“As a proud supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences, Disney values our longstanding relationship with the African-American community and we continue to build on this with our sponsorship of the MEAC/SWAC Presented by Disney,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Domestic Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is more than just a football game – it’s a celebration for our whole community that underscores the importance of diversity and higher education.”

The ninth annual game will be only the second meeting between the two storied programs – first meeting in 1990 (FAMU won 28-13). Florida A&M played in the 2007 MEAC/SWAC Challenge and was edged by Southern 33-27.

For Florida A&M, the game will mark the team’s first game under recently named head coach Earl Holmes. The Rattlers went 4-7 overall in 2012, while the Delta Devils ended the 2012 season with a 5-4 mark.

“I consider it an honor and a privilege to open my first full season as head coach at Florida A&M in Orlando at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge,” said Holmes, a FAMU graduate who previously served as defensive coordinator. “The central location in the state will allow Rattlers from across Florida to converge on a place that they are familiar with. We focus our recruiting in the state, so we expect parents, families and friends to support the student-athletes.”
Karl Morgan, Mississippi Valley State’s head coach since January 2010, shares Holmes’ enthusiasm.  “I’m very excited our team will have the chance to open the season on ESPN against Florida A&M,” Morgan said. “To play on national TV two years in a row is huge for our program. We can’t wait to get to Orlando.”

Several additional events will take place around the game, including a high school career panel and a special “Fan Day” celebration at Walt Disney World.

“We are thrilled to have Florida A&M and Mississippi Valley State in this year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Regional Television. “Being in our ninth year, we are still focused on our mission, which is to build on HBCU traditions, while providing a stellar experience for the student-athletes and fans alike. This matchup gives us great momentum as we look down the road to our tenth anniversary in 2014.”

Tickets for the 2013 event will go on sale early summer.  Travel options to attend the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando are being finalized by Anthony Travel, the event’s official travel provider. Expected offerings will include discounted hotel accommodations, game tickets and specially-priced Theme Park Tickets. For more information, visit www.AnthonyTravel.com/MEACSWAC or call (888) 632-6951 for additional information.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, or to join the event’s following on Facebook and Twitter, visit the event’s official Web site at www.meacswacchallenge.com.

As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and education, The Walt Disney Company is sponsoring this year’s conference, with the theme “Bilingual Education: Magic Happens!” Attendees took on the role of students as they experienced special presentations and sessions on topics ranging from the Race to the Top initiative to the Spanish version of the Common Core Standards.

Mickey Mouse dropped in on the conference’s opening session for a ribbon- cutting ceremony. He helped accept the Ruby Sponsorship Award recognizing Disney as sponsor of the year for its support of NABE’s mission to bring bilingual education to a broader audience.

Central Florida leaders were involved in the festivities, including Orange County Public Schools superintendent Barbara Jenkins, who applauded the unique professional development opportunity the conference provides for educators dealing in cultural and linguistic diversity.

“Central Florida has become such an international community,” said Jenkins. “In Orange County Public Schools, we have 185,000 students that come from more than 200 countries with more than 163 languages and dialects spoken. Of those students, 20 percent come to us speaking a language other then English. We have to make sure we are accommodating, so bilingual education is critical for our community.”

NABE is the only nationwide network of professionals dedicated to serving English language learners and bilingual educators via education programs and legislative advocacy. For the past four decades, NABE has been committed to excellence in bilingual and biliteracy education for all students through enriched educational programs and intensive professional development for teachers, administrators, professors, policy makers and parents.

The annual event, held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, recognizes African-American businesses and entrepreneurs for their vision, business leadership and achievements.

“Our longstanding relationship with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is part of how Disney assists in the growth of small businesses in the region,” said Belinda Frazier, senior manager for Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Working with the Chamber also supports our efforts to increase business opportunities for diverse suppliers with Walt Disney World.”

“We are fortunate to live in a community where African American entrepreneurs and companies can thrive. They create jobs and contribute to the region’s economic health,” said Dr. Robert Spooney, president of the Chamber. “We are honored to partner with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to recognize them through the Eagle Awards.”

The Eagle Award was presented to Doug Hollis of Hollis Enterprises, Inc., a Central Florida food service firm. Other awards included: Corporation of the Year Award to The City of Orlando Blue Print Project and Universal Orlando Resort; Emerging Business of the Year Award to C&C Convenience, Inc.; Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Tom Kornegay of TeKontrol, Inc. and Anderson Hill of HZ Construction.

The Chamber also recognized Angeline Aguayo, a member of Disney’s Minority Business Development team, for her exemplary service to the organization.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. Steve Perry, a nationally-recognized expert on education.

Founding Trustee Award the African American Chamber of Commerce

Exemplary Service Award to Angeline Aguayo from the African American Chamber of Commerce

Silver Sponsor Award from the Black Business Investment Fund

Platinum Sponsor Award from HBIF Beacons Brunch

Chamber Trustee Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

2012

Presenting Sponsor Award from the National Black MBA Association

Dedication Award from the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce

Sponsorship Award for the Summer M-Powerment Luncheon from the African American Chamber of Commerce

Sponsor Award from the United Negro College Fund

Host Sponsor Award of the 2013 National Conference from ALPFA

Sponsor Award from the National Entrepreneur Center – 100 Club

Cornerstone Award for Youth Empowerment from the Central Florida Urban League

Sponsor Award from Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences

Presidente Award given to Matt Thursam from the Hispanic Business Council Kissimmee/Osceola County

Diamond Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens

2011

Eugene Campbell, VP of Minority Business Development, was awarded the Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando

Awarded the Diversity Champion Award by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Orlando

WDW was nominated for Corporation of the Year by the Central North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (cnFMSDC).

Matt Thursam, Manager of Supplier Diversity for MBD, was nominated for Supplier Diversity Coordinator of the Year by the cnFMSDC.

2010

Received the Corporate Recognition Award by the African American Chamber of Commerce.

Recognized by United States Asian American Chamber of Commerce for support of the Small and Minority Business Community

2009

Awarded by the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (FMSDC) for Corporation of the Year and Supplier Diversity Coordinator of the Year

Disney ranked 10^th nationwide in the list of top corporations for multicultural business opportunities by DiversityBusiness.com

Disney executives presented two awards–the Luminary award and the Lifetime Achievement award.  In what became a surprise to all attendees and the highlight of the evening, George Aguel, Senior VP Corporate Alliances and Operating Participants for Walt Disney World Resort, presented the first-time-ever Luminary award to Grammy Award winner Juan Luis Guerra. He was recognized for his outstanding career as a singer, songwriter and philanthropist around the world. Meanwhile, local community leader, Lizette Valarino, received the Liftetime Achievement award from Eugene Campbell, Vice President of Domestic Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“In its 15-year history, we’ve seen this event grow into one that not only unites our community, but also recognizes outstanding talent, perseverance, vision and achievement in a way that inspires us individually and collectively,” said Campbell, a past Don Quijote award winner.

Other businesses and individuals receiving Quijote awards were:

• CCH Marketing and Events, Inc. – Hispanic Business of the Year, 5 Years or Less
• Conpilog – Hispanic Business of the Year, more Than 5 Years
• Lourdes Quintana, Director, Central Florida Early Steps and Manager for the Developmental Center for Infants and Children, Orlando Health — Professional of the Year
• Melissa Martinez Hernandez, Director of Constituent Services for the Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio – Excellence Award
• Tony Jenkins, Market President, Central and Northwest Florida for Florida Blue – Hispanic Community Champion

For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.

For the past 23 years, the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation (HENNAC) has honored the nation’s best and brightest industry experts.  With young professionals as role models, HENNAC aims to inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in technology, while also staying connected with the Hispanic community.

This year, two Walt Disney World Cast Members were among the recipients for outstanding accomplishments in the STEM fields.

Vanessa Rosas, experience development manager, was a HENAAC Luminary Honoree, which recognizes individuals who are leading, collaborating and initiating key programs and research within their fields.

“With this award, I hope that I can continue to serve as an example in the community,” said Rosas.  “To be able to use engineering as a tool to make a difference in the world every day, will hopefully pathe the way for future generations to be inspired by STEM.”

Michael Labonge, director of design and engineering ride and show science systems, was announced as the 2012 Vanguard Award winner.  Labonge’s efforts directly impact the quality and safety of guest and employee experiences on attractions, transportation and entertainment venues Disney presents around the world.

The Vanguard Award was established in 2007 to honor individuals who may or may not have a technical background and are making huge progress in promoting STEM education and careers in their community, state and county.  A Vanguard Award recipient has the ability to convene large groups of stakeholders to positively change current patterns around STEM and the Hispanic Community.

“Working towards improving education around STEM is exciting,” said Labonge. “By going to local elementary and middle schools once a month and showing the students the lively and interactive Disney-branded presentations of science, engineering and mathematics, will help inspire them to pursue careers later on .”

Walt Disney World has been a proud sponsor of HENAAC since 2004, as part of its corporate commitment to the Hispanic community and dedication to professional development, achievement and innovation.

For more information on HENAAC and the convention, visit http://www.greatmindsinstem.org/henaac/conference/

Receiving top honors at the Gala were Eva Pagan Hill of Working Together Coalition, Chris Gent of Kissimmee Utility Authority, Augusto Sanabria of Hispanic Business Initiative Fund and Matt Thursam of Walt Disney World Resort.

Thursam was given the President Award for his efforts in setting up the first supplier diversity matchmaker in Osceola County. The event, held this past May, gave more than 200 local diverse subcontractors an opportunity to meet major prime contractors and register with Osceola County and its school districts’ procurement departments.

“I feel very honored to receive this special recognition, especiallysince I live in Osceola County,” said Thursam. “I am grateful to be associated with an organization that is focused on building capacity among its diverse business community.”

Through its Minority Business Development team, Walt Disney World Resort annually hosts more than a dozen matchmaking events throughout Central Florida with the hopes of connecting certified minority and women-owned businesses to opportunities with Disney and other local companies looking for products and services.

Televised live on ESPN, the gridiron battle at the Florida Citrus Bowl saw the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (MEAC) score a 38-28 victory over the Alabama State Hornets (SWAC). With the win, Bethune-Cookman became the first team to ever win back-to-back MEAC/SWAC Challenge games.

While football is at the center of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, it’s more than just a game – it’s a celebration that underscores the importance of diversity and higher education.

“We’re proud to sponsor the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, which brings bowl game energy and excitement to Central Florida at the start of college football season,” said Belinda Frazier, senior manager of Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. “Besides increasing spending in local venues during Labor Day weekend, this game and the events tied to it shine a national spotlight on our region and demonstrate our support of the African American community and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

Events tied to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge range from the ESPN 101 Career Panel for high school students to the Legends Reception honoring accomplished alums from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year, Central Florida community leaders Jack “Cy” McClairen and Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder were among those honored at the reception. McClairen currently works as senior associate athletic director for Bethune-Cookman. Pinder, also a B-CU graduate, has ministered around the world and recently celebrated 52 years as an Episcopal priest at Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando.

A special Fan Day at Walt Disney World on Saturday set the stage for Game Day. Wildcats and Hornets fans let their competitive spirit fly, all in good fun. Bethune-Cookman head football coach Brian Jenkins kicked off festivities at the first-ever MEAC/SWAC Challenge Pep Rally at Downtown Disney, which included appearances from star football players from both schools.

Later that afternoon at Epcot, hundreds of feet kept moving to the beat as the schools’ marching bands, drill teams and cheerleaders took the park by storm with parade of performances.

Edgewater High School set the stage for the ESPN 101 Career Panel, an event that kicked off the 8^th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.

Panelists such as Jay Harris, ESPN Sports Commentator; Duer Sharp, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Commissioner; and Dennis Thomas, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner spent the morning showing students how they can take a passion for sports and turn it into a career.

Students in the audience were encouraged to dream big and put action to it, so those dreams could come true.

“Take time to seek out help,” said Jay Harris, ESPN Sports Commentator.  “Listen, try to do what one says, and do your best at the job you are presented with.”

“Besides doing a job well, seeking out a good mentor and performing well academically is key,” said Duer Sharp, SWAC Commissioner.  “Education is the most important tool you will learn.”

The importance of mentoring was a common theme in the 90-minute discussion, as well as a commitment to developing skills and acquiring knowledge.

“The most important skill you can ever possess, for sports and beyond, is work ethic,” said Latria Leak, Community Relations and Cause Marketing Manager for the Orlando Magic. “If you dedicate yourself, are committed, and take pride in your work, you will go places.”

Another tip for landing a good career – think beyond what you know and explore as many options as you can.

“There is life after sports, and there are other venues of work to get into besides playing football,” said Dennis Thomas, MEAC Commissioner.  ”Work hard, work smart and when you help someone else out with their dream, you are more likely to obtain your dream.”