ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jolie Hales loves Disneyland.
She's worked there as a performer. She chose to stay there over a couple of other career choices that beckoned her, like directing.
Now, she hangs out with Mickey Mouse as an official ambassador for Disneyland Resorts, spending the next two years representing Disneyland at local hospitals, local events and special radio and media activities around the country as an emissary of good will and magic.
According to Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis, to be named an ambassador is one of the highest achievements a cast member can reach. It involves months of preparation, interviews with other cast members and resort executives, and requires a depth of passion and knowledge of Disneyland. Hales will serve with fellow ambassador Rene Torrico.
"I get to do a lot of community things," Hales said. "It's really a major deal. I'm a salaried, full-time employee. It's all very positive, a lot of service."
Hales, of Salt Lake City, said she never planned on the ambassadorship. In fact, she never intended to stay at Disneyland when she started more than four years ago.
She began working at Disneyland in 2006 and said she is very well acquainted with the Jessie character from the "Toy Story" movies. In 2009, she became a Youth Education Series facilitator, working in the local area to inspire excellence in leadership among schoolchildren. She has managed guest performances as well.
She is a Weber State University graduate with a communications degree and a minor in vocal music. She also has her master's in film production from Chapman University. She won a student Emmy for her film work before she started working at Disneyland.
Hales said her family is convinced she was meant to be a Disneyland representative.
Because she's an active Mormon, she already lives a clean, substance-free life and radiates a wholesome look. She's enthusiastic and engaging. She's a motivational speaker and active in her southern California ward.
"The transition (from a civilian to an ambassador) for me is easy," she said. "I don't drink or smoke. They needed a clean-cut look and that's me." Hales said while she believes very strongly in separation of church and state, she doesn't think she can be separated from her LDS beliefs.
"I never got to serve a mission for The Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) so this is my way of giving two years," she said.
e-mail: haddoc@desnews.com