PD WEEK 4: Overview

As the summer continues, Week 4 is a great opportunity to reflect on how much interns have already learned and how much confidence they have built through hands-on experience.

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This week, interns are exploring communication and the role it plays in professional success. From asking thoughtful questions to sharing updates, receiving feedback, and navigating workplace conversations, effective communication helps interns build stronger relationships and contribute more confidently in professional settings.

Employers can reinforce this skill by encouraging interns to participate in discussions and practice adapting their communication style to different audiences and situations.

Agility Focus: Communication

This week, interns will participate in an employer networking panel designed to expose them to a variety of industries, career pathways, and professional experiences. Through conversation and Q&A, students will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals about workplace expectations, career journeys, and industry insights.

Panelists and participating organizations will vary by session. Employers can review the featured organizations and speakers below to see who will be contributing to this week's Professional Development experience.

KC Industry Panels: Learning from Industry Leaders

  • EMKF Technology

    FEATURED SPEAKERS

    • Donnell Hammond - Chief Information Technology Officer

    • Jackson Winsett - Director of Business Relations & Solutions

    • Brian Todd - Director of InfoSec Data & IT Ops

  • Children’s Mercy Hospital

    FEATURED SPEAKER

    • Angie Richardson - Program Director

  • Small Changes Big Shifts

    • FEATURED SPEAKER

      Bayleigh Soza - Director of Impact & Operations

  • RSM US LLP

    FEATURED SPEAKERS

    • Mary Powell - Audit Sr. Manager

    • Danny Vuong - Senior Associate

    • Tyler Swift - Tax Associate

  • Henderson Companies

    FEATURED SPEAKERS

    • Xavier Hankins - Corporate & Community Relations

    • Tia Campbell - Designer Level 2

  • Turner Construction

    FEATURED SPEAKER

    • Kristina Iyamu - Community & Citizenship Specialist

  • Greater Kansas City Chapter of NMTA

    FEATURED SPEAKER

    • Katherine O’Toole - Executive Director

  • Baxter Automotive

    FEATURED SPEAKERS

    • Mariah Islas - Talent Acquisition Specialist

    • Jordan Lemus - Recruiting Coordinator

  • New List Item

    FEATURED SPEAKER

    • Laura Palacios - CEO

This Week’s Featured Speakers

Throughout the summer, interns will hear from featured speakers representing a variety of industries. These sessions are designed to support intern growth by exploring topics related to career readiness, professional development, and life beyond ProX.

Employers are encouraged to stay informed about featured speaker topics, as these sessions often reinforce the work-ready skills interns are developing throughout the internship experience and can serve as valuable conversation starters in the workplace.

Tricia Maxfield

Program Director, American Public Square

Tricia is a Kansas native and lifelong learner. A graduate of Kansas State University, KU Law, and Rockhurst University (MEd), she taught middle school social studies before leading APS’ Civics Education Initiative, promoting critical thinking, civic engagement, and media literacy in Kansas City. A newshound and curiosity seeker, she now enjoys directing the APS program calendar.

Carolyn Franano

Civic Education Initiative Fellow, American Public Square

Carolyn is a dedicated and passionate young nonprofit professional and community organizer. She values curiosity, collaboration, and relationship-building as tools to build strong coalitions working towards a more just and equitable world. Carolyn recently graduated from the American University of Paris where she double majored in Philosophy, Politics & Economics and Communication & Civil Society. Having studied and worked in France, the United States, and India, she brings a global perspective to her extensive experience in local action.