This Career Coffee is designed to equip you with essential skills for thriving in today's ever-changing job market. Whether you're aiming to navigate the current job landscape, advocate for yourself internally, or stay ahead of industry trends, this event is your compass for success. The speakers will cover the following key topics:
- Cracking the current job market
- Adapting to change
- Internal advocacy
- Diversifying your network
- Networking in a post-pandemic world
Panelists:
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Elizabeth Laukka, Talent Recruiter & Career Services Strategy Consultant at Elizabeth Laukka Recruiting
Elizabeth Laukka has more than 15 years’ executive search experience in the Twin Cities marketing communications industry, combining strong recruiting, human resources and client service skills with a passion for finding the right fit for her clients and candidates alike.
Her expertise and successful track record is in partnering with leading organizations to recruit top junior to senior-level talent in Advertising, Digital, Marketing Communications & Public Relations.
Through trusted referrals and networking, she identifies and presents only the most qualified candidates to clients, with a roster including Colle + McVoy, Optimine, Linnihan Foy, Caribou Coffee, JT Mega, Preston Spire, Brant Media Group, and GN Resound, among others.
Elizabeth gained much of her experience as the in-house Recruiting Manager for several years with Colle + McVoy and Exponent PR, notable Twin Cities marketing communications agencies. Her career also includes experience in Human Resources at Ameriprise Financial, and in Account Management with the famed Minneapolis agency, Fallon.
Elizabeth graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, with a B.S. in History and an emphasis in Spanish. She studied abroad in South America, Europe, and Asia while in college, and later earned credits toward her Master's in Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota.
She has shared her career strategy experience in interviews with the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, Lensa, Monster, and other publications. Elizabeth has also spoken on panels hosted by PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), Young Professionals of Minneapolis, and the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication and other organizations.
In 2020, she created the successful weekly MN Marketing Careers job share focused on MN based and remote opportunities, which has grown to several thousand subscribers. In addition to talent recruiting services, Elizabeth offers a resume, LinkedIn, and career strategy audit and review session to candidates – with an entry-level and student discount for these services – for more information – www.elizabethlaukka.com.
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David Edgerton Jr., Managing Principal at The DEJ Group
David Edgerton Jr. serves as the Managing Principal at The DEJ Group, a firm he established amidst the pandemic era with a strategic focus on enhancing diversity in the workforce. His firm has successfully matched distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds with companies committed to inclusive practices.
Additionally, The DEJ Group offers executive coaching and bespoke training services designed to elevate minority business leaders and professionals. Under his leadership, the firm has successfully placed numerous candidates in pivotal roles ranging from director to chief executive officer across various organizations.
With a corporate career spanning over a quarter of a century, complemented by 18 years of teaching as an adjunct professor, Mr. Edgerton is a respected authority in the realms of information technology, project management, entrepreneurship, and recruiting. His expertise is frequently sought after for public speaking engagements and consulting services.
Mr. Edgerton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University, MBA from the Carlson School of Management, and an MAHRM from Concordia University – St. Paul. His professional journey is marked by significant contributions to several large corporations in the Twin Cities area, including Andersen Windows and Doors, Be The Match, Best Buy, Imation Corporation, Smead Manufacturing, and Ambient Consulting.
Moderator & Panelist:
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Leah Kondes, Senior Director at Padilla
Leah Kondes has been a member of PRSA since 1997. She currently serves on the board of the Minnesota chapter as its DEI officer. In 2021, Leah earned her Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. She currently works in Padilla’s corporate advisory group as a senior director with a focus on social impact.