Whether you’re reentering the workforce after time away, exploring a new path in communications or navigating a layoff or career pivot, you’re not alone. Join us for an inspirational panel discussion designed to provide support, practical tips and resources for individuals at every stage of their communications career journey. Hear from professionals who have successfully transitioned – former reporters who made the leap into PR, caregivers who returned to full-time work and communicators who rebuilt after layoffs. Our panelists will share honest insights, tools that helped them along the way and encouragement for your next chapter.
This is an in-person event. The Career Coffee series is free for members and $10 for non-members (per session). Space is limited.
Panelists:
Carolyn Will, MBC, APR, Principal/Owner, CW Marketing & Communications LLC
CW’s principal, Carolyn Will, loves meeting people, learning their stories and being helpful whenever possible. Those priorities dovetail her national award-winning work as a health & medical TV producer, and now in owning her public relations agency. She remains strongly interested in public health, civic engagement, and global citizenship. Never one to pass on an opportunity to travel, Carolyn had the good fortune to travel around the world with a group of teachers producing a series of videos used for an international classroom curriculum in 15 countries to promote global citizenry. Another documentary project led CW to Honduras with Rotarians as they helped residents install clean water irrigation systems and upgrade medical technology in local hospitals. Travel adventures with family will always rank as her favorites whether it’s hiking, camping, skiing or simply a sight-seeing road trip.
Alyssa Hayes, Senior PR Consultant, Voyageurs Conservancy
Alyssa Hayes is a Twin Cities-based PR pro with nearly two decades of strategic communications experience in agency and in-house settings, in both private and public sectors. Currently serving as a senior PR consultant for Voyageurs Conservancy, the charitable partner for Voyageurs National Park, Alyssa strikes the perfect balance between meaningful, part-time PR counsel and SAHM boy mom life.
Prior to consulting, Alyssa spent a decade leading PR and media relations for Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism office, where she promoted "10,000" amazing attractions, destinations and things to do around the North Star State. From the Great River Road, Greater MSP to Voyageurs, the annual Governor's Fishing Opener, or global events like Super Bowl 52 and the Ryder Cup, Minnesota made it easy to foster countless media relationships and placements along the way.
In 2023, Alyssa made the difficult decision to pause her full-time PR career to better care for her three energetic boys, including her 3-year-old who was born with a permanent hearing difference. She lives in Eden Prairie, MN with her husband and boys, happy to keep one foot in the PR world between bus stops, school activities and appointments.
Rebecca Martin, EVP of Culture and Talent, Beehive Strategic Communication
Rebecca Martin is a human resources and talent development leader with 25 years of experience in the PR/communications industry. As EVP of Culture and Talent, she leads talent recruitment, employee engagement, professional development, social impact and wellness initiatives for Beehive Strategic Communication in Minneapolis.
Moderator:
TBA
Date & Time:
Thursday, Oct. 2, 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.