Mallory Heinz Ledet

Major: Art
Year of Graduation: 2011

Current Position/Location: Epcot Communications Manager, Walt Disney World Public Affairs /The Walt Disney World Resort

Please give a brief description of your current position.
As a communicator for Epcot at The Walt Disney World Resort, I am focused on providing timely and easy-to-consume information to the cast members at Epcot.

What path did you follow to get to your current position?
I started my career as a Graphic Design Professional Intern on the Epcot Communication team with Walt Disney World Public Affairs after graduating from the College of Saint Benedict in 2011. After my internship, I found a full-time position with the company and continued to pursue communication-related roles. In 2013, I re-joined the Walt Disney World Public Affairs team as a Communications Specialist supporting Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. In 2016, I was promoted into my current role as the Epcot Communications Manager. 

Focus on building a portfolio that showcases both strategy and supporting tactics - don't just show how you communicated something, but why you chose those communication tactics to get your message across. Including elements like your intended audience, the positioning behind your message, and the thought process behind each communication vehicle shows that you can take a project from concept to completion.

What skills are important in your field?
Strategic thinking, project management, creative writing, art direction and influencing skills

What is the most satisfying/rewarding part of your position?
I love Epcot - it's unlike any other place in the world. The message we share is one of hope, peace, discovery and teamwork, and in my role, I help our cast members provide the best experience for our guests. Being a part of the Epcot family is hugely rewarding, and to be writing and designing for the Epcot Cast is a dream come true.

Most challenging?
The most challenging aspect of my role is time management! There are always lots of things going on at Epcot, and the park is currently undergoing a transformation that is generating additional projects.

My student employment position as the graphic designer for Student Activities and Leadership Development was incredibly important to my preparation for a career. That role, in addition to managing my classwork and other responsibilities, taught me multitasking skills, design and communication principles and project management. I also find myself drawing on the skills I learned as a member of the Attention-Starved Children improv group - teamwork, flexibility, quick-thinking and clear communication are all as important in improv as they are in the theme park business.

(April 2019)