December Lunch and Learn

Paula Machado is an award-winning bilingual journalist and communications professional, currently serving as a public relations manager for Disney Cruise Line.

With over 15 years of experience in news and media, Machado’s strengths include media training, broadcast productions and creative storytelling. Join us to hear how Paula translated her skills as a former news reporter into her role as a publicist, bringing stories to life with captivating narratives.

With a flair for storytelling and a passion for creating magical experiences, she has now been part of the opening team for three Disney Cruise Line ships—the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the newest addition to the fleet, the Disney Destiny. She also led public relations efforts for the debut of Disney Cruise Line’s new island destination, Disney Lookout Cay. As the liaison between Disney Cruise Line's international PR partners, she oversees all public relations efforts in Latin America, helping share the magic of Disney’s fleet with audiences around the world.

Machado’s journey into the media market began after earning her degree in Journalism & Spanish from the University of Central Florida. She honed her craft as a reporter for Univision, an anchor/reporter for Infomás, and as Spectrum News 13's first-ever Hispanic beat reporter.

In a past venture, Machado founded Fire Ant Communications, a marketing communication agency where she worked with nonprofit organizations, government partners, and prominent clients such as Disney, Walmart, and others. She developed strategic plans, led brand storytelling, and produced videos for a wide range of stakeholders. After Fire Ant, Machado served as Communications Manager for the YMCA of Central Florida, leading all communication strategies across the organization’s family centers throughout the region.

She has also been a leader in the Florida Public Relations Association and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, and was one of the youngest national board members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Her dedication to her community and profession has been recognized with UCF's prestigious 30 Under 30 award and La Prensa's Young Female Leader award.

In her free time, Machado loves traveling the world with her husband, cherishing life as a new mom to a beautiful baby boy, and doting on their adorable Boston Terrier, Manolo Antonio.