Ayo Davis is proof that HBCU excellence reaches each nook of the world—even the magic kingdom of Disney. As President of Disney Branded Tv (DBT), Davis is shaping the tales that encourage the following era, and he or she proudly brings the teachings discovered at Dillard College along with her each step of the best way.
For Davis, Dillard was greater than only a school—it was a basis. “My time at Dillard College instilled in me the significance of neighborhood, accountability, self-belief and belonging,” she shared with Disney.com. “That basis reveals up in how I lead at the moment. I goal to construct a office the place folks really feel seen, supported and empowered to take dangers and develop.”
Davis’ journey at Disney spans over 20 years, beginning in growth and casting at ABC earlier than shifting into management roles throughout Disney+. Now, as the top of Disney Branded Tv, she oversees beloved children’ content material together with Marvel’s Spidey and His Wonderful Associates, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, ZOMBIES, and Descendants.
Her connection to Disney goes deeper than her spectacular resume. Rising up in Orange County, California, Davis was enchanted by the magic of Disney parks and movies. At the moment, she helps ship that very same magic to youngsters around the globe—together with her personal daughter.
However Davis by no means forgets the place all of it started. She just lately returned to her alma mater to ship the 2024 graduation tackle at Dillard, a second she described as humbling and full-circle. “It was a full-circle second that jogged my memory of the transformative energy of HBCUs,” Davis stated.
She can also be a vocal champion of Disney’s ongoing dedication to HBCUs. “Disney’s dedication to HBCUs is deeply private to me,” she defined. “By investing in these establishments and their college students, we’re not solely nurturing future leaders, we’re honoring the legacy of excellence that HBCUs signify.”
For present HBCU college students dreaming of careers at Disney, Davis presents heartfelt recommendation: “It’s okay to not have all of it found out proper now. Keep curious, be open to development, and present up as your full self. There’s no single path to success, however should you keep true to who you might be, you’ll be prepared when that door opens.”
From Dillard to Disney, Ayo Davis is displaying the world precisely how far HBCU brilliance can go.
