Description

Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, July 22nd
12:00 to 1:00pm

Workforce Development Series Event Pages

The Workforce Development Series is a three-part series focused on helping businesses, educators, and future professionals build stronger workforce connections in the Marshall area. Through conversations centered around internships, student experiences, and apprenticeship opportunities, this series will explore practical ways organizations can attract, develop, and retain future talent.

Part 1: Employer Internship Perspective

Join us for the first session in the series focused on the employer perspective of internships and workforce development.

Hear from local industry professionals with established internship programs as they share best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for creating meaningful internship opportunities that benefit both students and employers.

Discussion Topics
• Starting an internship program
• Growing and improving internship opportunities
• Building relationships with students
• Creating pathways to future employment

Meet Our Panelist: 

Carol Myhre
Carol is the Human Resources Manager at North Star Mutual Insurance Company, bringing over 20 years of experience in the field. She specializes in supporting employees throughout their entire career lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to professional development and retirement planning. Carol is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring that every employee feels valued, supported, and equipped for success.


Cindy Rosa

Cindy Rosa, a Marshall native, is the CEO of the Marshall Area YMCA.  She has served Y's in multiple communities and roles for the past 28 years.  In her current role she oversees operations of both the YMCA and the newly acquired Y Thrift Store.  As CEO of a non-profit organization, her responsibilities vary each day but always have the main goal of strengthening our community.  Cindy has 3 children and 1 grandson and loves spending time with family.   

The Y provides various opportunities for Volunteers, Interns, College Federal Work-Study Eligible Students, and Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal Employees.  The Y’s team is diverse and mission-driven with a strong focus on community impact, professional growth, and inclusivity.  The Marshall Y currently has approximately 50 different paid and volunteer positions with over 140 individuals engaged in and serving our local community.


Karli Arkell
Originally from Lamberton, Minnesota, she grew up with her mom, dad, and younger brother. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Healthcare Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), where she also served as an MBA Graduate Assistant in Marketing. During her time at SMSU, she was a four-year member of the university's volleyball team and completed a Logistics Finance Internship in the summer of 2025. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, staying active through walking, biking, weightlifting, and pickleball, as well as following sports. She also enjoys coffee, trying new foods, listening to music, and watching binge-worthy TV shows.


Jason Phillippe
A resident of Marshall, Minnesota, he lives with his wife, Julie, their two sons, Logan and Carter, and their dog, Bodhi. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management and Business Administration from Bellevue University. He has been with Schwan's since 1999, building a long career with the company. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, traveling, culinary experiences, and reading. His favorite things include good food (because who doesn't love food?), music, and anything that challenges him to think.
 

Carrie Bendix (Facilitator) 
is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience empowering job seekers of all ages and backgrounds to find meaningful careers. As the Executive Director of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc., Carrie leads the organization’s services and initiatives across a 14-county region to enhance employment opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, reduce poverty and disparities, and address the workforce development needs of Southwest Minnesota. Before her current role, Carrie held leadership positions in workforce development and nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Coming Next in the Series

Part 2: Student Internship Perspective
Hear directly from SMSU students about what makes an internship experience stand out, what encourages student referrals, and what leads to internship-to-employment conversion.

Part 3: Apprenticeships
Learn from local education and industry professionals about traditional and emerging apprenticeship models and workforce training opportunities.

We hope to see you there!

  (24 hour notice of cancellation is required to receive a refund on this event)
 

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Lunch & Learn Sponsor 
 Southwest Initiative Foundation