Carmen L. García
Business Programs Facilitator
Professional Experience
Carmen’s commitment to helping others, her passion for excellence
and the highest quality, and her skills in building relationships are evident
throughout her 20 years in education, training and development, and customer
service.
Prior to joining the Disney Team, Carmen held a variety of positions with
the U.S. Government around the world. As a Taxpayer Service Representative
with the Internal Revenue Service in Alaska and Arkansas, she sharpened her
customer service skills while educating individual taxpayers and small businesses
in the filing and preparation of their tax returns. Carmen honed her skills
in international relations and diplomacy as assistant to the Director, Agency
for International Development, at the American Embassy in Panama. She also
further developed her communication and organizational expertise while working
hand-in-hand with the Regional U.S. Immigration Attaché for Central and South
America and the Caribbean. As a teacher for the Department of Defense Dependent
Schools, Carmen inspired her students to give their best as she taught English
and Science in Germany, and developed and used creative, immersive techniques
to teach English at Kokukoen Community College in Tokorozawa, Japan.
Upon returning to the United States, Carmen joined a major telecommunications
company as a Bilingual Sales Trainer, developing associates in the areas of
customer service and sales. As the Center Director for a large learning center
in Orlando, she managed daily operations, a staff of certified teachers, marketing
and communications. She also conducted presentations on study skills and other academic
areas, and established collaborative relationships with parents, teachers,
and school administrators. Carmen expanded her training and development
expertise while working for a well-known engineering and research company in
the Research Park area of Orlando. As an Instructional Designer for computer-based
training, she met with and conducted on-site needs assessments for the U.S.
military and other high-profile clients in order to design and develop training
specific to their individual needs.
Since joining the Disney family in February 2001, Carmen has been adding
her varied expertise, broad perspective, and extensive international experience
to the Disney Institute team, serving as Guest Presenter, facilitating business
programs and team building activities in both English and Spanish, and conducting
behind-the-scenes discovery programs that clearly show the methods, strategies,
and techniques that have made Disney such a successful company. In 2007, Carmen’s
enthusiastic sparkle and genuine desire to help others succeed led to her selection
as one of 40 Cast Members chosen from hundreds of applicants to serve as a
Traditions Facilitator at the Disney University, introducing new Cast Members
to the Disney culture, heritage, and philosophy of excellence and teamwork.
Carmen has also facilitated the Disney Leadership Excellence program to help
high school youth develop leadership skills. More recently, Carmen served in
Attractions and Operations as a Guest Service Manager in Fantasyland – the
heart of the Magic Kingdom® Park.
Carmen enjoys time with family and friends, good food, a good book, and her
cat, Luna. Her passion for sharing through music and song has been with her
throughout her career. While overseas she sang and toured with a Japanese jazz
group, and traveled throughout Germany with an American gospel choir. She continues
to share her faith leading the worship team at her local church and staying
involved with Crown Financial Ministries.
Education
Carmen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s degree in Education in Interdisciplinary Studies, Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University.