Career Day

December 4-5
Target Center

Wherever you go.
Start here.

Invest in the Future

Every career starts somewhere. For hundreds of Twin Cities students, that start begins at Career Day 2025,
presented by Hennepin Arts.

This creative-career event connects young people with professionals in design, film, marketing, music, and
technology. Your investment helps students explore new possibilities and see themselves in the creative economy.

Invest Today

Volunteer With Purpose

Be part of Career Day Twin Cities 2025 and help bring the event to life. From student hype team members and
group leaders to event runners and guides, volunteers create the energy that makes Career Day unforgettable.

It’s a chance to learn from students as they learn from you and assist them in seeing what’s possible.

Volunteer Today

At Career Day 2025, Minneapolis students meet designers, filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and storytellers who once stood right where they are, wondering what comes next.

Here, they ask questions, explore creative industries and discover how ideas become careers. Whether you’re drawn to art, music, gaming, tech, or storytelling, this is where it starts.

Whether you’re into art, music, gaming, tech, or storytelling — this is where it starts.

Start

producing

making

designing

thinking

writing

producing

making

designing

thinking

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Featured Speakers

Students will engage with professionals to hear about their career beginnings, what inspires them, and steps students can take today to prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. This experience is built around students, putting them at the center of every conversation.

Tyrre Banks

Founder and CEO of Players Health, Tyrre Banks is transforming youth sports safety through technology, insurance, and risk management. A former professional athlete, he now supports more than 50,000 teams across North America and has raised over $30 million to protect young athletes.

PJ Hill

A financial advisor at NorthRock Partners, PJ Hill helps entrepreneurs and athletes with wealth and purpose. Through PJ Hill Enterprises, he leads affordable-housing and revitalization projects, aiming to create 1,000 Black multimillionaires through ownership and education.

Dr. Gabriel Warren

From a 2.23 GPA to Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Gabriel Warren’s journey demonstrates the power of perseverance. A former SEC athlete, educator, and author, he inspires others to overcome obstacles and live without regrets.

Aric Armon

Footwear designer at Adidas, Aric Armon’s creations have been worn by MVPs across the NFL and MLB. He mentors emerging designers at the Academy of Art University and Pensole Lewis College, helping shape the next generation of creative talent.

Kevin Huges

Founder of Walker Miles, Kevin Huges combines storytelling and systems thinking to help brands thrive. With 17 years in advertising, film, sport, including redesigning the Minnesota Twins’ uniforms, he leads with creative, culture, and purpose.

Ed Porter

Chef, musician, and entrepreneur Ed Porter blends culinary artistry with storytelling. A Bronx native and Culinary Institute of America alum, he has cooked in renowned kitchens like Aquavit and appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games and Netflix’s Pressure Cooker. He believes food connects people and cultures, one plate at a time.

Deputy Director Nell Lawrenz-Wareham

A leader in documentary film, Nell oversees Minnesota’s Film Production Tax Credit and works to grow the state’s creative economy. With experience at NBCUniveral, Sundance Institute, and the Jermone Foundation, she
champions innovation and opportunity for artists.

Ovative Group

Based in Minneapolis, Ovative Group is a digital-first marketing and measurement firm that bridges performance with purpose. Founded by former Target executive Dale Nitschke, the company created the Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR) metric to link marketing investment to business impact.

Jeff Payne

Commercial banker at Huntington Bank, Jeff Payne helps businesses grow through strategic lending, risk management, and succession planning. He builds trusted relationships that simplify challenges and deliver long-term value.

James A. Cooper Jr.

Founder of James Cooper Consulting, James Cooper Jr. guides organizations and individuals in workforce transformation, talent strategy, and equity. His work empowers communities to unlock potential and lead with purpose.

Sondra Ciesielski

Director of Community Impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Sondra Ciesielski brings experience in marketing, philanthropy, and DEI. Forming with the Minnesota Twins and Sydney Kings, she uses the power of sport to drive connection and lasting impact.

Adrian Wilson

Ace Rice

Jessica Poole

DJ Advance

Thank you!

Thank you for investing in the next generation of creative leaders and for helping launch futures that begin right here in the Twin Cities.