CBS Corporation & American Corporate Partners Mentorship Program
Did you know? More than 1 million veterans are expected to transition from the armed forces to civilian life over the next five years?
American Corporate Partners (ACP) engages the American people in a unique volunteer opportunity to provide career guidance to returning military veterans as they transition back into civilian life. Founded in 2008, ACP, a national nonprofit organization, helps veterans find their next career through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice.
We believe that the biggest issue facing our returning service members is not unemployment – its underemployment. ACP focuses on helping veterans find meaningful employment opportunities and develop long-term careers.
Since 2016, CBS has supported ACP by providing CBS Mentors from across the company who are mentoring recently separated and soon to be transitioning Veterans.
It has been an honor and privilege to facilitate our partnership with ACP and being a part of a wonderful organization that assists veterans’ transition back into civilian life. We have made an impact to several Protégés to date!
Betty Diaz
Liaison for CBS & American Corporate Partners Mentorship Program
For more information, please visit: http://www.acp-usa.org/
2018 CBS & ACP Partnership
My desire to get involved with ACP was my small way to say thanks to the veterans, and give back. After almost a year on the waiting list, I got the call late in 2017 saying we have a potential match. Steve and I met, hit it off immediately and talk, text, email regularly. Steve “Sam” Mundackal is a proud marine, which has no doubt shaped him in many ways, as has his amazing family. Since knowing Steve I have a deep admiration and respect for his incredible work ethic, time management skills, his energy, belief in himself, and his great of humor. When we first met he was working very long hours doing security detail at the UN, while finishing up his college coursework simultaneously and still somehow pursing acting opportunities wherever possible. He’s since finished his coursework, and moved to L.A. to pursue a career path in acting. A natural leader, I know that whether it be acting, directing, or something else entirely, he will be very successful. For my part as a mentor, I’ve tried to not only share some industry experiences, and ways to approach work and life in the industry, but also to provide networking opportunities, and be a trustworthy confidant and sounding board as he navigates the waters of his new career path in a field I’ve been lucky to have a variety of roles in mainly on the business and technical side, for over 20 years.
Mike Pannacciulli
VP Advanced Services
CBS Television Networks Distribution
My experience with ACP, it’s wonderful staff and my mentor Mike Pannacciulli has been nothing less of an amazing experience. I could honestly say that it’s the best mentor ship program I’ve been through and trust me when I say this cause I’ve been through quite a few while serving Uncle Sam. I don’t even think I could call Mike my mentor because he’s been more of a big brother to me than just a mentor. I couldn’t have asked for a better big brother/mentor than Mike and for that I thank ACP. I’m excited for the future and looking forward to make my big brother proud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
Steve A. Mundackal
Uniformed Protection
Diplomatic Security
LA Passport Agency
Department of State
It has been an honor to participate in the ACP mentorship program these past several months. My mentee, Taneshia McFadden, is currently serving with the US Navy. It has been a rewarding experience to strategize with Taneshia as she pursues career opportunities within the civilian workforce. We have focused on Taneshia’s short and long term career goals and action plans as she looks to transition out of the Navy in January of 2019. Empowering Taneshia to pursue her career is a small token of appreciation for her selfless sacrifice to this nation. I look forward to receiving word that she’s been offered the job of her dreams!
Whitney Davis
Director, Entertainment Diversity
CBS Network
My experience thus far in the program has pushed me to break outside of my comfort zone and be more open with you, as my mentor, on
my career interests. This experience has allowed me to think of ways to find my purpose and interests that align with a career that will be
fulfilling not only to myself but others that I can impact.
Taneshia
US Navy Veteran
I’m honored to be participating in ACP’s Mentoring Program. I feel fortunate to be able to give back to our veterans in any way. I have developed a real bond with my protégé & friend, Joe, and always look forward our next communication. Throughout our time in the program together, we have worked extensively on resume/cover letter writing and interview technique/practice, and Joe has made tremendous progress. I’m looking forward to continuing my relationship with Joe and with ACP.
Brad Trangucci
Director, Programming Research
Showtime
Brad was an excellent mentor throughout this entire process. He genuinely cared about my career goals and was supportive the whole time. His expert advice and experience is a great asset to my job search. He has a wonderful personality and is super professional. Anyone would be lucky to have him as a mentor.”
Joe Archey
US Military Veteran
2017 CBS & ACP Partnership
Chris Simon (right), Executive Vice President of Network sales at CBS, and Chris Weimar, a recently retired Air-Force officer. The two were paired in 2016. On March 9, 2017 they met for lunch to discuss career options in the New York/Tri-City area.
Betty Diaz (left), Director of Research for Affiliate Relations and Holly, a Marine Corps Veteran. Since the two have been paired, they have been in close contact. Holly is interested in directing and writing, so Betty has connected Holly to folks in the entertainment & media business. They are currently working to schedule a "Career Shadow Week," where Holly will be able to see up close parts of the industry she is most interested in.
Dawn Marie Hills (left) of the corporate tax department was paired up with Yolanda (right) in Texas. When Yolanda signed up for the program, she stated one of her goals as getting a job in a public accounting firm in her home town of San Antonio. Dawn and Yolanda spoke regularly, up to 3 times a week, in the first few months of their partnership. Here is the email we received from Yolanda in 2017:
"I just wanted to share some GREAT NEWS with you!!!
Dawn has done an AMAZING JOB helping me to update my resume and properly prepare for job interviews! She has taken time to answer any questions I have had and advised me how to properly prepare for an interview by doing homework/research on the company, reading the latest Tax/Accounting updates, practicing possible interview questions, and much more!
Shortly after my preparation with Dawn, I landed an interview with a CPA firm that has been recognized, for multiple years in a row, as one of the Best Places to Work in San Antonio in the small business category. I could go on and on about the company but wanted to share that with the wisdom, guidance, and expertise Dawn shared with me, I was prepared and confidently spoke about my experiences during the interview. I then had a second interview with the President and CEO, and have now received and ACCEPTED an offer for the POSITION!!!!! I AM SUPER EXCITED about this opportunity!