The Women of Disney – D23 Expo 2017 Preview

Women have long been an important part of the Walt Disney Company.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to write about a number of them. Retta Scott, the first female Disney animator. Lindsey Collins, Vice President of Development and New Media at Pixar Animation Studios and producer for Finding Dory. Dove Cameron, star of the show Liv and Maddie and Descendants 2. Those are only a few of the women I’ve had the pleasure to learn about but there are many more who have contributed to the company’s long legacy. This year as part of the D23 Expo, the women of Disney are being celebrated in different panels.

Interviewing Lindsey Collins at The Science of Pixar event

As the father of a young daughter, I’m always inspired by women who make a difference and to show her anything is possible. These look to be some great panels. Below are the press release descriptions of the different panels being featured. Which ones do you think you might attend? They all seem interesting to me, but I love Ariel, am a big fan of Ming-Na Wen, my daughter has always had a sweet spot for Tiana, and Auli’i is just the sweetest.

Inspiring Women of Imagineering
Sunday, July 16, 12:15 pm, Stage 28

Meet some of the talented women of Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests will hear personal stories and get an insider’s look at the Imagineering process from these creative and technical professionals building on Disney’s rich legacy of female Imagineers.

Getting the chance to briefly talk to Auli’i Carvalho was such a joy

The Power of the Princess
Saturday, July 15, 10:30am, Stage 28

Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you to The Power of the Princess, featuring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)—the talented actresses who brought these iconic characters to life—as they share stories of making their films and the impact of their characters on people around the world. Hosted by Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki.

The upcoming book by Mindy Johnson, Ink and Paint celebrating the women of Disney animation

The Women of Animation
Friday, July 14, 4:30pm, Walt Disney Archives Stage

Mindy Johnson, author of Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, will interview a panel of animators past and present and share how women make remarkable contributions to the legacy of Walt Disney’s animation studio. The presentation will take place on the Walt Disney Archives Stage on Friday, July 14, at 4:30 p.m.