A Shared Path Leads to a Shared Future with Disney Aspire

Lina Toledo

by , Manager, Employee Branding & Communications

Disney is all about the magic of dreams coming true — and, sometimes, that might even include meeting that special someone. 

In 2019, Lindsey Medlen and Nick Calamaro both joined Walt Disney World Resort as vacation planners, but that wasn’t all they had in common. Before meeting, both had also decided to put their education and career #DreamsWithinReach through Disney Aspire – Disney’s education investment program that pays 100% tuition up front at a network of nationwide institutions. Lindsey was busy pursuing a Master’s in Marketing Communication Management from the University of Denver and Nick an Associate Degree from the University of Central Florida. While Lindsey worked at EPCOT and Nick at Magic Kingdom Park, it wasn’t until two years later that they met by happenstance. 

On an early morning in 2021, Lindsey and Nick’s paths crossed for the first time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. They quickly discovered the similarities in their Disney story and that they were both enrolled in Disney Aspire—and the rest was history.

Now graduated, engaged and living out their happily ever after, Lindsey and Nick have continued pursuing their career goals together. Since enrolling in Disney Aspire, they’ve both been promoted into new and exciting roles. Today, Nick works as a vacation planning associate with Disney Vacation Club while he pursues a second degree through Disney Aspire. Lindsey recently started a new role as a franchise coordinator on the global marketing team.

“I’m thankful for Disney Aspire because it’s given us the opportunity to pursue our dreams here at Walt Disney World,” said Nick.

Lindsey and Nick in front of Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

And that’s not all—as Lindsey and Nick countdown to the day they finally say “I do” in November, they’re also busy celebrating another huge milestone – becoming homeowners.

“Disney Aspire’s given us the opportunity to purchase a home together,” said Lindsey. “And start our lives together!” 

To learn more about how Disney Aspire is helping make dreams come true, visit aspire.disney.com.

Disney Aspire is the most comprehensive education investment program of its kind, offering 150+ programs at a network of educational institutions nationwide. As part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to investing in its employees and cast members, Disney Aspire puts #DreamsWithinReach by removing key barriers to pursuing education and inspiring career mobility.