July/August 2026 Newsletter · Summer Recharge | | |
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.
Warm regards,
Mark Brewer, PCC
President, Upstate NY Chapter of ICF Board of Directors
president@icfupstateny.com
| | Summer is a season of sunshine, slower rhythms, and meaningful reflection. Here's a quick peek into the latest happenings across our committees as we pause, reflect, and prepare for an exciting second half of the year. | | |
One of the greatest benefits of membership is the opportunity to help shape the future of our chapter. By serving on a committee, you build meaningful connections, influence what comes next, and get even more from your ICF UNY membership.
People often ask, "How can I help?" My answer is simple: Where can you make an impact, and what are you excited to contribute? Every committee has meaningful opportunities to serve, and our Board Members are always grateful for engaged volunteers who help bring ideas to life and take action toward their success.
To everyone already serving—thank you. Your time, energy, and commitment make our chapter stronger.
Whether you're volunteering, attending events, participating in ICF Engage, or connecting through ICF Global, your participation matters. Every member plays a role in creating a thriving coaching community. We hope you'll find a way to get involved that inspires you.
Reach out to membership@icfupstateny.com with your feedback or questions.
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The Membership Committee Brings You Coach Camp ‘27!
We’re very excited to bring you the inaugural ICF Upstate NY Charter Chapter “Coach Camp ‘27”! A year in development and co-led by the visionary Beth Offenbacker and Dan Weil. We are working hard at making this event a success in service of your membership. The cornerstones of Connection & Belonging, Professional Development, Inspiration & Energy, ground our thinking while the uplifting, collaborative focus of “Activate Together,” revitalizes us - breaking through any silos that may separate us from each other.
Coach Camp is a fully immersive, multi-day experience designed to develop coaches, deepen connection, and ignite inspiration. It blends professional advancement with creativity, community, and energy, creating a space where coaches don't just learn, but come alive.
Participants leave connected, working toward their credentialing goals, and energised, ready to elevate their practice and contribute meaningfully to the broader coaching community.
Featuring globally recognized facilitators at an undeniably special venue!
Spaces are limited. Read more about Coach Camp ‘27 and register your interest here.
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Kat Sweeney, ACC
DEIBJ Director
deibj@icfupstateny.com
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DEIBJ
As summer invites us all to slow down and recharge, the DEIBJ Committee is embracing that spirit with intention. Over recent months, our committee has been deepening its understanding of the updated DEIB initiatives and goals from ICF Global, and exploring how those insights can strengthen our chapter's approach.
In the coming months, we'll be reviewing our chapter's DEIB webpage, vision, mission, and goals to ensure they reflect ICF Global's evolving commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. The committee will be taking a summer pause in July, but we're already looking forward to a DEIB-focused workshop for chapter members this fall.
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In the meantime, we encourage all members to explore the wealth of DEIB learning resources available through ICF Engage, valuable opportunities for continued growth that are accessible to all ICF members.
"Sometimes meaningful progress comes not only from action, but also from taking the time to reflect, learn, and return with renewed intention."
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Professional Development
The Professional Development Committee is also taking an intentional summer pause, using this time to reflect on the year so far and thoughtfully shape strategy for 2027. While programming takes a brief break over the summer months, there is plenty to look forward to, our September through December calendar is already live on the ICF Upstate NY chapter website. Head over to take a look at what's coming this fall!
As we begin building out the 2027 calendar, we're excited to welcome new voices to the committee. Whether you love brainstorming fresh ideas, working behind the scenes, or contributing to signature events like International Coaching Week, there's a place for you.
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Nicole Clemens, ACC
Professional Development Chair
profdevelopment@icfupstateny.com
| | This is a flexible, collaborative opportunity to help shape programming and bring new perspectives to our chapter. If you're curious about getting involved, we'd love to hear from you! | | |
Eleni Soler, ACC
Organizational Development Chair
orgdevelopment@icfupstateny.com
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Organizational Strategy
Exciting things are taking shape at the board level too. Our newly appointed Organisational Development Chair is focused on strengthening strategic alignment across the chapter, ensuring that everything we do connects back to our 5-year vision in a coordinated and intentional way.
Current focus areas include reviewing the chapter's 5-year strategic vision in collaboration with board members, preparing for an upcoming member vote on bylaw updates and refinements to our mission, vision, and values (watch your inbox for more details on this soon), and strengthening the connection between our local chapter strategy and ICF Global direction, including how we show up through our official LinkedIn presence.
| | From a systems perspective, the chapter is in a strong and steady place, with clear role alignment and growing momentum. As we continue to engage an increasingly global membership through our monthly sessions, this strategic alignment will be key to scaling thoughtfully while deepening the member experience. | | |
Marketing
Behind every newsletter, social post, and chapter communication is a team working to ensure our members feel informed, connected, and proud to be part of this community, and this summer is no exception.
As the chapter embraces a season of intentional pause and reflection, the Marketing Committee is doing the same. We're using this quieter period to review our current communications strategy, refresh our messaging, and ensure that everything we put out into the world truly reflects who we are as a chapter and where we're headed.
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Chelsea Hughes, ACC
Marketing and Communications Chair
marketing@icfupstateny.com
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Some of what we've focused on includes:
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Strengthening our LinkedIn presence, ensuring our content aligns with ICF Global's direction and positions our chapter as a vibrant, professional, and welcoming community
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Reviewing our newsletter format and cadence, so that our communications feel fresh, relevant, and valuable to members at every stage of their coaching journey
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Supporting the chapter's broader strategic priorities, from bylaw updates and membership engagement to promoting upcoming Professional Development events and DEIB initiatives this fall
As we look ahead to a busy autumn season, we'll be ramping up visibility around our September through December programming, the upcoming member vote on our mission, vision, and values, and the exciting DEIB workshop in development. There's a lot to shout about, and we want to make sure our members hear it clearly and feel genuinely excited to be part of it.
If you have a passion for storytelling, communications, or simply want to help our chapter shine, we'd love to have you involved. The Marketing Committee welcomes fresh perspectives and creative energy, so please don't hesitate to reach out.
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A Note to Our Members
Whether you're using this summer to rest, relax, or explore something new, we hope you feel the warmth and support of this community behind you. We'll be taking a short break throughout August to rejuvenate, and we encourage you to do the same in whatever way feels right for you.
We look forward to reconnecting in the fall with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.
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⭐ Volunteer of the Month ⭐
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Joy Leccese
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-leccese-2a269826/
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!
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This month we’re thrilled to recognize Joy Leccese, who serves on the Membership and Credentialing committee, where she has made significant contributions. Joy is always available as a proactive coach, partnering to get essential work done as a key member of both the Membership and Credentialing and the Coach Camp 27 (CC27) Committees. Joy is always willing to brainstorm and offer a hand. Joy’s enthusiasm and “get it done” approach helps move the vital work of our committee’s initiatives forward - bringing more benefits forward for each member.
According to our Membership and Credentialing Committee Chair, Dan Weil, “She is truly appreciated and we are so grateful to have her as part of our committee and community.”
if he were to use 3 words to describe Joy it would be Enthusiastic, Positive and Engaged
Thank you, Joy, for bringing your enthusiasm, positivity and engagement to the Membership Committee and our chapter as a whole!
| Powerful Practice of the Month | | |
The Midsummer Pause: Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate
In June, we stood at the peak of the light, looking back at what took root during the spring. Now, midsummer invites us into a different kind of power. Nature is no longer rushing to grow; it is simply being. For coaches, this season asks us to trade the hustle of "doing" for the restorative power of stillness. True rejuvenation is not a luxury—it is the very ground from which impactful coaching grows.
| How can you fill your own cup so you can continue to hold space for others? | |
Three Lenses for Your Summer Renewal
Take a moment with these questions. You don’t need to answer them all—let one find you.
1. What Wants to Rest?
Where is your mind or body asking for true, unplugged stillness? Name one area of your business or life where you can step back, power down, and pause.
2. What Needs to Relax?
Where are you still forcing, striving, or over-preparing in your coaching practice? Name one expectation you can soften your grip on to trust the process more deeply.
3. How Will You Rejuvenate?
What brings you genuine, deep-tier joy outside of your identity as a coach? What practice will replenish your reservoir so you can show up fully in the fall?
July/August Practice: The Spacious Calendar
This bi-monthly practice requires fierce boundaries. Sometime in the next few weeks, block out one full day—or two half-days—labeled "Unscheduled Space."
No client sessions. No admin work. No professional development reading.
Your only assignment is to follow your energy in real-time. Go for a walk, sleep in, read fiction, or stare at the trees. Reclaim the luxury of unstructured time.
Reflection Prompts
- What does my body need right now that my mind keeps trying to delay?
- If I trusted that my business would thrive even while I rested, what would I do less of this month?
- Where can I bring a spirit of play or lightness into my next client interaction?
- What is the difference between "recovering from work" and "actively rejuvenating my soul"?
You don’t need to produce. You need to replenish. The soil cannot grow new crops without a season of rest.
Share What You Discover
Look for our LinkedIn post announcing this newsletter and tell us: What is one boundaries-first choice you are making this summer to protect your energy?
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As the coaching profession evolves, an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential serves as a vital signal of your professionalism and mastery. But what does it actually do for your business?
Nina Rubin, PCC, Director of Credentialing Support of ICF LA breaks down the key benefits of holding an ICF credential and how it supports your long-term growth.
| | Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Dean | | |
What first inspired you to become a coach?
I was at a pivotal moment in my life, and I needed to make a very difficult decision. I knew I did not need a therapist; I wanted something more actionable - so I hired a coach. It was a transformational experience for me, and it allowed me to make that difficult decision with confidence and a plan. For years, I had been encourage to become a therapist, but that never felt right for me. Coaching seemed to bring several of my skills, interests, and experiences together for the right fit at the right time in my career journey.
Can you share a memorable coaching success story or moment that has shaped your coaching practice?
I had just finished the last segment of CTI training, and I was approached by the CEO of a recruiting firm. He wanted me to be a recruiter for his company. I thanked him for the interest but told him I was embarking on a new journey in coaching. He was interested and asked me to send him a proposal as they were just opening up a coaching arm to their business. I sent that proposal, and a few weeks later I got a call, "We've got coaching clients! Can you take them??"
That CEO's confidence in me gave me validation and confidence that I was on the right path. The feedback I got from my coachees and their visible transformations continued to propel me forward.
What area of coaching do you specialize in or focus on?
In coach training, we were all encouraged to come up with how to define coaching to prospective clients. I've narrowed it down to one word!
C L A R I T Y . Coaching is about getting clear. Clear about where you are. Clear about where you want to be instead. And clear on the steps to take to get there. So, my specialty is helping people get clear. I've noticed people don't have a problem *getting* what they want; they have a problem *knowing* what they want. Once they get C L E A R on what they want, the path reveals itself.
What's your favorite coaching question that consistently brings clarity or insight to your clients?
Yes! And, then what?
What's a book or resource that has significantly influenced your coaching approach?
Shawn Achor's TED Talk on his book The Happiness Advantage was the catalyst that pushed me from *thinking* about becoming a coach - to pulling the trigger. His message, that when our brain is set to positive vs negative, neutral or stressed, its intelligence, creativity, and energy levels spike, making you significantly better and faster at tasks. His work stresses that allowing ourselves to be happy now vs putting happiness on the other side of the constantly moving goal posts increases the creativity, accuracy, and effectiveness of our efforts. This was a mission I wanted to get behind and bring to as many people as I could. After that 12-minute TED Talk from Shawn Achor - Listen to every podcast from Brene Brown!
How do you maintain your own personal growth and development as a coach?
There are some things I'm not very good at. In those areas, I connect with people who ARE - to find support. I'm excellent and living in the moment. I resist future planning of pretty much anything. For example, I love going to see concerts and live music, but I never know in advance when artists are coming to town. I have friends who are GREAT at this. They have concerts tickets planned months (years?) in advance. They are kind enough to alert me when they are getting tickets for a show they think I might like. Development is similar. I recognize that I'm not great at planning ahead, and align myself with colleagues that are. Noticing their drive to learn and grow reminds me I need to do the same.
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.
If you have read something that prompts to you want to reach out, I welcome that conversation! Feel free to reach me via email at ElizabethDeanCoaching@gmail.com or find more information on my LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdeancpcc
What brings you joy outside of coaching?
My biggest passion is a good *collective journey*, and that can come in many forms. From seeing a movie, play, or concert along with hundreds or thousands of others, to planning a more intimate or specific gathering or event with loved ones. I love people and their stories.
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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!
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