alumna is a featured guest on the “Life at Disney” podcast: “Why You Should Do the Disney College Program.”
The Louisville, Kentucky native works at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom as part of the 2nd Cohort of the Disney College Program powered by Disney on the Yard.
“The experience has been life changing,” says LaBordeaux. “Not only do I work, but I am able to have fun and make magic with our guests while doing so. There isn’t a day that’s the same and I feel like that’s what makes my role so unique.”
LaBordeaux earned her criminal justice degree at AAMU in 2023 and began her time at Disney as part of the Disney on the Yard Program, a summer internship program for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“I knew that my time from May to August was not enough,” says LaBordeaux. I wanted to experience more of the happiest place on earth so I extended my program to April 2024.”
The Disney College Program is an internship for college students or recent graduates who work at Walt Disney World Resort while gaining networking, career development and transferable skills. During her time at Disney, LaBordeaux completed a leadership training course, earning a Mouseters Certificate, and has also become a Disney Trainer. Disney trainers introduce new interns and staff (cast members) to Disney's safety and courtesy standards, while also bringing to life Disney's rich heritage.
“Prior to coming to Disney, I had no intentions of becoming a trainer,” says LaBordeaux. “However, through networking, hard work and dedication, many leaders and friends saw something in me that I did not see in myself – a leader. Becoming a trainer is not something that happens often, so I am truly grateful for the opportunity. My next goal is to get accepted into the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program this summer. It's a 12-month assignment that allows individuals to work in a leadership role within the Walt Disney Company.”
LaBordeaux credits her time on The Hill for helping her get to where she is today. She says her mentors in the President’s Office, Dr. Brittany Holloman and Dr. Malinda Swoope, pushed her to get involved and she became a University Echo Student Ambassador. She says there are two things she learned at AAMU that have stuck with her.
“One: the uncomfortable situations are the ones that are going to help you grow the most,” says LaBordeaux. “Step out and try something new – network! AAMU Career Development Services is there to help you. Two: you are a reflection of who you surround yourself with. When you have the right circle, it starts to reflect in your personality and work ethic,” she says. “I was so shy when I got to The Hill. With my circle encouraging me, by the time I graduated I was a member of Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc., a mentor for a nonprofit organization called “Go Girl,” Miss Maroon and White for M.A.N.U.P, a student worker in the Freshman Academy, and member of the Criminal Justice Club. The Hill is truly family away from home; the family that pushed me to become the best version of myself.”