Welcome Message From Our President, Valeska Martins |
| Dear ICF South Florida Community, |
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May arrives in full bloom, and so does our chapter's momentum. We are still glowing from the success of our Spring Summit — 17.5 CCEUs of rich, inspiring learning that reminded us all why we chose this profession. The craft of coaching was on full display: the knowledge, the nuance, the deep commitment to showing up with presence, ethics, and genuine impact.
And yet — as much as we love the craft — we know that mastering it alone will not build a sustainable practice. A great coach who cannot sustain their business is a coach the world loses. That truth has been driving one of our most exciting promises to you since last year: we are here to help you become not only an excellent coach, but a thriving entrepreneur.
This April, we launched the Building Business Series — 9 sessions designed to build a genuine entrepreneurial mindset, combining knowledge sharing with real, hands-on exercises.
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When we reached out to Sophia Casey, Ross Drakes, and Angelique Rewers, the answer was unanimous and immediate: yes! They believe in coaches. They believe in the transformational power of real coaching, done with presence, ethics, and impact, and they want coaches to succeed. Their enthusiasm mirrors what we've felt across our entire community: from aspiring coaches to MCCs, entrepreneurship is the conversation that brings us all to the same table.
This week, ICF South Florida showed up with our very own booth at The Business Show Miami for the second year, a powerful statement that coaches belong in the business world, not just in the coaching room (or Zoom). And later this year, our bi-annual conference, Luminous, will place building thriving businesses at its very heart.
Coaches, you have a vision of your ideal practice. We see it too and we are here to hold your hand as we walk this path together, co-creating the way forward, one step, one session, one breakthrough at a time.
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| Here's to a May of bold moves, meaningful growth, and the kind of success that lets your coaching change the world. |
With warmth and excitement,
Valeska Martins
President, ICF South Florida Chapter |
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May: A Thrilling Month for Coaching Professionals
The month of May is truly one of the most exciting times in the coaching profession, particularly for members of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This excitement is amplified by International Coaching Week, which fosters a global community of like-minded professionals.
During this special week, coaches and aspiring coaches can connect, share their journeys, exchange new tools, discuss books they've authored, and reflect on their personal coaching experiences—the very essence of what we all cherish: coaching.
Join us for a week vibrant with wisdom, filled with the voices of coaches from around the globe, alongside members of the ICF South Florida Chapter. Our Programming Committee, along with the ICFSFL Committees, has diligently worked to curate an exceptional lineup for our profession.
International Coaching Week will feature a total of 32 virtual sessions and two in-person events where we can gather and connect. Register today to be part of ICW 2026, and let’s thrive together!
|  | Meet our Committee of the Month |
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The Strategic Alliances Committee builds and nurtures partnerships that expand the reach and visibility of ICF South Florida within the business, education, wellness, and innovation sectors. By creating meaningful collaborations, the committee generates opportunities, resources, and platforms that enhance the value of membership. These alliances help position our coaches as trusted professionals while supporting the chapter’s mission to elevate human potential and conscious leadership.
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| Diana Figueroa and Tetyana Didenko |
| What’s Ahead for the Committee |
The Business Show Miami 2026: Preparing ICF South Florida’s presence with expanded visibility, strategic partnerships, and speaking opportunities to position coaching within the business and entrepreneurship space.
Summit for Wellbeing 2026: Strengthening collaboration and participation, including coach engagement, volunteer coordination, and thought leadership presence to support community impact and well-being.
Ongoing outreach to potential partners and sponsors to enhance both events and create long-term alliances that benefit our members.
The committee will continue expanding strategic partnerships to support upcoming events and create new opportunities for member visibility and engagement. Our focus is on strengthening alliances across business, education, and wellness sectors to further position coaching as a key driver of leadership and growth. |
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We celebrate the continued growth of our partnerships and the strong momentum built around The Business Show effort for having more subscribers than last year and having more visibility than last year.
I truly believe this committee has the potential to create something very special for the chapter. Our work naturally extends ICF South Florida’s presence into the community and builds meaningful connections beyond our network. My intention is to continue building with clarity, collaboration, and heart—bringing more visibility to coaching while creating valuable opportunities for our members. I also look forward to working more closely across committees, because together, we can amplify our impact in a much more powerful way.
Diana Figueroa, VP of Strategic Alliances
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| Celebrating Our Strategic Alliances Member | |
Meet our Dedicated Strategic Alliances Committee Member
Tetyana Didenko
Engagement Coordinator
We would like to recognize Tetyana's dedication and commitment to the Strategic Alliances team, her consistent support in our monthly efforts and social media presence has been essential in bringing visibility to our events and mission. | | |
| ICF South Florida would like to give a warm welcome to our newest members this month! |
Vedat Erol
Krista Lain
Melica Monti
Susan Shirley |
| Compassion as a Coaching Practice
Compassion is the ability to notice suffering in ourselves and in others and respond with care, presence, and a sincere intention to support well-being. In coaching, compassion is more than a feeling; it is a way of being that invites awareness, connection, and intentional response.
At the heart of compassion lies the relationship we cultivate with ourselves. The way we respond internally during moments of stress, disappointment, or uncertainty shapes our capacity to remain grounded and resourceful. When that inner response is harsh or overly critical, resilience is often diminished. When it is kind, curious, and understanding, we create the conditions for growth.
This is where self-compassion becomes especially meaningful. Self-compassion allows us to acknowledge our emotions without judgment, to recognize struggle as part of the shared human experience, and to offer ourselves the same understanding we might naturally extend to a client, colleague, or loved one. In doing so, we strengthen emotional resilience—not by denying difficulty, but by building the inner capacity to move through it with greater awareness, flexibility, and self-trust.
From a coaching perspective, compassion also deepens how we relate to others. It supports the creation of trust, psychological safety, and genuine partnership. It helps us listen beyond words, stay present with what is emerging, and respond in ways that honor the humanity of the other person.
Compassion, then, is not only supportive; it is transformative. It strengthens our relationship with ourselves, enriches our relationships with others, and nurtures a more resilient, human-centered way of leading, living, and coaching.
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Rosario Kaune
Wellbeing Volunteer Active Member |
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Katherina Capra
VP Wellbeing |
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May the Coaching be with you
In a galaxy not so far away — right here in South Florida — a quiet force has been spreading through communities, organizations, and lives. That force is coaching.
Every year on May 4th, across the world people celebrate a date that has taken on a life of its own across popular Star Wars culture. May is also the month when ICF Global celebrates coaching through the International Coaching Week (May 11-15). And for us, at ICF South Florida, it is also a reminder of something we believe deeply: that skilled, compassionate coaches carry a power that, when shared generously, can transform the lives of those around them. Like the Jedi Order, our coaches do not hoard their gifts — they go out into the world and use them in service of others.
This month of May, we want to pause and honor the volunteer coaches who have embodied that spirit — and invite even more of you to answer the call.
The Force in Numbers
The impact of our Outreach initiatives speaks for itself. Right now we have several active initiatives which already show how relevant our chapter is becoming:
- WEvolution Power Coaching, 40 coaches are currently working alongside 88 coachees, helping entrepreneurs and changemakers grow into their fullest potential.
- In our partnership with United Way Miami, 10 volunteer coaches are delivering both one-on-one and group coaching, as well as workshops for 8 participants — bringing professional coaching to communities that rarely have access to it.
- And this year's Coast-to-Coast initiative, as part of International Coaching Week 2026 events, brought together 46 volunteer coaches and 117 enrolled participants — a truly galactic effort.
These numbers represent real people, real conversations, real shifts. Each session was a lightsaber lit in the dark.
Join the movement — check our upcoming "missions"
The Outreach Committee is now gearing up for the next wave of initiatives, and we need Jedi Masters — and Padawans — ready to step up. If you are an active ICF South Florida member and feel called to serve, here is where the action is:
- HR + Coaching (Cohort 2): Building on the success of our first cohort, we are launching a second round of HR + Coaching — a program designed to bring professional coaching directly to HR practitioners. We are partnering with organizations like HR Miami, HR ABC, and ATD South Florida to refer participants who will receive six individual coaching sessions, three group coaching sessions, and three workshops on topics drawn from participants' own application responses. Depending on final enrollment numbers, we may offer multiple group options to better serve everyone involved.
Volunteer roles needed: 1-on-1 coach; Group coach (paired); Workshop facilitator; Project Leader; Admin/Support
- Leadership+ — New Pilot: Carrying the legacy of Step into Coaching, our Leadership+ initiative brings professional coaching to for-profit organizations. We are launching a pilot with a partner in Wellington, Palm Beach County and are looking for coaches who can support participants through one-on-one coaching, group coaching sessions, and facilitated workshops. Since participants will be co-located, we are particularly looking for coaches based in or near the Wellington area, or those willing to commute for in-person group sessions and workshops. If that is you — the Force is calling.
Volunteer roles needed: 1-on-1 coach, Group coach (paired); Workshop facilitator - For the Group Coaching and Workshop we would love to count with volunteers in Wellington/Palm Beach area (or willing to commute there); Project Leader; Admin/Support
- Outreach Prospecting Task Force — New: Great Jedi Councils also need scouts. We are building a new Outreach Prospecting Task Force — a team of coaches passionate about spreading awareness of coaching throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond. This group will help us connect with chambers of commerce, professional associations, co-working spaces, and other community aggregators to offer them introductory workshops and webinars on coaching. Think 60–90 minute sessions that might include live coaching demos, role-playing, and a taste of what coaching can do for their members — all with the goal of seeding longer-term partnerships, much like the one we built with United Way Miami. We will create 'pods' of coaches to cover geographies (e.g. Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Caribbean) as well as virtual ones.
Volunteer roles needed: Outreach connector; Content developer; Workshop presenter; Demo coach; Admin/Support
Ready to wield your lightsaber? Whether you are a seasoned Master or a Padawan ready for your first mission, we would love to have you on the team. Reach out and let us know which initiative sparks your interest — or all three.
outreach@icfsouthflorida.org
| Book Corner by Bari Schanerman |
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The Joy of Success
10 Essential Skills for Getting the Success you Want
Susan Ford Collins
With all the noise about AI and social media it is hard to stay focused on what we control. Success can mean many different things and this book talks about this topic at length with new ways to measure it, define it, and achieve it.
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For me this is another classic book. The copyright First edition is 2003, Second edition 2014. As I read this book, I couldn’t help but notice that the focus is on what isn’t changing and skills we need to thrive that will help us grow. The stories along with the explanations are memorable.
If you decide to read this book which I highly recommend, notice if there is something you see that will help you get the success you want.
For me, having a way to articulate the different gears and what success looks like in each gear is very helpful in listening to others describe their challenges. As someone who has read a lot of books, this one and Our Children Are Watching, also by this author, will be books I recommend going forward. Both go through the success skills and since I have grandchildren that are watching I have now read both books.
Pick either one if you want to see a framework that will help you, those you are working with, and all the other individuals that are part of your ecosystem.
As always, if you decide to read this book, I welcome hearing your thoughts and having a conversation about what you learned. Have a great month. Bari@yourmeetingplace.com |
| ICF Converge Summit 2026
Paris, France
May 17-19, 2026
Do you believe in the power of shared growth? Are you ready to turn conversations into insights and ideas into action?
ICF Converge Summit is an annual gathering where coaching professionals come together to learn, co-create, and empower. A complement to our global ICF Converge conference, this event offers a more personal, interactive experience to facilitate deeper engagement. Learn more . . | ICF Converge Summit 2026
Washington, DC
October 28–30, 2026
Collaborate. Grow. Inspire. Whether you're looking to elevate your coaching practice, network with peers, or explore the future of the profession, ICF Converge ignites inspiration and empowers you to make a lasting impact on your clients and the world.
ICF Converge is where the world of coaching comes together. This annual, large-scale conference is designed to ignite innovation, foster growth, and strengthen connections across the global coaching community. Learn more . . . | | | | Catch up on what you have missed!
Now is the perfect time to experience the transformative insights and expert advice from Master Coaches and speakers from our past events. Dive into highlights of these powerful sessions and discover why ICF South Florida is the key to unlocking your true potential!
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International Coaching Week 2026
Meet the voices shaping the future of coaching.
Join us for International Coaching Week 2026, a dynamic week of insight, connection, and growth. From May 11–15, experience a curated lineup of thought leaders, master coaches, and industry pioneers ready to spark new perspectives and elevate your practice.
Inspire. Transform. Thrive.
Discover powerful conversations, real-world applications, and forward-thinking ideas designed to support you—wherever you are on your coaching journey.
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ICFSFL Chapter Business Building Series
Big news for our community: Angelique Rewers is joining the ICFSFL Business Building Series—alongside Sophia Casey, MCC and Ross Drakes—to elevate your growth journey.
The ICFSFL Business Growth Journey is a structured, end-to-end pathway designed to help coaches move from unclear → positioned → trusted → chosen → growing. Through nine progressive phases, you’ll build a complete client acquisition system—covering identity, positioning, branding, pipeline, messaging, conversion, and more—within a collaborative learning environment.
From clarity and differentiation to closing and expansion, each session is engineered to turn insight into traction—so you can build a sustainable, thriving coaching business.
May 5, 2026 • 12:00 PM
with Ross Drakes
PHASE 2 — TRUST & VOICE IN THE MARKET
How to Build Trust in a Trustless Age
Stop selling credentials—start leading with your point of view. Learn how to craft a compelling perspective, build trust through story, and amplify your voice with AI while staying authentic.
PHASE 3 — DIFFERENTIATION
Being Identifiable: Different is Better Than Better
Being great isn’t enough—being unforgettable is. Learn how to build a distinctive coaching brand that stands out, gets remembered, and gets chosen.
May 19 • 2:00 PM
with Sophia Casey
PHASE 4 — STRUCTURE & CONSISTENCY
Stop Chasing Clients, Build a Pipeline
Move from hope-based effort to a clear, repeatable system. Learn how to build a simple, human pipeline, activate warm opportunities, and create a follow-up rhythm that brings consistency and steady growth to your coaching practice.
Register here and earn CCEs
May 26 • 12:00 PM
with Ross Drakes
PHASE 5 — VALUE & CONVERSION
Speak About value: This Is Not About You
Stop talking about your certifications. Start talking about their transformation.
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Be Yourself, Strengthen Your Confidence, and Own Your Voice in English
A 6-session, practice-based program for coaches working beyond their native language. Build confidence, presence, and authentic expression in English through guided practice, reflection, and a supportive cohort—so you can stay client-focused and communicate your value with clarity in global contexts. Earn CCEs per session.
May 1, 8, 22, 29 & June 5, 12 • 12:00 PM
with Viviana Cervantes & Meredith Kimmel
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You’re Invited: ICF South Florida’s First Town Hall on ZOOM!
All members of the ICF South Florida Chapter are warmly invited to join our first-ever Town Hall on Zoom!
Date: June 19
Time: 12:00 PM (ET) • ZOOM
Duration: 75 minutes
This goes beyond an update—it’s a conversation about our future, with YOU at the center of it.
During the session, we’ll share:
- The story behind our chapter
- The values that guide us
- What’s ahead—and how you can be part of it
Expect a space that is open, engaging, and transparent.
Have a question on your mind? Send it in advance—we’ll make sure to address it during the live Q&A.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there and shaping what comes next—together.
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| Meet & Greet Success – April 2nd |
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Our in-person Meet & Greet on April 2nd at Barnes & Noble and Books & Books was a fantastic success! It was truly energizing to see members come together face-to-face, sharing conversations, and genuine connection.
The evening created a welcoming space for coaches to step away from their screens and build relationships in a more personal way. From exchanging ideas and contacts, to simply enjoying each other’s company, the sense of community was strong and present.
Moments like these remind us how powerful in-person connection can be. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to gather, connect, and continue growing together as a community! |
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Coffee & Connections – April 23rd Recap
Our April 23rd Coffee & Connections session was a wonderful hour of connection, conversation, laughter, and global networking. Members from different cities and even overseas came together to share insights, experiences, and a genuine sense of community.
The diversity in backgrounds in coaching made the conversation rich and engaging, giving everyone a chance to learn more about one another while expanding their professional networks.
These gatherings continue to highlight the power of connection beyond borders. We are excited to keep the momentum going and look forward to seeing even more members join us next time! | |
MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Matthew Cintron Quinonez, MCC
MCC Coaching Demo
📅 Wednesday, May 6 • 8:30 AM
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MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Dr. Elena Espinal PhD, MC, MCC
Seeing the Invisible: A Live Coaching Demonstration on Identity and Sensitivity
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • 5:30 PM
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ICF South Florida New Member Orientation
A welcoming session introducing new members to ICF South Florida — helping them feel connected, informed, and empowered from the start.
Thursday, May 28 • 12:00 PM
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1 Be Yourself, Strengthen Your Confidence, and Own Your Voice in English
5 ICFSFL Chapter Business Building Series - Phase 2: How to Build Trust in a Trustless Age
6 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Matthew Cintron Quinonez, MCC
8 Be Yourself, Strengthen Your Confidence, and Own Your Voice in English
11 ICW: Holding Paradox: Embracing Both/And Thinking to Deepen Coaching Presence
11 ICW: Why Success Doesn’t Feel Like Enough
11 ICW: Panel Discussion: Coaching and AI: Navigating the Present & Future of Human Connection
11 ICW: Unlock your Growth Mindset
12 ICW: The Trust Trinity
12 ICW: To be happy is for the brave
12 ICW: Awaken Awareness, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage in Coaching
12 ICW: Coaching for Social Impact/ Partnering for Good
12 ICW: Breakthrough Coaching: Using the Neuroscience of Presence to Create More Transformational Moments
13 ICW: Beyond Words – Silence as a Catalyst for Transformation
13 ICW: HR + Coaching Series/ From Insight to Action: Applying Coaching in the Workplace
13 ICW: What if the Mind is the Wand?
13 ICW: The Enlightenment Engine: Integrating Neuroscience and Heart-Wisdom for Global Leadership
13 ICW: Coaching Through Adversity: Helping Clients Transform Disruption into Growth
14 ICW: The Conversations That Change Everything (and Why We Avoid Them)
14 ICW: HR + Coaching Series/ Why Leadership Development Isn’t Sticking. . .
14 ICW: Sustainable Excellence Under Pressure: Tools for Coaching High-Impact Clients
14 ICW: Trust Yourself: The Hardest Skill in Leadership Decision-Making
14 ICW: Online Coaching Challenges: Practical Solutions
14 ICW: The Power Position: A Framework for Mapping What Comes Next
15 ICW: From Invisible to In Demand: Why Visibility Alone Isn't Enough- And What to Do Instead
15 ICW: HR + Coaching Series/ Impostor Syndrome in the Age of AI
15 ICW: The Challenge of Coaching in Another Language:Building Confidence and Presence Across Languages
15 ICW: The Future of Coaching: Ethics, AI, Sustainability & Impact
19 ICFSFL Business Building Series-Phase 3: Being Identifiable: Different is Better Than Better
19 ICFSFL Business Building Series - Phase 4: Stop Chasing Clients, Build a Pipeline
20 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Dr. Elena Espinal PhD, MC, MCC
22 Be Yourself, Strengthen Your Confidence, and Own Your Voice in English
26 ICFSFL Business Building Series - Phase 5: Speak About Value: This Is Not About You
28 ICF South Florida New Member Orientation
29 Be Yourself, Strengthen Your Confidence, and Own Your Voice in English
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