June 2026 Newsletter · Summer Solstice

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Quiet Power of Momentum

As we move into June, I find myself reflecting on the quiet power of momentum. Not the loud, dramatic kind—but the steady momentum created through meaningful conversations, shared learning, and authentic connection within our coaching community.

Over the past several months, our chapter has continued building toward a stronger, more connected future. I continue to be inspired by the generosity, wisdom, and heart that so many of you bring to this community. Whether you attended an event during International Coaching Week, volunteered your time, mentored another coach, or simply reached out to reconnect with someone—you helped strengthen the fabric of ICF Upstate New York.

Summer often invites us to slow down just enough to notice what matters most. My hope is that each of us finds space this season to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the purpose that first called us to coaching.

Thank you for being part of this growing and vibrant community.

Warm regards,

Mark Brewer, PCC

President, Upstate NY Chapter of ICF Board of Directors

president@icfupstateny.com

Directors' Updates

Our Directors' Updates section gives you a quick peek into the latest happenings across our committees — from events and membership to DEIB and beyond. Stay informed, get inspired, and see how we’re working to serve you, our coaching community, every month.

Membership Update

Dan Weil

Membership and Credentialing Chair

membership@icfupstateny.com

Welcome new members:

Albany

Cullene Bury

Syracuse

Claudia Weber

Welcome, newly credentialed members:

Kathleen Gaffney-Babb, ACC

Jill Helms, ACC

Martha Wells, ACC

Kat Sweeney, ACC
DEIBJ Director

deibj@icfupstateny.com

DEIBJ

This past month, the DEIBJ Committee had the opportunity to continue building meaningful conversations within our chapter community. During International Coaching Week, our DEIBJ Director, Kat Sweeney, was honored to present a session on Masking, Code-Switching & Authenticity, exploring the ways identity, safety, and belonging can shape how people show up in coaching spaces and in the world. The engagement and thoughtful discussion during the session were incredibly encouraging.

As we move into the second half of the year, the committee is beginning to focus on planning a DEIBJ-centered chapter event for the fall. Sometimes momentum isn’t loud — it’s built quietly through learning, reflection, conversation, and the willingness to keep showing up for one another. We’re excited to continue that work together.

Professional Development

As we begin shaping themes and programs for next year’s Professional Development calendar, we’re excited to welcome new committee members. Whether you enjoy brainstorming ideas, supporting behind-the-scenes efforts, or contributing to signature events like International Coaching Week, there’s a place for you.

This is a flexible, collaborative opportunity to help influence our programming and bring fresh perspectives to the chapter. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more, please reach out to Nicole Clemens.

Nicole Clemens, ACC

Professional Development Chair

profdevelopment@icfupstateny.com

In the meantime, be sure to visit our Events page and register for upcoming offerings, we’ll be resuming programming in September, and we look forward to reconnecting with you then!

Just a reminder that the Professional Development team will be taking a break from programming this summer as we step back to thoughtfully plan our 2027 strategy.

⭐ Volunteer of the Month ⭐

Beth Offenbacker

BethOffenbacker@gmail.com, She/her/hers

Step into the circle! Each month, we highlight a member whose dedication, creativity, or generosity has made a real difference in our chapter. Join us in celebrating their contributions and get inspired to lend a hand yourself!

She serves on the Membership Committee and as part of membership, on the Coach Camp Steering and Planning teams. She has helped coordinate both the Coaching Circle program we host each spring and fall and the regional member gatherings across the state, including in the Capital Region where she lives. Most recently, she began co-leading the planning (with Membership Chair Dan Weil) for our new ICF-UNY member conference, which will be hosted in May 2027.

We asked Beth why she volunteers.

“I was inspired to volunteer for a few reasons. First, I find that when I'm around other ICF coaches, I learn about all kinds of tips and resources that help me further hone my own practice. Second, I have never met an ICF coach who wasn't a kind and thoughtful person… I really enjoy socializing with people who see the potential in others and want to help bring that out. They are my kind of people, and I try to connect with them whenever I can.

I keep coming back to ICF-UNY because I want to be part of a movement focused on supporting others in living a meaningful life, whether that's personally, in their career, and/or in the community they serve. “

And here’s a fun fact about her: This spring, she went to 6 area high school musicals, all of them “Mamma Mia.” She had a fantastic time supporting the students and now is a real ABBA groupie for sure!

Thank you, Beth, for bringing your dedication, insight, and sense of community to the Membership Committee and our chapter as a whole!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethoffenbacker

Powerful Practice of the Month

The Season’s Arc

In March, you tended your soil. In April, you risked being seen. In May, you learned to move like pollen — quietly, trustingly, without needing to witness where you land.

June brings the solstice: the moment the light is fullest. Not a beginning, not an ending — a peak. A natural place to stop, look back at the path climbed, and take stock before the days quietly shorten again.

What did you tend this spring — in yourself, in your clients — that you didn’t plan to grow?

Three Lenses for Your Reflection

Take a moment with each of these questions. You don’t need to answer them all — let one find you.

1. What Took Root

Which seeds — a question, a moment of presence, a quiet risk — actually grew? Name one you almost didn’t notice.

2. What Needs Releasing

The solstice is also a turning point. What are you still carrying that was useful in spring but may be ready to set down?

3. What Wants More Light

As summer opens, what intention or practice is asking for more energy — from you, for your clients, in your work?

June Practice: The Solstice Pause

This month’s practice is simpler than it sounds — and harder than it looks.

On or around the solstice (June 20), carve out fifteen minutes. No agenda. No output. Just sit with these questions and let what surfaces, surface.

Reflection Prompts

• Where did I show up most fully for a client this spring — and what made that possible?

• What moment of pollen — small, unannounced — am I still thinking about?

• If this summer had one theme for my coaching practice, what would I want it to be?

• What does it feel like to be at this particular peak — right now, in this season of my work?

You don’t need answers. You need the pause. The light at the peak doesn’t ask you to do anything — it just lets you see further.

Share What You Discover

Look for our LinkedIn post announcing this newsletter and tell us: what moment of pollen from this spring are you still thinking about?

Upcoming Events

Date	Event	Details
June 9 - 12-1 pm	★ Featured Event Entrepreneurial Thinking as a Coaching Superpower	With Eleni Soler. Register now — link available. 1 CCE credit
June 16 - 12-2 pm	ICF Global: Cultural Competency	2-hour workshop on cultural competency in coaching. 2 CCE credits
June 16 - 12-1 pm	ICF Upstate NY New Member Onboarding and Welcome!	New member orientation
June 26 - 12-2 pm	Group Supervision Coaching	Spring cohort, session 3. Dr. Kathryn Burkgren & Radhika Nayak.

★ FEATURED EVENT

Entrepreneurial Thinking as a Coaching Superpower

Tuesday, June 9th · 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Hosted by Eleni Soler

Join us for a 60-minute interactive session using the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile® (EMP) to explore how entrepreneurial thinking shows up in your coaching practice. Through reflection and discussion, you'll sharpen self-awareness, build adaptability, and walk away with practical strategies to deepen your presence and guide clients toward possibility-focused growth.

You’ll learn:

• Identify and Reflect on Entrepreneurial Thinking Traits

• Enhance Coaching Presence and Adaptability

• Apply Entrepreneurial Thinking to Coaching Practice

1 CCE: 0.75 Core Competencies + 0.25 Resource Development

Special Feature

Leadership transitions are a natural part of any growing organization's story, and exciting changes are happening behind the scenes at Upstate New York Charter Chapter of ICF. Here is how our chapter's leadership journey is evolving for the remainder of the current term for the Marketing & Communications role and the Organization Strategy role.

Passing the Strategy Torch: Stephen LaSalle has stepped down from his role as Organizational Development Chair. We owe a huge thank you to Steve for his dedicated service, and to board committee member Tahnya Brown for her incredible work shaping our strategic vision.
A New Chapter for Eleni Soler: Moving from her current role as Marketing & Communications Chair, Eleni is stepping in as our interim Organizational Development Chair. Reflecting on her time leading our marketing efforts, Eleni is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help shape how we communicate as a chapter including delivering a consistent monthly newsletter, growing our LinkedIn presence, and successfully navigating the global ICF brand transition.
Welcome Chelsea Hughes to the Board: With Eleni shifting focus, Chelsea is stepping up as our interim Marketing & Communications Chair. She is thrilled to bring her unique voice and dynamic energy to how we connect and communicate with our community.

Change brings new growth, and we are deeply grateful for this team's dedication to moving our chapter forward. We’re excited for what’s ahead!

Member Spotlight: Tricia Sticca

Each month we shine a light on one of our talented ICF Upstate NY members. This month, we’re delighted to introduce:

Tricia Sticca

tricia.sticca@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciasticca/

What first inspired you to become a coach?

What inspired me to become a coach is having a coach of my own. I was blessed with a wonderful coach/mentor/guide who believed we are all leaders in our own lives. She showed me that with support and guidance, we could reach toward our greatest potential.

Talk to us about your journey to becoming a credentialed coach.

Knowing I was destined to be a full-time coach, I started my schooling at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) while I was an executive in my organization. As I was going through the program, I found myself being energized when in the company of other coaches and doing the work coaches do. This led me to leave my corporate job earlier than expected and lean fully into coaching full-time. A year after becoming a certified coach, I sat for my Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). After achieving the required coaching hours, I sat for my Professional Coaching Certification (PCC) this past September and passed.

Can you share a memorable coaching success story or moment that has shaped your coaching practice?

This is difficult to narrow down to one success story, so I will share what stands out based on what clients tell me time and again. They tell me that just having space to sit with a coach and process their thoughts and feelings provides immeasurable clarity for them. This has shaped, and continues to shape, my coaching practice, but leaning into the silence and holding space for them.

What area of coaching do you specialize in or focus on?

I specialize in Leadership Development with a concentration in manufacturing and Business Coaching with a concentration in women-entrepreneurship.

What's your favorite coaching question that consistently brings clarity or insight to your clients?

How do you define (fill in the blank)? This helps the client get clarity on what they really think and feel.

New York is known for its diverse landscapes and communities. How does this local environment influence your coaching style or approach, if at all?

My approach is heavily influenced by the community. I have worked my entire career for locally owned businesses and have created a robust network of connections. My involvment is serving and working in my community has been the foundation of the work that I do. Most of my clients are local to my community. In addition, I sometimes invite clients to walking coaching sessions when the weather makes it enjoyable to do so.

What's a book or resource that has significantly influenced your coaching approach?

It's hard to pick just one. I've been inspired by Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine, Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider, and, most recently, Slow Down to Go Faster by Ralph Simone.

How do you maintain your own personal growth and development as a coach?

Trainings, Reading, and Podcasts, oh my! I regularly engage in training offered by the International Coaching Federation. I usually have a business, leadership, or personal/professional development book in progress. My drivetime is accompanied by podcasts, my favorites being Brené Brown when she used to record, Mel Robbins, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Insights at the Edge with Tami Simon.

What kind of connections or collaborations are you open to within the ICF Upstate NY community? Please also share how people can connect with you, such as your email, LinkedIn, and/or your website links.

One of my top values, and something that brings me great joy is CONNECTING. Therefore, I welcome connections and potential collaborations. Please connect with my by email (tricia.sticca@gmail.com) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciasticca/)

What brings you joy outside of coaching?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, usually accompanied by music, laughing, and shenanigans all year round. Spring and summer are my playground for being on the water in the Finger Lakes and frequenting local eateries and breweries in my Mustang convertible. I also enjoy a day on links and a newly found activity: Pickleball!

Is there anything else you'd like to share with fellow members?

Let's Connect! I look forward to meeting you.

Want to Be Featured in an Upcoming Member Spotlight?

Are you new to our chapter or have you yet to be featured in a spotlight? We’d love to feature you in an upcoming edition! If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to be spotlighted, now’s your chance to let fellow members get to know you.

Being featured is a great way to:

Share your unique coaching journey and perspective
Highlight your specialties and passions
Build visibility within our vibrant chapter community
Inspire and connect with others in meaningful ways

Complete our brief Spotlight Interest Form to be included in a future newsletter. We can’t wait to celebrate the voices that make our chapter so special!

Complete the form here