Minnesota Career Conference, April 2025

MCDA and NCC’s Career Development Conference 2025
Friday, April 25 - In-Person at Normandale Community College
Co-sponsored by the MCDA & Normandale Community College GCDF 

Join Normandale Community College and MCDA, the Minnesota Career Development Association at the Minnesota Careers Conference on Friday, April 25th. Again, this year the conference will be hosted at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN, from 8 am- 4 pm.

The conference theme is Resilience and Reinvention: Adapting to the Future of Work. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Kareem Watts, also known as Kareem Elevated. A Hip Hop Artist, Poet, Educator, and Diversity Practitioner.  Through resilience in the face of adversity, Kareem became Dr. Watts in May 2024, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. His arts-based research focuses on hip-hop pedagogy (HHP) for Black college student success.

This year's conference will include a panel of employers discussing what makes an effective application and how rapidly changing technology is impacting the recruiting and hiring process.  Our afternoon session includes a panel on careers in career development, and several breakout sessions related to career resilience.

Please note that capacity is limited. Please register ASAP to secure your spot.
Audience: This conference is intended for current and past GCDF students, as well anyone who is currently working in a career development role.

Agenda

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Check-in
Check-in will be available from 8 a.m. - 8:30a.m., but plan to come early to network with colleagues. Enjoy pastries and beverages as you connect with friends and prepare for a fun day!

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Announcements

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Keynote Speaker - Dr. Kareem Watts
We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Kareem Watts, also known as Kareem Elevated. A Hip Hop Artist, Poet, Educator, and Diversity Practitioner.  Through resilience in the face of adversity, Kareem became Dr. Watts in May 2024, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. His arts-based research focuses on hip-hop pedagogy (HHP) for Black college student success.

Dr. Kareem Watts (aka Kareem Elevated) is a Hip Hop Artist & Poet, Educator, and Diversity Practitioner with over 16 years of experience as a musician and higher education administrator, including his work as an adjunct professor. He currently serves as the Director of the Hedgeman Center at Hamline University and is the former President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American College Personnel Association (MN ACPA). Through resilience in the face of adversity, Kareem became Dr. Watts in May 2024, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. His arts-based research focuses on hip hop pedagogy (HHP) for Black college student success. In 2024, Dr. Watts had the privilege of presenting his research at his first international conference, the 7th Annual European Hip Hop Studies Network in Ireland. The final chapter of his dissertation study features his new album, Flo-etic Storytelling Mixtape Ch.5. A poet and storyteller at heart, Kareem aims to decolonize higher education, promoting equity and inclusion to empower marginalized students and professionals for success and belonging.

10:00 - 10:10 a.m. | Break

10:10 - 11:20 a.m. | Breakout Sessions  

11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Provided

12:15 - 1:25 p.m. | Employer panel

1:25 - 1:30 p.m. | Break

1:30 - 2:40 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 

2:40 - 3:00 p.m. | Awards

3:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Closing

Additional Information