Member Spotlight: Minda Kuckuck
Tell me a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Iowa, spending most of my growing-up years in Marshalltown. I went to Wartburg College in Waverly, IA - Go Knights! I have lived in Des Moines for almost 10 years with my husband. We have two girls - Olivia and Zoe and a very friendly white lab named Luna. In addition to working in PR and communications, I also have a photography business that I started almost 20 years ago.
What drew you to public relations in the first place?
It was my interest in photography and journalism. In high school, I was a photographer for the yearbook and took a journalism class. I was thinking about being an elementary teacher, but discovering my love for photography and telling stories drew me to pursue a PR and communications degree in college.
What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
My career path has not looked like what a traditional path would look like for someone with a PR and Communications degree. Right out of college, I did a year of volunteer service with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, which took me to the Twin Cities. I worked for a local nonprofit that provided services and support, including ESL classes, to the Hmong and Vietnamese refugee communities. After my year of service, I worked for the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts as a development assistant, which led me to work in annual giving at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA. In 2013 I found myself in a more "traditional" communications role as the communications director for the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA. After meeting my now husband, I moved to Des Moines and have been working as a member of the PR and Content Strategy team at Two Rivers Marketing for the last 9.5 years.
How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
My colleague Ryan Johnson encouraged me to become involved with PRSA Iowa and he is also the person who invited me to join the board in 2024.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
This wasn't really advice that I received, but I grew up in a family where I learned inclusivity and the importance of helping others when they are in need. When I was 4 or 5 years old, my parents opened our home to 3 Polish refugees who were fleeing the war happening in their country. They lived with us for 6 months or so, and that is an experience that has really impacted me and shaped how I approach the world and my personal and professional life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to get up early on the weekends so I can get in some exercise and then read a good book while drinking my coffee - all before my kids get up. :) My husband and I are season subscribers for the Willis Broadway Series at the Civic Center and really enjoy having the opportunity to see so many amazing shows. I also enjoy running, going on long walks with our dog Luna and catching up with good friends whenever possible.
