Celebrating the Women Behind Disney’s Culinary Excellence for Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made over the years and reflect on what is to come. Thanks to the individuals who work to keep the magic alive, Central Florida has continued to flourish as a hospitality, tourism, and entertainment hub.

As one of the biggest attractions in the world and a massive landmark to the Central Florida community, Walt Disney World is somewhere women have been able to shine in male-dominated fields, such as the restaurant industry. From restaurant managers to pastry chefs to servers, women have played a role in making the Disney culinary experience one to remember for tourists and locals alike.

Jessica Dau
Front of House Manager at The Edison, Disney Springs

Dau’s passion for connecting with people from all over the world drew her to the restaurant industry. Her previous manager at another restaurant, Corina Olivares, put in the effort to get to know her team and create a positive work environment– values Dau said she tries to carry into her career. 

Having worked at The Edison for over two years, she said she is eager to see women continue to thrive in the industry.

“Women just want to be treated fairly in the workplace. Whether someone is male or female should not dictate how valuable they are to a company. If everything were fair, then we could eliminate the stigma of the restaurant industry being a male-dominated field,” Dau said.


Miyuki Akimoto
Server at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

 

Akimoto has worked at Morimoto Asia for nine and a half years, where she has mastered Omakase service.

This Japanese-style of dining requires thorough attention to detail to understand the preparation and presentation of a dish. She said Omakse service has taught her the importance of precision, dedication, and personalization, for a memorable dining experience.

Asley Alli
Pastry Chef at Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT Walt Disney World

Inspired by her mother and the resilience she showed her during childhood, Alli said she is excited to continue growing in her career as a pastry chef.

“[My mother] taught me how to balance career growth and motherhood, cheering me on the entire way through all the trials and successes that came my way,” Alli said. 

She has been a pastry chef at Space 220 for one year and during that time she has launched a Culinary Enrichment Program for baking and pastry staff to teach them fundamental skills in the kitchen. She said she is excited by the learning opportunities her career has to offer and encourages any woman starting off in their career to be a sponge– “absorb everything you can from those who inspire you.”

“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the successes and sacrifices made by the women that have paved the way for the culinary career I have today. I reflect on this month by challenging myself to learn about a woman in the Food & Beverage Industry that inspires me,” Alli said.

Katie Weatherwax
Restaurant Manager at Maria & Enzo’s Disney Springs

Drawn to the restaurant industry because of her love for food, creativity, and the fast-paced environment, Weatherwax has been working at Maria & Enzo’s for two years.

During her time there, she said she learned how to adapt to various situations, balance staying organized and shifting priorities, and communicate and collaborate with her team to ensure they are working towards the same goal.

“What keeps me passionate about [the restaurant industry] is the opportunity to connect with people, constantly learn and grow, and be part of creating memorable experiences for guests,” Weatherwax said.

Maria Andreina Osuna González
Prep Cook at Via Napoli Restaurante e Pizzeria at EPCOT Walt Disney World

When looking back at where her passion for the culinary industry came from, Osuna González said her main inspiration was her grandmother, Rosa. 

“Her culinary skills were incredibly refined, and she created wonders with her hands that words can’t fully describe,” Osuna González said. “She inspired me to see hands as a valuable and fundamental tool in creating the culinary touches that truly touch the heart.”

While she said she is only just starting her culinary career at Via Napoli Restaurante e Pizzeria at EPCOT Walt Disney World, Osuna González said she has enjoyed working at various stations, absorbing a wide range of knowledge. As she continues to grow in her profession, she is reminded of a piece of advice her mother instilled in her:

“My mother once told me to fight for what you want, but never give up and never let anyone take away your hope and the illusion of what you want to be” Osuna González said.

Reflecting on what Women’s History Month means to her, Osuna González said she hopes the trend of women making moves in the culinary world—a predominantly male-dominated field—continues. 

“Empowering women requires collective effort from everyone — men and women —to achieve gender equality. We must create environments where women are supported and valued equally” Osuna González said. “Only through commitment and collaboration can we build a society where all women can thrive and reach their full potential, fostering an equal future for everyone.

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Written by Melissa Donovan

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