As we enter 2025, Disney continues to deepen the ways in which we salute the military community, within our company and beyond. For our dedication to fostering a successful future for our nation’s heroes, we were honored with the Daniel J. Edelman Corporate Champion of the Year award from Student Veterans of America (SVA).

Our legacy of admiration for service members and their families is an important part of Disney’s history that began with our founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.

We are continuing that 100-year legacy today, through impactful relationships with organizations like SVA, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that student veterans and military-connected students achieve their greatest potential.

We proudly accepted the award at SVA’s 2025 national conference in Colorado Springs, Colo. January 2-4. This is the second time Disney has been named SVA’s Corporate Champion of the Year, a recognition we were also honored to receive in 2019.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition and cherish our longstanding partnership with Student Veterans of America,” said Tinisha Agramonte, senior vice president, Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney has a proud history of honoring and supporting those who serve. We know how important it is to give back, support, and enrich the military community. It is our privilege to contribute to the success of student veterans as they embark on meaningful new chapters after their service to our nation.”

(Photo credit: Student Veterans of America)

Disney first teamed up with SVA more than a decade ago, and in 2023, we became the founding sponsor of the SVA Career Center, which empowers veterans with the tools and guidance they need to successfully transition into meaningful careers after their military service. Our dedication to the next generation of veteran leaders continues with additional support for the SVA Career Center, building upon our $1 million grant to help veterans find meaningful careers following their military service.

“Disney has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a true champion for the military and veteran community,” said Jared Lyon, president and CEO, Student Veterans of America. “Their steadfast collaboration, from becoming the Founding Sponsor of the SVA Career Center to making additional investments in its growth, has transformed the lives of countless student veterans. Through their support, Disney is helping us empower veterans to achieve their academic and career goals, paving the way for a brighter future for those who have served our nation.”

The dedication, purpose and leadership skills instilled by serving our country make those who have served strong contributors in the civilian workplace.

In the year since its launch, the SVA Career Center has already helped student veterans across the country with resources, support and advocacy to ensure they can effectively expand their skills and realize their full potential.

The online portal allows SVA members to connect with employers who value military service, refine their resumes, develop career strategies and more, all with the support and camaraderie of fellow veterans.

U.S. Navy veteran Jamie Springston credits the SVA Career Center as being a valuable resource in his post-military career journey. He served as a Hospital Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force) attached to numerous Marine units in combat operations for seven years. While deployed in Afghanistan, he participated in more than 120 missions providing medical coverage. 

Jamie began pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Marshall University in West Virginia following his military service and credits SVA with helping him find a community to support him as he navigated a difficult transition from the military. He later served as SVA chapter president until earning his degree in 2024. 

(Photo credit: Student Veterans of America)

Discovering the SVA Career Center was a pivotal moment. Jamie used its Career Pathways tool, which offered a holistic view of his military and civilian experiences, skills, education, and interests, to explore new possibilities. The suggested pathways opened his mind to future roles and how he could best position himself to be competitive.

“The career center founded by Disney has been transformative,” said Jamie. “I’m not the same person I was three years ago. It’s helped me be better prepared to be competitive in securing a meaningful career following my military service.”

(Photo credit: Student Veterans of America)

Jamie especially valued the Center’s job board, with real-time listings that gave him a practical sense of his options. He describes the SVA Career Center as the most valuable resource he’s encountered in navigating his military and educational transitions, enabling him to consider new career directions with confidence and clarity.

The SVA career center coupled with mentorship from SVA student advisors helped Jamie prepare effectively for an interview and secure the role as a civil rights specialist with FEMA early in the process. He is enjoying his new role while also pursuing a master’s degree in social work so he can continue to serve his community.

Our collaboration with SVA is just one example of our longstanding respect and appreciation for those who serve.

Today, we proudly salute the thousands of veterans who work for Disney, recognizing their sacrifices while also continuing to support individuals who are transitioning to the civilian workforce at Disney and beyond. We’re committed to hiring, developing and celebrating veterans, and integrating their skills and values into our company’s culture.

Since 2012, we have hired thousands of veterans and contributed more than $20 million in funding and media support to nonprofit organizations focused on bringing joy and happiness to veterans and military families.

Veterans, military personnel and military spouses are invited to explore open opportunities and discover where a career with Disney may take them through the Heroes Work Here initiative. To learn more about how Disney supports military families and veterans, visit Impact.Disney.com.