Albany State University (ASU) student and Albany, Georgia local, Elizabeth Jones, is interning in Florida this summer at Disney, as part of the Disney on the Yard HBCU cohort. She is a junior mass communication major at the University. 

“Albany State was my introduction to HBCU culture, so being here in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by HBCU students from around the country, has put my knowledge to the test. I am honored to have such a historic University right in my hometown,” said Jones. 

The Disney College Program HBCU cohort provides an opportunity for meaningful connections and a sense of community where all participants can be their authentic selves. Over 20 front-line roles are offered across theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and resorts. Each role gives participants the opportunity to build transferable skills, including networking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. 

Jones recently attended a networking event with company executives and their teams. She also attends a weekly workshop, “Leadership 101,” to learn the qualities the workforce seeks in leaders. 

This isn’t the first internship Jones has secured. She previously interned in Albany with RAPCO Media. She has performed in numerous productions with the ASU theatrical ensemble, including “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow is Enuf” and “Paradise Blue,” and is a social media representative. With the theatre ensemble, she volunteered with First United Methodist Church for “Sunday Evening with Our Neighbors.” They collected toiletries, personal hygiene items, and clothing for those in need. 

Elizabeth also contributed to the Spring 2023 Volume 2 of Milestones, a magazine highlighting research and practice at ASU. Her article “Portrait of an ASU Alumnus,” shares the educational journey of Dr. O’Neil Smith, a senior processing engineer at Intel. 

She comes to ASU from Westover Comprehensive Highschool and Commodore Conyers College and Career (4C) Academy. After graduation, Jones hopes to work for Disney in Global Communication.