Vision & Values: Celebrating Five Years of the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute
This year marks a momentous occasion for Alpha Phi as we celebrate five years of a transformative partnership with the Disney Leadership Institute. This incredible collaboration has provided unparalleled leadership development opportunities for our members, fostering personal growth, enhancing professional skills, and profoundly impacting our organization through the Foundation’s mission: advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy.
Alpha Phi’s partnership with the Disney Leadership Institute began in 2020, however, the inaugural three-day program was not held until September 2021 due to the pandemic. The curriculum, developed and facilitated by the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, focuses on cultivating essential leadership qualities. Attendees learn to lead with purpose, identify personal values, understand emotional connections, explore stereotypes, and apply transferable leadership skills. Participants also gain invaluable insights into effective communication, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving – all within the magical and inspiring environment of Disney.
The impact of this program on Alpha Phi has been nothing short of significant. The Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute has taught participants how to provide service to members through the Disney Chain of Excellence, the principles of leading with genuine care, how to define their personal values and incorporate them into leadership, the impact of recognition on performance and happiness, and how to communicate a leadership vision through storytelling. We’ve seen attendees return to their chapters and communities with renewed purpose, equipped with actionable strategies to lead with greater confidence and make a tangible difference.
Alpha Phi’s High Ideals of Membership: Reinforced by Disney Institute Principles
The Disney Leadership Institute’s core educational concepts directly align with and amplify Alpha Phi’s High Ideals of Membership, creating a powerful union that benefits our members and strengthens our sisterhood.
- Sisterhood that Lasts a Lifetime & The Leadership Imperative: Just as exceptional leadership is a key to Disney’s long-term success, fostering a sisterhood that endures requires consistent, thoughtful leadership. The Disney Institute’s focus on “The Leadership Imperative” encourages Alpha Phis to consider their leadership strengths and how their behavior impacts their team and organization – directly translating to how they build and sustain strong, lifelong bonds within the sorority. By understanding their influence, members can intentionally cultivate a supportive and lasting sisterhood.
- Striving for Innovation & Establish Values and Vision: Alpha Phi’s commitment to striving for innovation is perfectly complemented by the Disney Institute’s emphasis on “Establishing Values and Vision.” The institute teaches that aligning personal values with organizational values is critical for outstanding results. For Alpha Phis, this means understanding how their individual drive for innovation can be channeled to align with and advance the sorority’s mission. By proactively aligning their behavior with Alpha Phi’s values, members are empowered to innovate and create positive change while staying true to their core principles.
- Practicing Generosity at Every Turn & Put Behaviors Into Action: The ideal of practicing generosity resonates deeply with the Disney Institute’s concept of “Putting Behaviors Into Action.” Leaders must model the values that contribute to the vibrancy of an organization. Alpha Phis learn to intentionally communicate, reinforce expectations, and build values-infused teams. This translates to practicing generosity not just through philanthropy, but through acts of kindness, mentorship, and selfless contributions to their chapters and communities, reinforcing a culture of giving and support.
- High Expectations for Character & Sustain and Protect the Culture / Lead with Your Legacy in Mind: Alpha Phi’s high expectations for character are central to the Disney Institute’s concepts of “Sustaining and Protecting the Culture” and “Leading with Your Legacy in Mind.” The institute highlights that an organization’s values are vulnerable and require constant protection. By developing the next generation of leaders today, Alpha Phis learn to recognize when their values and character may be at risk and how to preserve them. Furthermore, the emphasis on leading with legacy in mind encourages members to reflect on the lasting influence they want to have, ensuring their actions are always aligned with the highest standards of character, leaving a positive and enduring impact on Alpha Phi and beyond.
We reached out to participants from the inaugural class of the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute, all of whom are now alumnae, to see what they remember about the experience and if they’re still using those tools today. One woman even cites that three-day experience as the catalyst in shaping her professional future: “My experience with the Disney Institute had a profound impact not only on my time within my Alpha Phi chapter, but also on the overall direction of my career.”
Inaugural Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute Participants: Five Years Later!
Abbey Boenig-Dombek
(Eta Gamma-Akron)
“It was truly an honor to be part of the inaugural group years ago. My experience with the Disney Institute had a profound impact not only on my time within my Alpha Phi chapter, but also on the overall direction of my career. I’m now working with Disney Experiences in Walt Disney World as a Well-being Coordinator, where I help plan and support wellness related events for Cast Members. That weekend five years ago left a lasting impression on me and continues to shape how I lead and connect with others today. It taught me the value of supportive leadership, the power of creating experiences people genuinely want to be part of, and how essential a strong company culture is. This past year, I also stepped into a new role as a Finance Advisor for Ashland University. It has been a rewarding experience learning more about the role an advisor plays in supporting a chapter. Excitingly, our current Vice President of Finance was recently selected to attend the Disney Institute, and we are planning to meet up while she is here for the Leadership Institute.”
Saylor Williams
(Kappa Epsilon-Georgia)
“My name is Saylor Williams and I was an attendee of the inaugural Alpha Phi Leadership Institute representing the Kappa Epsilon chapter at the University of Georgia. I served on the Executive Board as the VP of New Member Education and Membership Experience following my time in Orlando.
Although a few years have passed, I still look back and think very fondly on the memories, experiences, and friendships I made while attending the Disney Leadership Institute. A big piece of my heart will always belong to Alpha Phi and the women I met throughout my experience.
Not only did I depart Orlando with newfound knowledge pertaining to Alpha Phi, but I gained valuable lessons in leadership, as well as connections, that have followed me to this day.
The friendships and bonds formed in a ballroom between too many coffees and Disney figurines are some that have followed me, even years later, outside of college. Whether it’s to reach out for life advice, career questions, or a little check in to say hi, I miss you, I can always count on a notification from these women to bring a smile to my face.
In addition to personal experiences, I was able to grow professionally with new connections on LinkedIn, resume upgrades, community outreach opportunities, and various points of contact for nearly any occupation. I’ve celebrated little and big moments with the girls I shared a table with and have watched as they’ve each blossomed into strong and beautiful adults.
Along with the lessons on leadership, team building, and how much we can learn from one another, the lessons that stuck with me the most were the importance of always being willing to adapt and make changes in any circumstance and how, by using one piece of thread, we were shown the impact that one small thing can have and just how many lives it can touch.
I departed Orlando having gained both knowledge and friendships that l will cherish forever, as well as an incredible opportunity that I am so exceedingly grateful for.”
Emily Clinton
(Delta Pi-Indiana State)
“The Disney Institute how to carry myself with positivity and confidence for individual goals and working with others in a team setting. I work as a registered nurse in Indianapolis and use these traits everyday with my patients, coworkers, and myself!”
Casey Swinkels
(Gamma Tau-Willamette)
“After I attended the Disney Leadership Institute, I went on to serve as the President of the Gamma Tau Chapter the next year, and I absolutely believe that the leadership lessons I learned from Disney helped to contribute to my success in that role.
I currently manage student employees at my Alma Mater, and I train them every semester with Disney’s leadership principles, in particular the attention to detail that they spoke about. I also work with alumni of my institution, and in every interaction I have with them I remember the session I went to at Disney where they spoke about Cars Land and the importance of creating magic in the little details, as well as in the overall experience. My entire department in my job now actually uses Disney’s guiding principles in a majority of our trainings, and I do firmly believe that having the institute on my resume is a major reason why I was hired into my current job!”
Lauren Tumey
(Zeta Delta-Iowa State)
Sidney Donavant
(Theta Nu-Appalachian State)
“The Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute taught me that great leadership starts with intentional culture — and that stuck with me as Chapter President. I learned how small details, clear communication, and leading by example can create a more unified, engaged sisterhood. Those lessons helped me shape a chapter environment where every member felt valued and connected to something bigger than themselves. It deeply influenced how I approached service, sisterhood, and the legacy I hoped to leave in Alpha Phi.”
Lily Buhler
(Eta-Boston)
“The Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me that allowed me to further explore my leadership skills and deepen my passion and gratitude for Alpha Phi. It opened my eyes to the work our volunteers do behind the scenes to help shape the lives of collegiate women. Since leaving the Institute, I have become the Chapter Advisor for Eta (Boston), and I am always eager to encourage our members to apply for the program each year.”
Larissa Rutz
(Kappa Iota-Wyoming)
“Attending the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute was an absolutely amazing and eye opening experience for me. I truly feel like the experience kickstarted my leadership journey in my chapter, and led me to take on the role of Chapter President. We talked a lot about what leadership is and there is one quote from the curriculum that has stuck with me… “Leadership is a result of the actions one takes rather than the position one holds.” This quote is a constant reminder to me that leadership is not just a position or a title, but it is the actions that one takes and this really helped me realize that every member in my chapter is a leader, it was just up to me as Chapter President to help them see that in themselves and help them reach their full potential. Even now as an advisor for my chapter, this is something I am reminding myself of all the time, but now I am on the other side where I am guiding others on how to inspire and tap their sisters into leadership.”
Destiney Nicol
(Gamma Nu-Miami)
“I was so honored to be one of the first Alpha Phi’s to attend the leadership institute! I formed so many friendships with sisters from different universities and I still keep in touch with them today. Learning about the qualities a leader needs to be effective and to put the chapters needs before mine has helped me not only lead my chapter when I was a collegiate but even now as I advise for Clemson Alpha Phi and help those amazing women! My favorite thing I remember learning was how Disney was so intentional with everything they do. That helped me for my leadership style and to make sure that everything I do is intentional! “
Brittney Dehnke
(Gamma Sigma-Wisconsin Stout)
“During the COVID pandemic, it was challenging to find meaningful activities outside of virtual classes and meetings. Participating in this incredible experience gave me a deeper understanding of Alpha Phi and leadership, which I was proud to bring back to my chapter. It also allowed me to connect with sisters from around the world—many of whom I still stay in touch with today. Being one of the first attendees of this institute is something I’m truly proud of. Since then, I’ve become a proud alumna, and it’s been amazing to see many Alpha Phis from my chapter follow in those same footsteps. AOE Forever🐻“
Olivia Sarpong
(Iota Upsilon-Ottawa)
“Attending the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute was truly one of the most memorable and impactful moments of my Alpha Phi journey. Beyond the incredible leadership development—learning how to lead with authenticity, purpose, and compassion—I got to build real connections with sisters from across North America. From bonding over meals at Disney Springs, to exploring Epcot together after a day of empowering sessions, to staying up late talking after our meetings, those moments reminded me just how powerful our sisterhood really is. The lessons I learned that week shaped how I led in my chapter and continue to influence how I show up as an alumna. Leadership is about people, and Alpha Phi gave me both the tools and the community to grow.”
Katelyn Tropeano
(Iota Omicron-WPI)
“Attending the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m so grateful Alpha Phi gave me. It allowed me to connect with sisters from across the country and Canada, and share ideas and experiences. I brought back fresh event and programming ideas from other Alpha Phis, and applied what I learned through the Disney Institute’s marketing sessions to successfully promote our chapter the following year as VP of Marketing.”
Irene Thornton
(Theta Phi-Christopher Newport)
“Reflecting back, the Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute gave me a new found confidence in my ability to be a leader in my chapter even as a sister without a formal position. It also showed me how different leadership can look across chapters which then shaped my leadership experience as a Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor at my university. I’m so grateful to have been able to attend and hope younger Alpha Phi’s will continue to make the most out of opportunities like this one! “
This impactful partnership would not be possible without the unwavering generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors. Their commitment to providing empowering leadership programming to Alpha Phis is the bedrock upon which this initiative stands. Building on this success, a new three-year contract with the Disney Institute began in 2025 and will run through 2027. This continuity ensures that our members will continue to have access to this exceptional leadership development.
As we look ahead, Alpha Phi remains steadfast in its dedication to providing exceptional leadership development opportunities. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in partnership with the Disney Leadership Institute and deeply grateful to our Alpha Phi Foundation donors for making these dreams a reality. Here’s to many more years of empowering Alpha Phis to lead with courage, integrity, and a touch of Disney magic!
Share your Alpha Phi Disney Leadership Institute story with us! Please contact kgates@alphaphifoundation.org.