In the hustle of professional life, it’s easy to focus solely on career goals and daily responsibilities. But for many, true fulfillment often comes from the impact we make beyond the workplace. This Career Coffee session will explore the power of giving back—whether through volunteering, mentoring, community engagement or conservation efforts—and how these experiences can enrich both personal and professional growth.
We will discuss how dedicating time to causes we care about can strengthen leadership skills, expand networks and provide a renewed sense of purpose. Attendees will hear inspiring stories from individuals who have integrated service into their lives and gain actionable strategies for finding meaningful opportunities that align with their values.
Join us to discover how stepping beyond the daily grind can lead to deeper connections, greater resilience and a more balanced, purpose-driven life.
This is a virtual event. An access link will be provided upon registration. The Career Coffee series is free for members and $10 for non-members (per session). Space is limited.
Panelists:
Sarah Bhimani, Strategic Communication Manager, Animal Humane Society
Sarah Bhimani is the Strategic Communications Manager at Animal Humane Society where she leads the organization’s internal communications and PR functions. She has 15 years of experience in internal and external communications and public relations for nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors. She began her professional career as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Sarah has been a PRSA member since 2019, has served on the chapter's DEI Committee since 2022 and was appointed 2024 DEI Committee co-chair. She also volunteers with We Can Ride, a therapeutic horseback riding nonprofit organization.
Kenny Devine, Director, Padilla
Kenny Devine is a Director at Padilla, a full-service communications and marketing agency based in Minneapolis, with nine years of experience in creating and executing communications strategies that connect brands with their relevant audiences. His skill set includes media relations, crisis communications, influencer marketing, media training/coaching, internal communications and digital advertising and marketing. Within the agency, he works and has worked on behalf of brands including Winnebago Industries, Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), Armstrong Ceilings, Midwest Dairy and Ellsworth Creamery.
In a volunteer capacity, Kenny is the Minneapolis leader of Padilla’s “PluggedIn Committee” which plans pro bono projects, sets annual giving and organizes companywide volunteering projects. Outside of his company, Kenny volunteers his time with the following organizations:
- University of Minnesota Regent Candidate Advisory Council, 2024-Present (councilmember)
- BestPrep, 2024-Present (board member)
- Minnesota Public Relations Society of America, 2023-Present (member of the student relations committee, liaison to the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas PRSSA chapters)
- MPLS Regional Chamber, 2021-Present (graduate of Leadership Twin Cities in 2022, starting second year on the Leadership Twin Cities Steering Committee)
Kenny holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management and communications from the University of Minnesota. In his free time, you can find him attending sporting events across the Twin Cities (he's a very big Twins, Vikings and Gopher Football fan), reading, writing, golfing and getting out on one of Minnesota’s fine lakes.
Alora K. Jones, Public Relations Manager, Girl Scouts River Valleys
Paul Omodt, APR, Fellow PRSA, Owner and Principal, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications
Moderator
Leah Kondes, Senior Director, Padilla
Leah Kondes is the volunteer liaison for Minnesota PRSA and a Senior Director at Padilla. She has served on the boards of Minnesota PRSA, Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin, Bloomington Theatre and Art Center (now Artistry) and Resources for Child Caring (now Think Small). She is the Minneapolis local group lead of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and also holds volunteer roles with her church.
Date & Time:
Thursday, May 1, 2025
8:30 am – 9:30 am Central
Registration:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $10
Students (register with a .edu email address): Free
Session and speaker details are subject to change.