Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Carmen Strong is an accomplished Diversity & Inclusion Manager with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. She brings a unique blend of sales, operations, and people management expertise to drive impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Carmen is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies that foster a culture of belonging across the organization. She partners closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement tailored programs, and measure the impact of DEI efforts. Under Carmen's leadership, Disney has achieved significant improvements in workforce representation, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Carmen served as a Senior Sales Manager at Disney Destinations | Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, where she consistently exceeded sales targets and built strong relationships with key industry partners. She began her career as a National Sales Manager at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, where she played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and enhancing the guest experience.
Academic Background
Carmen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy
- Employee Engagement and Retention
- Organizational Change Management
- Multicultural Customer Service
- Sales and Business Development
- Hotel Operations and Guest Experience
Professional Impact
During her tenure as Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Carmen has led the implementation of several successful initiatives, including a comprehensive unconscious bias training program, a mentorship program for underrepresented talent, and the establishment of employee resource groups that have significantly improved employee satisfaction and sense of belonging. Under her leadership, Disney has consistently been recognized as a top employer for diversity and inclusion, with measurable improvements in representation at all levels of the organization.
Conclusion
With her deep industry expertise, strong people management skills, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, Carmen Strong is a valuable asset to the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products team. Her strategic vision and proven track record of driving meaningful change make her well-positioned to continue advancing Disney's diversity and inclusion initiatives and fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
