Protecting the Magic with Disney Global Security
“Disney’s focus on creativity, storytelling and creating meaningful experiences is truly unique. Being able to take what I learned during my service and apply those principles in a different way in my role at The Walt Disney Company has been a rewarding experience,” says U.S. Army veteran, Carissa.
Carissa served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Platoon Sergeant in Concord, California, where she developed leadership, teamwork and communication skills that continue to shape her career today.
After completing her military service, Carissa transitioned to civilian life and pursued a career at Disney. Inspired by Disney’s stories of adventure, especially with strong female characters, she saw a path to apply her military experience in the next step for her career. “Having the opportunity to work for an organization that inspired me from such a young age feels incredibly full circle, and still a little surreal at times.”
Today, Carissa is an executive assistant with Disney Global Security and recently celebrated her first year at The Walt Disney Company. She describes her time so far as “incredibly dynamic and rewarding.”
“What I enjoy most is helping create an environment where people feel connected and genuinely enjoy coming into the office,” said Carissa. “Acting as a bridge between teams by ensuring that information flows smoothly, while also bringing lighthearted moments into busy weeks, especially during high‑pressure times, is what makes my role most fulfilling.”
A critical role in the magic
It takes a great team to keep the magic safe at Disney. Global Security is made up of many departments including Investigations, Design & Engineering, Workplace Security and Asset Protection.
“I currently support four different teams, each with their own personalities, talents and priorities,” said Carissa. “That variety keeps every day interesting, and consistently introduces new challenges that encourage creative thinking, open collaboration and continuous learning.”
In her role, Carissa helps foster her team’s culture and brings people together. Last year, she planned and executed a Global Security Mixer at Disneyland, connecting internal and external partners to strengthen relationships and encourage engagement. “It was incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life and to watch so many talented professionals connect, collaborate and build relationships.”
Applying transferable skills
As a veteran, Carissa has found that many of the skills she gained during her service continue to serve her well in her civilian role.
“I’ve always felt comfortable working in the security field due to my military background, and when combined with my experience in administration and management, Global Security felt like the best of both worlds for me. I appreciate the collaboration and adaptability required in security roles, and that the work is dynamic, fast‑paced and constantly evolving, which encourages quick and creative thinking, especially under pressure.”
“The military taught me that success is rarely an individual effort.”
While the cultures differ, Carissa sees strong similarities between military service and Disney. Both emphasize collaboration among people from diverse backgrounds who take pride in what they do and the “mission” they contribute to.
“The lessons I learned during my service influence how I approach my role every day,” she says. “I rely on organization, clear communication and adaptability to support leaders and teams, especially when priorities shift. I also try to be mindful of the well‑being and perspectives of those around me, because I believe people do their best work when they feel supported, heard and valued.”
Carissa also spoke to the support that Disney offered as she started her transition to civilian life. From onboarding and being immediately welcomed to share her service background and experience to joining the veteran Employee Resource Group, she is proud to join the strong veteran community at The Walt Disney Company.
A place to grow
Throughout her first year at Disney, Carissa has felt supported in her growth and development. That support has allowed her to learn about different areas of the company, build new skills to succeed in her role and explore the various paths her career can take.
“From my experience, growth isn’t limited to formal career moves. It happens every day through collaboration, exposure to different teams and being trusted with new responsibilities. Leaders are genuinely invested in development, whether that’s through hands‑on learning, open communication or opportunities to take on new challenges.”
Ready for the next chapter
Carissa is excited about her future at Disney and is proud to be a part of its legacy. She encourages anyone interested in joining the company to explore roles relevant to their experience. “Be yourself, tell your story and stay open to new opportunities. Disney brings people from different places and backgrounds together in a truly magical way and being able to show up as your authentic self while contributing to that magic in your own way is an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Visit DisneyCareers.com to discover how you can be part of the story.
