COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Denise Felder

  • Pronouns: she, her

  • Associate Director

Denise Felder

Areas of interest

  • The intersections of career development and social justice
  •  Networking for introverts and people with anxiety
  • Using labor market information for decision making
  • Correlations between liberal arts education and career readiness
  •  Career pathways in human and community services
  •  Life lessons from the MCU, Star Trek, and Star Wars
Biography

When I was an undergraduate student I planned to spend my life working in the media. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, and wrote news articles for websites and newspapers for a few years. I also did TV production for a little while. That was my first career. Then unexpected things happened in my life, so I explored careers that might fit me in this new chapter of life. That’s when I became a Career Coach. My first positions were as a volunteer with an organization that helped teen moms with college and career goals, and working as an employment specialist for people without stable housing. 

What qualifies me to share career advice? Well, it’s not what’s on my resume that matters most.
It’s the experiences I don’t put on my resume that inspire me to support students and job
seekers:
 

  • Employed by more than eight employers in 10 years
  • Navigated at least 5 toxic workplaces and bad bosses
  •  Made 3 life-changing, cross-country moves
  •  Rebounded after two layoffs
  • Thriving after one major career change
     

Over time, my skills and interests in career development – and my attempts to “be the change
you want to see in the world” – led me to encourage individuals and challenge systems to close
opportunity gaps in education and employment. I support youth and adults in several capacities, including using my communication skills to produce multimedia career materials. 

I’m excited to be part of the CEHD community where I can collaborate with faculty/instructors,
advisors, employers, and other leaders to encourage and support our students and alumni in
their career journeys.

Education & Credentials:

  •  Masters in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University
  • Bachelors in Journalism and a minor in African American Studies from Boston University
  •  Past President, Minnesota Career Development Association
  •  Diversity Initiatives & Cultural Inclusion Committee, NCDA
  • Racial Justice Facilitator, YWCA
  •  Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy, AALF
  •  Certified Poverty Awareness Coach
  •  Offender Job Retention Specialist
  • ECHO (Equity Certificate Hosted Online) Diversity Certificate, UMN
  • Mental Health First Aid


Strengths:
Connectedness | Learner | Strategic | Input | Achiever


Strong Interests (RIASEC):
Investigative | Social | Artistic


Myers-Briggs: INFJ


Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw


What makes me smile: Otters, puppies, baby elephants, and alpacas


Inspirational quote or motto:
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Teddy Roosevelt

Schedule an appointment with Denise