Room: P0806 A & B

Welcome from Normandale and MCDA Annual Meeting (President)

As a young African American man growing up in a working-class, single-parent household in Los Angeles, I learned early on how to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. My journey from the streets of L.A.’s Crenshaw District, where survival meant navigating complex social and personal challenges, to becoming Dr. Watts, is one of resilience, grit, and innovation. Through the art of personal storytelling, I will share the lessons learned from my experiences, including overcoming abuse, systemic barriers, and societal expectations, to highlight the transformative power of resilience and reinvention.

Drawing from Dr. Tara J. Yosso’s Cultural Wealth Model (2005), I will explore how professionals and students of color bring valuable forms of cultural capital—such as navigational and familial capital—into their education and careers. This keynote will challenge leaders across all sectors to recognize and celebrate the cultural wealth within their communities, while offering practical strategies to foster cultural responsiveness and allyship. Attendees will leave inspired to embrace resilience, adapt to future workplace challenges, and champion equity and inclusion in their roles, aligning with MCDA’s mission to promote professional growth and community.

Break

#1 - Skills-Based Hiring Practices: A Powerful Design for Job Seekers and Career Counselors

Room: P1840

Allen Mavis, Senior Specialist, Goodwill Easter Seals/Consultant, Facilitator, Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator

SESSION DESCRIPTION

Skills-based hiring has grown significantly in popularity across many industries as employers shift their focus from traditional degree requirements to demonstrated competencies. Whether a student, job seeker, or employer, competencies and skills are the absolute foundation that allow us to work and develop as individuals and together in workplaces. From education to the entirety of the employee experience - job descriptions, interviews, onboarding, advancement; it is a new and deeper focus on competencies and skills that will provide an accurate, supportive, and all-embracing process for everyone in the workforce community going forward. This session will open up the discovery concerning the true power that lies within competencies and skills as they build successful and competitive workplaces and develop confident, empowered, productive employees.     

PRESENTER BIO: Allen Mavis brings a 20-year history of providing individual and group employment development services to a vast demographic. Educationally, he holds a Master’s in Education with a specialty in career and technical curriculum, a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science, and a Human Resources Generalist certification from the University of Minnesota. Allen’s current position as a Senior Workforce Development Training Specialist has him supporting 150 human service staff in competency onboarding and professional development. Allen is also an active business consultant / instructor in skills-based hiring, retention, and employee advancement practices to HR and business teams. He has developed a nationally recognized skills-based delivery model alongside the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chambers of Commerce, and the Twin Cities Metro County Workforce Boards.

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#2 – Careers in Career Development Panel

Room: P0806 A&B

Dean DeGroot (Innerview Consulting), Denise Felder (University of Minnesota), Andrew Larson (HIRED), Cindy Larson (MN CareerForce Center), Shelley Jensen-Decker (Ascend). Panel Moderator: Brandon Beaulieu (Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota)

SESSION DESCRIPTION
This panel will answer the question, ‘Where do career professionals work?’  Each panelist will represent one of the five common work settings of career practitioners:  Higher Education, Nonprofit, Government, Private Practice, and Outplacement.  We’ll learn about the clients they serve, the services they provide, current trends, the qualifications needed to work in these settings, and hear their own personal stories!  We’ll allow time at the end for questions from the audience.

PANELIST BIOS:

Dean DeGroot, Owner, Innerview Consulting
A business consultant and licensed psychologist, Dean has been involved as a change agent and career counselor for individuals and organizations for 35 years. Managing transitions, training, and psychological/career assessment are areas in which Dean has made a difference. In 2022, he and his co-author, Liz Willis, launched their book “Game Plan: An Insider’s Guide to Effective Career Assessment”: Dean is currently proprietor of Innerview Consulting, where he conducts career/selection/organizational assessment, team building, one-to-one counseling and career transition workshops. Refocusing direction and conquering fear are often life’s challenges, and they are the value often achieved when clients collaborate with Dean. Dean possesses a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis & Therapy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He has been involved in post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, as well as coursework in counseling.

He is also Past-President of the Minnesota Career Development Association (MCDA) and is the recipient of several awards: 2003 & 2017 Marty Dockman Merit Award for contributions in the field of career development, and in 2015 the Jules Kerlan Outstanding Achievement Award which recognizes significant contributions in the field of career guidance, counseling and development, the highest honor bestowed by MCDA.

Denise Felder (she/her; @DeniseMpls), Associate Director of Career Services, University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. 

Denise is a Workforce Equity Advocate dedicated to helping Everyday People make positive choices that impact their lives and communities. Denise has supported the college and career readiness of students from marginalized communities in high schools, colleges and universities, and in adult learning settings across Minnesota. Her presentations at the 2024 NCDA Global Conference included “What it Actually Means to be Anti-Racist in Career Services,” and “Can Career Advising be Decolonized: What's a Conscious Practitioner to Do?.” Connect with Denise on LinkedIn or BlueSky.

Shelley Jensen-Decker

Andrew Larson, Employment Counselor, Hired

Andrew has been working in workforce development since 2012. His career includes working as an AmeriCorps volunteer, with the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and within Career Pathways, Dislocated Worker and Adult Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 3 different organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Metro State University. “I enjoy helping people become self-sufficient through employment.”

Cindy Larson, Workforce Development Field Operations Area Manager, MN DEED

Cindy Larson has over 27 years of combined experience in workforce development and residential services, supporting youth and adults from diverse backgrounds in overcoming employment and socioeconomic barriers, as well as assisting individuals with disabilities. She has held leadership roles on numerous interdisciplinary boards, including serving on three Regional Workforce Development Boards, as President of the Minnesota Vocational Evaluators and Work Adjustment Association (VEWAA), on the National VEWAA Board, and as Co-Chair of the Interdisciplinary Employment Workgroup for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.  With a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Cindy has worked across nonprofit, private, and public sectors, gaining a comprehensive understanding of support service delivery. Currently, she leverages her extensive experience supporting all Minnesotans with career services.

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#3 - Using Humor and Metaphorical Thinking in Career Development

Room: P1838

Darren Kaltved, Associate Director, Career Services

Anya Mukraj, Student, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota

SESSION DESCRIPTION

Over the past few years there have been many ups and downs, winding roads and roadblocks in the job market. Yet, there remains one constant that has helped us all adapt, grow and move forward through the tough times; that constant is humor. What better way to help our students and clients going through similar challenges than to incorporate humor, and metaphorical concepts that provide them the hope and development they so deserve and need in establishing their own legacy.

With the idea that laughter is the best medicine and makes us feel better, we thought it would be fun to explore the concept of using humor and metaphorical thinking in our career counseling, advising and coaching work. During these very stressful, and challenging times it's extremely important to gain perspective and to step back and laugh, relate concepts to commonalities, and explore how to use humor and context relationships in our work in all settings.

PRESENTER BIOS

Darren Kaltved currently serves as the Associate Director of Career Services for the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He brings over 22 years of quality practitioner experience in career and professional development, was a nominee for National Career Counselor of the Year (NCDA), and has held numerous local and national professional leadership roles. Darren is known for being a “maximizer” and "metaphorical genius," and loves playing a vital role in assisting students/clients in making their career dreams become a reality. He recently co-authored a book titled “Love at First Interview: 8 Steps to Land a Job”. Darren earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Springfield College. Fun Facts: Darren was a finalist for the show The Amazing Race, has hiked Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood, and has over 100 constructed lego sets. 

Anya Mukraj is a junior at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a double major in Human Resource Development and Dance, with a minor in Management. She currently serves as a Career Services Intern at the School of Public Health, where she helps enhance career resources, plan events, and foster professional connections. Passionate about building strong interpersonal relationships, Anya strives to create inclusive and equitable environments in both professional and artistic spaces. Her work bridges human development, organizational strategy, and creative expression, preparing her for a career centered on people, growth, and impact.

 

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#4 - Career Play: Counseling Strategies for Wonder, Choice, and Joy

Room: P1808

Vic Massaglia, Michael Stebleton, Abby Wilfert, University of Minnesota

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Career scholar John Krumboltz encouraged career educators to ask their clients a key question: "What fun will you next try?" When discussing career planning, an important element often goes unnamed: the relevance of play. Our session will provide some context regarding how the concept of play has been applied to career counseling settings. More specifically, we will examine and discuss with participants how play principles can be applied to career advising and career development processes. Although the focus will be on how counselors can use play to support clients, we will do an exercise that asks attendees to apply play concepts to their own lives. The method of presentation will be largely discussion and interactive. The session is aimed at all audiences and levels.

 

PRESENTER BIOS

Vic Massaglia is the Director of Career Services at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a PhD student in Higher Education. His research interests include character and identity development, spiritual growth, and social activism.

Michael J. Stebleton is Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. His scholarly interests focus on career development.

Abby Wilfert is a Graduate Instructor and Higher Education PhD Candidate in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her research pertains to career development through experiential learni

Casual lunch of sandwiches or salads will be provided. Vegetarian, Vegan or gluten free options available upon request. Sit anywhere on campus (outside if it’s nice out) and discuss conference topics or anything else.

An employer panel of five (5) recruiters representing a variety of industries and organizations will share information on their hiring processes, current job market and future employment needs.  We'll be asking them how we can help coach candidates to stand out from the crowd of applicants!  We also appreciate their insights into how recent events and AI are impacting changes in the workplace.

Panelists:
Mychelle Bridgeford, HR Business Partner, Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW)
Starting her 4th year in HR, Mychelle thrives on building meaningful connections and making workplaces better. With experience across the full spectrum of HR, she is passionate about aligning people strategies with business goals to drive success.

Christopher Buckley, Talent Acquisition Partner, National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
Chris has worked in talent acquisition for over 5 years. He started his career at the U of M in career services & alumni relations for 11 years. He enjoys helping NMDP’s leaders identify the best people to accomplish our life saving mission & guiding candidates through the hiring process (once a career counselor, always a career counselor!).

Elizabeth Diley, Director of Emerging Talent & Careers, Medtronic
Bringing over 17 years of experience in talent acquisition, Elizabeth leads efforts to build upon Medtronic’s outstanding legacy of engaging early career talent & help build an innovative pipeline of future leaders. Elizabeth spent a majority of career at General Mills, where she led campus recruiting and talent branding across the US & Canada designing programs that helped achieve the prestigious Forbes #1 spot for “Best Employer for New Grads.” A board member of NACE (National Association for Colleges & Employers), and a mentor in the BestPrep High School Mentorship program, Elizabeth is passionate about expanding access to resources and opportunities for those who need them most.

Erin Koolen, Senior Account Executive, Beacon Hill Solutions Group
With over 20 years of experience in career development and the employment industries, Erin is a highly accomplished recruiting professional recognized for helping individuals find meaningful work. Her extensive knowledge of career planning continues to influence her work, enabling her to make connections that truly make an impact.
Erin is the proud mother of two daughters who keep her joyfully busy attending their many activities. Passionate about giving back, she is also an active dog rescue foster.

Carolyn Rice, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Passionate & dynamic HR professional with 19 years of experience in HR. The last almost four (4) years, with the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. Carolyn’s primary career focus has been in recruitment retention, and training. Carolyn thrives from building relationships with candidates, employees, and hiring managers.

#5 – From Career Counseling to AI Coaching: The Evolving Role of Career Advisors

Room: P0806 A&B

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Generative AI is rapidly transforming the job search process, forcing career professionals to evolve from traditional advising roles into AI mentors. As AI reshapes hiring practices, we must equip students with the skills to leverage AI effectively while maintaining authenticity.

This session, based on sabbatical research, will explore AI’s impact on career advising and provide practical strategies for integrating AI into job search and graduate school coaching. Attendees will learn how to teach students AI competency, navigate ethical concerns, and position themselves as essential guides in an era of AI-driven hiring.

Key Takeaways:
-  Why career professionals must act now—AI’s growing role in hiring and applicant tracking systems.
-  How to coach students on AI usage—boosting effectiveness for resumes, cover letters, interviews, and graduate school applications.
-  How to future-proof career advising—becoming AI mentors rather than being replaced by AI technologies.

Interactive Demo:  Attendees will preview new AI-powered career resources launching at Winona State University in Fall 2025, including a specialized job search chatbot. 

This session is ideal for career professionals seeking to stay ahead of AI trends and enhance their advising strategies.

PRESENTER BIO: Amy Meyer is an academic advisor and career counselor at Winona State University, where she has guided students in their career development for 13 years. Currently on sabbatical, she is researching the effective use of generative AI in job searches and graduate school applications. Prior to higher education, Amy spent 20 years in the software industry in roles including software developer, product manager, and director of product and solution marketing. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance student success and prepare our future professionals for an evolving job market.

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#6 – Bridging the Gap: Using eLearning to Enhance Career Development

Room: P1840

Vic Massaglia, Director of the Career & Professional Development Center at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Jamie Eibs, Adhora Madhuri, Anya Mukraj. Jadyn Pye are students in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.

SESSION DESCRIPTION
This breakout session explores the transformative potential of eLearning platforms in career development. Participants will discover how these digital tools can create accessible, dynamic, and personalized learning experiences for individuals seeking to enhance their career readiness. We will showcase practical applications for topics such as job preparation, networking, interviewing, and the development of both hard and soft skills. Attendees will gain insights into effective practices and content strategies for utilizing eLearning to empower their audiences and foster personal and professional advancement.

PRESENTER BIOS:
Vic Massaglia is the Director of the Career Services at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. He is on a mission to guide and support individuals navigating life's transitions by fostering meaningful connections and inspiring positive change in the world. His approach is to work with compassion, continually developing his craft of facilitation, coaching, and teaching. He aims to help people discover their gifts and become their best selves. He is deeply passionate about social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is at his best when serving others. 

Jaimie Eibs is a senior at the University of Minnesota double majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Development. She works at the School of Public Health (SPH) Career Services office as a Human Resource Development intern where she collaborates with other student workers and career counselors to achieve optimal learning and growth outcomes for both students and staff of SPH. Jaimie has a strong interest in employee engagement, as well as training and development which drives most of her projects and efforts at Career Services.

Adhora Madhuri is a second-year graduate student in the Epidemiology program at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) and is currently serving as a Graduate Student Assistant at SPH Career Services. As an international student from Bangladesh, she is passionate about health equity, and one day wants to contribute to epidemiological research that will reduce health disparities and increase medical access to those residing in marginalized, low-income communities. She is also the Co-founder and Secretary of the International Students in Public Health organization at the school and aims to foster professional and academic collaboration and cultivation among the diverse student groups at the School of Public Health. 

Anya Mukraj is a junior at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a double major in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Dance, with a minor in Management. She currently serves as an HRD intern at the School of Public Health Career Services office, where she helps enhance career resources, plan events, and foster professional connections. Passionate about building strong interpersonal relationships, Anya strives to create inclusive and equitable environments in both professional and artistic spaces. Her work bridges human development, organizational strategy, and creative expression, preparing her for a career centered on people, growth, and impact.

Jadyn Pye is a current senior at the University of Minnesota, working as a Human Resource Development (HRD) intern at the School of Public Health Career Services. She is majoring in business and marketing education and is working towards her certificate in HRD. Her current role with the School of Public Health is leading their marketing and communications initiatives along with coordinating their eLearning platform, Canvas, to better reach and help a larger number of students.

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#7 - Well-Being at Work – Building Individual and Organizational Resilience

Room: P1838

Beth Johnson, Owner, Redtail Communications

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Just as the flight attendant’s instructions are to put the mask on before assisting others, its imperative organizational leaders take ownership of their own wellbeing before considering the wellbeing of their team members. You’ve perhaps been in a workshop where the focus was on how to ensure the wellbeing of your team, but you can’t shake the thought, “what about me?” In addition to looking at what leaders can do for their team; we will encourage participants to reflect on their own wellbeing. Gallup reports that 28% of U.S. employees experience burnout on the job very often or always. This session examines the five elements of wellbeing from the Gallup book, Wellbeing at Work, How to Build Resilient and Thriving Teams. The five elements are (in order of importance): career, social, financial, community and physical. Exploration of all five elements of wellbeing aims to cultivate the whole person at work.

PRESENTER BIO: Beth Johnson is a lifelong learner and communicator with a master's degree in educational administration. After working in the public sector in education and communications, she spent 14 years in professional services marketing before focusing on coaching and training for groups and business owners through her business, RedTail Communications. As a certified CliftonStrengths coach, she is energized by working with teams and individuals to explore how understanding what we bring to a group and what we need from a group promotes wellbeing and greater job satisfaction.

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#8 – Supporting Uniquely-Wired (Neurodivergent) Individuals

Room: P1808

SESSION DESCRIPTION
This engaging session offers career development and coaching professionals an opportunity to expand their approaches to support neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, Autism, OCD, and other neurodevelopmental differences. The presentation will delve into the complex narratives surrounding neurodiversity, exploring the intersection of mythology, modern scientific research, and contemporary media reporting. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of all neurodivergent individuals offer, challenges they face in the current era, and commonly co-occurring physical and mental health conditions. The discussion will highlight key elements for developing individually-tailored strategies for support in academic, training, and various workplace settings.

Key Takeaways:
-  Debunking Myths: Examine historical and cultural myths surrounding neurodivergent conditions, particularly ADHD, to foster higher levels of informed awareness.
-  Scientific Insights: Engage with the latest scientific research on neurodivergent conditions, highlighting their genetic underpinnings.
-  Strengths-Based Coaching: Learn how to focus on leveraging strengths rather than focusing only on addressing challenges, fostering confidence and building self-worth.
-  Practical Tools and Techniques: Explore effective methods, tools and resources for working with uniquely-wired brains/bodies including analog tools, assistive technology, and AI.

 

PRESENTER BIO: Donna Addkison -- College instructor. High-ranking state government appointee. Liaison to National Guard, Highway Patrol, State Emergency Management Agency. High-ranking city government appointee. Chief Development Officer in Post-Katrina New Orleans. Executive at regional and national organizations. Chambers of Commerce, economic development foundations. Entrepreneur. Consultant. Published writer. ADHD Coach.

After several high-pressure careers, a handful of hurricanes, and a pandemic, Donna decided it was time to figure out what allowed her to see the world differently, be viewed as successful, and yet feel so unsure of herself and her abilities much less understand what caused all those problematic things across careers and relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD after turning 50, Donna decided it was time find a better way. She turned to ADDCA for help understanding her brain. She was given so much more. Donna found WHO she is, WHAT impacts her brain, HOW to manage the pesky and revel in the sparkly parts of her neurodivergence.

And! She found her path as an ADHD coach, partnering with individuals, partners, and households to rebuild hope, regain choice, and refine unique approaches to be the WHO they are while doing the WHAT they need and want to do. Her clients come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. They are working toward a dizzying assortment of collegiate, graduate level, and professional pursuits.

When she’s not coaching, teaching yoga, or writing, Donna can be found wandering, gardening, biking, listening to live music, volunteering, or playing with her two grandsons or three rescued Yorkshire Terriers. Originally from the Deep South, Donna now calls Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota home.

Credentials: Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation (ICF); Professional Certified ADHD Coach (PCAC), Professional Association for ADHD Coaches; Master of Science, Criminal Justice; Master of Arts, Political Science; Bachelor of Arts, English with Honors in Political Science

Room: P0806 A & B