Jackie Plaza joined the SeaWorld team in May 2024. Prior to that she had the honor of working for some of the most iconic brands in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of Marketing experience in lifestyle, hospitality and retail, Jackie is a results-oriented leader who is passionate about connection, collaboration and thinking outside of the box. She received her B.A. from Colgate University and her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University. In her personal time, she has volunteered internationally on human-rights missions in Vietnam, Thailand, Peru and Ghana, and is an avid outdoors lover having trekked through parts of Central America and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Danielle Castillo began her SeaWorld journey in 2006 in culinary operations, later gaining experience in merchandise before pursuing her dream role as an aquarist in the Zoological department. Her lifelong passion for animals—and her desire to support and develop others—ultimately led her into leadership. As a curator, Danielle now guides an exceptional team that cares for more than 150 species, from axolotls to sharks. She is driven by continuous learning, creating opportunities for growth, and inspiring guests to care deeply about the natural world we share.

Verenice Meza has been with our SeaWorld’s Entertainment department for 10 years now, where she has built a dynamic career rooted in performance and creativity. She began as a costume character and dancer, eventually adding hosting, speaking roles, and show work to her skill set. Today, as an Entertainment Specialist, Verenice helps produce and execute parades, seasonal shows, and major events. Verenice has a passion for dance, which allowed her to play a key role in shaping Monster Stomp, an iconic seasonal show of SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream, where she now leads with choreography and production. Verenice’s journey reflects her commitment to learning, elevating others, and transforming her love of performance into a thriving career.

With more than 30 years at SeaWorld San Diego, Wendy Ramirez has built an extraordinary career rooted in animal care, leadership, and innovation. She began in 1991 as an Educator before advancing through every level of the Zoological department—from Associate Trainer to Senior Trainer, Supervisor, and eventually Curator. Over the years, Wendy has worked with a remarkable range of species including orcas, dolphins, sea lions, otters, walruses, and pilot whales. As a curator, Wendy oversees complex animal programs, leads high‑performing teams, and ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance. Wendy is passionate about developing future animal behaviorists and sharing the importance of conservation with guests. Her long-standing commitment and expertise continue to shape SeaWorld’s zoological excellence.

Mary Louise began her SeaWorld journey in 2009 in Culinary Operations. She returned as a seasonal assistant supervisor within the same department in the summers of 2011 and 2012. Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly Pomona in 2014, returning to work at SeaWorld following her graduation. Driven by her passion for marine life and inspired by family members in the education field, Mary Louise rejoined the SeaWorld team as a seasonal educator. She returned once more in 2016, this time as a full-time educator, where she gained experience in tours and camps. Her exemplary work and infectious personality made her a prime candidate for a promotion to Assistant Supervisor in 2018 where she focused on Tours. Her zeal for animals and the natural world merged with her innate skill in creating incredible experiences for SeaWorld guests, ultimately leading to the development of both a renewed VIP Tour program as well as a unique Penguin On-Ice Experience.