Disney continues to salute the U.S. military community in many ways, including supporting the needs of veterans transitioning into civilian workplaces. For its dedication to fostering a future of academic and professional success for our nation’s heroes, Disney was honored with the Daniel J. Edelman Corporate Champion of the Year award from Student Veterans of America (SVA).
Admiration for military service members, veterans and their families is an integral part of Disney’s history, which began with the company’s founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War.
Disney continues this legacy today, through impactful relationships with organizations like Student Veterans of America (SVA), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that student veterans and military-connected students achieve their greatest potential.
SVA’s Corporate Champion of the Year
The award, given at the 2025 SVA National Conference, marked the culmination of more than a decade of collaboration to help the next generation of veteran leaders flourish. Disney, one of SVA’s longest continuous supporters, previously received this distinguished honor in 2019.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition and cherish our longstanding partnership with Student Veterans of America,” said Tinisha Agramonte, SVP, 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.”
The company’s dedication to veterans continues with additional support for SVA, building upon Disney’s $1 million grant as a founding sponsor of the SVA Career Center which empowers veterans with the tools and guidance they need to successfully transition into the civilian workforce.
“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.”
Standing Behind Those Who Serve
In the year since its founding, the SVA Career Center has helped provide student veterans with resources, support and advocacy to ensure they can effectively expand their skills and realize their full potential.
John Arant, senior manager, Casting Services Recruitment, Disney Experiences, has spent the past year helping SVA transform their career center and job site to meet the evolving needs of student veterans.
“As part of Disney’s recruiting team and an Army veteran, I have ensured that Disney jobs are available to SVA members via their job board, allowing them to apply and learn about career paths at Disney,” said Arant. “This collaboration has been tremendous and continues to demonstrate Disney’s 100 years of service to our military, veterans and their families.”
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.
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.”
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.
Continuing Disney’s Legacy of Support
Today, Disney proudly salutes the thousands of U.S. military veterans who work in all areas of the company, recognizing their sacrifices while also continuing to support individuals who are transitioning to the civilian workforce at Disney and beyond.
Since 2012, Disney has contributed more than $20 million in funding and media support to nonprofit organizations focused on bringing joy and happiness to veterans and military families. The company was also recognized as one of the top 25 companies who hire veterans on the 2024 Military Times “Best for Vets” Employers rankings.
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 launched in 2012. To learn more about Disney’s support of military families and veterans, visit Impact.Disney.com.