Balancing Magic and Message: Tristen Gell’s Leadership at Disney
Published on October 7, 2024, at 4:09 p.m.
By Lisé Badeaux.
Disney is an integral part of many people’s lives. Tristen Gell, senior manager of communications on the Walt Disney World public affairs team, is no different. Her experiences at Disney throughout her childhood and in college shaped her career trajectory and brought her directly to The Most Magical Place On Earth. But how did she become so successful at such a young age?
Early life and college career
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Gell’s journey into the world of public relations began long before she even knew it. Influenced by her love for The University of Alabama and the educational opportunities it offered, she always knew she wanted to pursue a degree here; however, it was the magic of Disney that truly solidified her professional path.
Gell’s connection to Disney became career-oriented when she saw her older sister participate in the Disney College Program. Little did she know that this experience would become her own. This began a domino effect shaping her future in ways she could have only wished upon a star.
“I always knew I loved Disney,” Gell said, reflecting on her childhood memories. “And I knew that the best starting point for anyone wanting to get involved with Disney was through the College Program. So, that’s exactly what I did.”
Her leader, Communications Director Avery Maehrer, understands just how important Gell’s experience on her program was.
“Tristen is among many members of our communications team at Walt Disney World who started their careers on the Disney College Program and our professional internships,” Maehrer stated. “Her career journey is a great example of how these programs can kickstart your career at Disney.”
When she finally landed the job, she was stationed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the experience was transformative. The program not only reinforced her passion for Disney but also set her on a trajectory toward a career in public relations at one of the largest companies in the world.
“The Disney College Program solidified my desire to pair my passion for the company with professional goals and pursue a full-time role in communications at Disney World,” Gell stated.
The power of connection
While in college, Gell pursued a degree in public relations and communication studies that prepared her for a prosperous future. UA provided her with a unique academic experience that she believed was instrumental in her career development.
The university’s holistic approach to education helped her develop the skills she needed to thrive in the professional world. Gell credits much of her success to her active involvement in UA’s local Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, the Capstone Communications Student Society and Platform Magazine, as well as the invaluable relationships she formed with her professors.
“You get out what you put into it,” she advised future students, encouraging them to get involved in as many opportunities as possible. “That’s how you maximize your college experience. Make connections with every professor, too. They want to help.”
Staying connected to UA and the College of Communication and Information Sciences even after graduating remains important to her. The relationships that she fostered have continued to support her throughout her career.
Carving out a role at Disney
Today, Gell is a key player on Disney’s public affairs team, focusing on protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation, not just at its parks, but in the broader community of Orlando, Florida.
Her role as a communications professional has allowed her to blend her love for storytelling with strategic public relations, a combination that has proven to be invaluable.
“Tristen has done some amazing work here at Walt Disney World since first joining our communications team as an intern and later stepping into her current role of senior manager,” Maehrer said.
One of the highlights of Gell’s career was recent. On Sept. 27, the public affairs team came home as a winner in the Public Affairs/Issues Management category at the Ragan Communications and PR Daily Awards for the Disney in Florida economic impact campaign.
Another project her team led the communications strategy for, Once Upon A Wish Party, was also chosen as a finalist in the CSR/ESG Event category.
Once Upon A Wish Party was a large-scale event created for Make-A-Wish and other wish-granting organizations that support children with critical illnesses.
“We welcomed more than 50 kids from Make-A-Wish and other wish-granting programs from across the country. It was an event unlike anything we’ve ever done before, complete with a special breakfast with Mickey and Minnie, royal deliveries of princess gowns, and greetings with almost every Disney princess,” she said, reminiscing on the magic of the event. “We even got to hold a royal ball where we saw everyone’s wishes come to life at one time.”
As the communications lead for the event, Gell orchestrated the storytelling and worked with over 500 Disney cast members to ensure the event was a success.
“You can really see the impact of Disney and what that means for families at events like this. We create magic and happiness,” she shared. “The authentic storytelling falls into place when you keep that impact in mind.”
Adapting and evolving in PR
Gell believes that flexibility and adaptability are critical in her line of work. Without them, she would not be able to get everything done.
“Being able to be a generalist in communications will always serve someone well,” Gell noted. “There is no single approach that fits every project. Every situation is different. Consumers are more and more interested in authentic stories. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.”
This philosophy drives her work and keeps her motivated to deliver compelling and honest communication in every project she leads. From reposting her fellow cast members on LinkedIn and writing pieces that spotlight the cast life on the Disney Parks Blog to encouraging her team to try to learn new skills, Gell is always working to evolve the brand for the better.
Advice for aspiring PR professionals
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Gell offers sound advice: Get involved early with the variety of Disney programs. She encourages students to look into not only the College Program, but also the Culinary, International and Professional Internship Programs.
“Put in 110% and get out infinite rewards. That’s the secret,” Gell advised.
Her experience shows that hard work and dedication, combined with a love for storytelling and building relationships, can create incredible opportunities in the world of public relations.
“Disney is a place where magic happens,” Gell said. “The things I’ve learned here have been invaluable, and I hope to continue creating happiness and magic for years to come.”
Tristen Gell avidly makes an impact at Disney, using her communication skills to not only amplify the company’s mission but also to create experiences that make a difference in people’s lives. For her, Disney is more than just a company — it’s a place where dreams come true, both for the people she serves and for herself.
Through her work, Gell has proven that the magic of Disney isn’t just in the parks, but in the relationships, community and happiness it creates for all who experience it.
