Launched in 1965 by Walt Disney, himself, the Disneyland Ambassador Program began when the Walt chose Julie Reihm Casaletto, a young tour guide, to serve as his “emissary of goodwill.” This moment sparked a tradition in which the company selected emissaries from among Disney Cast Members. These individuals–known today as Disney Ambassadors–represent the values, vision, and spirit of Disney at its amusement parks and beyond. During their two-year term, Disney Ambassadors are the very embodiment of Disney principles and prestige as they fulfill the roles of spokesperson, community leader, cast advocate, global connector, and more.

Walt Disney World Resort Disney Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad and Disneyland Resort Disney Ambassador Jada Young are both native Californians who are paving new paths for future generations, while walking in the path-making footsteps of groundbreaking Disney Legend Martha Blanding, as well as, former Walt Disney World Ambassador Marjorie Colas (watch video interview below).

Shannon Smith-Conrad: Walt Disney World’s California-born Ambassador

Born and raised in Bakersfield by a dedicated and supportive single mother, Shannon Smith-Conrad’s life continues to be a shining example of perseverance and positivity. Even though Smith-Conrad is currently performing one of her biggest roles to date at Walt Disney World in Florida, her beginnings with Disney started in California.

While attending California State University Bakersfield in 2012, Smith-Conrad began working in Disneyland Resort’s Transportation & Parking department through the Disney College Program. After graduating, Smith-Conrad landed another role at Disney through a different college program, but this time, she began working in attractions at EPCOT’s Mission: SPACE. Walt Disney World management noticed Smith-Conrad’s capabilities and hard work and selected her for a professional internship with Disney’s College Recruitment.

Smith-Conrad’s passion for people led her to numerous opportunities within Disney Human Resources, where she progressed through roles in Global HR Operations, as well as, Training, Development and Recruitment. These roles helped Smith-Conrad to understand and appreciate the myriad of people who bring their valuable talent and skill set to make Walt Disney World operate efficiently, all to make memories of joy and happiness occur for thousands of Walt Disney World guests everyday.

In May 2024, Disney named Smith-Conrad the Walt Disney World Ambassador for 2024 and 2025, a role which she shares with Serena Arvizu. Both Smith-Conrad and Arvizu represent 75,000-plus Cast Members, all of whom are very dear to Smith-Conrad. “We are here for our Cast Members to celebrate their stories and to be there for them,” says Smith-Conrad. “They are some of the strongest people to be able to be in this space and to represent them is truly an honor.” In addition, Smith-Conrad and Arvizu, champion new Walt Disney World attractions, festivals, and local community initiatives, as well as, host and support Walt Disney World’s efforts beyond Central Florida.

Jada Young: Disneyland’s Ambassador from Long Beach, California

As a proud Southern California native, Jada Young’s connection to the Disneyland Resort runs deep—beginning not just with her career, but with cherished childhood memories. One of her earliest Disney milestones came when she performed with her middle school choir at Fantasyland’s Royal Theatre, a formative experience that ignited her dream of becoming part of the magic herself.

Young officially began her Disney journey in 2017 as an Attractions Cast Member at Disney California Adventure Park, operating Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters in the heart of Cars Land. With a natural passion for people and performance, she quickly grew into leadership roles, training and guiding fellow Cast Members across Disneyland Attractions and special events. Young’s dedication to growth and mentorship also led her to serve as a facilitator for Disney’s Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.), a unique program in which she inspired students by sharing Disney’s philosophy of innovation, leadership, and teamwork.

Throughout her time with the company, Young has played pivotal roles in high-profile events that shaped the resort’s recent history. She supported the grand opening of Avengers Campus, bringing the Marvel Universe to life for guests and media alike, and was a visible presence during the Disney100 celebrations, serving as a media relations representative and storytelling ambassador for the resort.

On September 27, 2024, Young’s journey reached a new milestone when Disneyland announced her, alongside Raul Aquino Rojas, as a Disneyland Resort Ambassador. This historic appointment celebrates Young’s enduring commitment to leadership, inclusion, and community empowerment. In this role, she continues to uplift the voices of Cast Members, represent the magic of Disney to the world, and champion meaningful connections between the resort and its surrounding communities.

With a heart for service and a voice for others, Young is shaping the future of Disney with authenticity, passion, and purpose. “The fact that we get to be a part of such a wide range of diverse people and stories is amazing,” she says. “I thank the people I have in my life because this role is one of my favorite things.”

Though they serve different resorts, Shannon Smith-Conrad and Jada Young share a powerful connection–their California roots bring homegrown pride to their demanding roles of authentic storytelling, community outreach, and representing Disney in both public and backstage spaces.

Also hear from former Walt Disney World Ambassador Marjorie Colas below.