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Date: 7/1/2025
Subject: Newsletter July 2025
From: ICF South Florida



 
 
 
Welcome Message from our President, Valeska Martins
 
 
 

Dear ICF South Florida Community,

July arrives as our year's perfect midpoint—a moment suspended between reflection and possibility. As we pause in summer's embrace, I'm deeply moved by the extraordinary journey we've traveled together and energized by the horizon ahead.
 
What a transformative June we experienced! We celebrated the triumphant conclusion of our WeEvolution Project's sixth consecutive year, a testament to our unwavering commitment to meaningful change. The completion of our United Way Miami project marks another milestone in our mission to extend coaching's transformative power throughout our community.

I'm particularly excited about the launch of our Supervision Group under the expert guidance of MCC Paulette Rao. This initiative elevates our professional development to new heights, ensuring we continue growing in excellence and mastery. Our Wellbeing Committee event with Javier Torres brought profound insights into financial independence, autonomy, and life flourishing—reminders that coaching encompasses all dimensions of human thriving.

The momentum continues building! Our Membership Committee is preparing an exciting Summer Splash promotion for July… creating fresh opportunities for ICF Global community.

Standing at this year's halfway point, we have a unique opportunity to look back with pride and forward with intention. The first six months have been remarkable: from our groundbreaking presence at The Business Show Miami to International Coaching Week's transformative programming, from innovative partnerships to community outreach initiatives and the return of Coach A-latte, fostering the in-person connections. Each achievement has strengthened our foundation and expanded our impact.

Now comes the invitation to reflect: What resolutions did you set in January? Which dreams have taken flight, and which await your renewed attention? July offers us the gift of perspective—a chance to honor our progress while reshaping our aspirations for the months ahead. Sometimes the most powerful transformations happen not in January's ambitious beginnings, but in July's thoughtful recalibration.

This midyear moment invites you to examine your coaching practice, reassess your professional goals, and perhaps discover new pathways you hadn't previously considered. The summer's warmth creates space for both rest and renewal, allowing us to approach the second half of our year with fresh energy and refined vision.
As we embrace July's possibilities, I encourage you to join our upcoming events, engage with our expanding programs, and create new connections participating in our Coach A-Latte events, led by Past-President Loubna Nouradin . Together, let's make the remainder of 2025 our most impactful and fulfilling chapter yet.

Here's to a July of reflection, renewal, and remarkable growth!

Warmly, 

Valeska Martins 
President, ICF South Florida Chapter

Book Corner by Bari Schanerman

    The Next Conversation:
Argue Less, Talk More

Jefferson Fisher

Jefferson Fisher is a Trial Lawyer, Writer and Speaker who helps people with communication - his skills of learning how to read people to communicate differently and all that he shares in the book can be useful to everyone.  The book goes into what connection is and how he presents 3 simple rules to apply his different suggestions to our everyday conversations.
Rule 1: Say it with Control
Rule 2: Say it with Confidence
Rule 3: Say it to Connect

It seems so simple and it takes practice which is where the next conversation comes in. Everyday, we have opportunities to practice and improve our communication skills,  So much of what he shares, we have probably heard before and yet so much of the information we have not taken the time to practice to integrate it into our conversations.  Some of the topics he covers are Difficult People, Boundaries, and even Difficult Conversations.  

If you read the book and are open to sharing, I would welcome the opportunity to hear from you about your greatest takeaway(s) from the book - you can email me any thoughts at: bari@yourmeetingplace.com 


Enjoy the summer!

Purchase a Copy on Amazon Here

Meet our Board of Director Member - Diana Figueroa

 Diana Figueroa
ICFSFL VP of Strategic Alliances
  Diana Figueroa is a Coach, leadership strategist, and founder of INTUS HEALTH – The Way of Life, a global initiative that integrates Ayurvedic wisdom and modern science to promote conscious living. She is also the creator of The Quality Mind, focused on human awareness and inner transformation. With expertise in emotional intelligence, organizational development, and mind-body practices, Diana guides leaders and teams through meaningful change. 

She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Alliances for ICF South Florida, where she fosters impactful partnerships that expand the chapter’s reach and value. A Global Peace Ambassador and former Miss World Colombia, Diana continues to dedicate her life to service, purpose, and empowering others to lead with heart and vision.


Strategic Vision, Connection, and Community Impact

As the Strategic Alliances Director for ICF South Florida, I am honored to serve a chapter that embodies the power of coaching, connection, and professional growth. Being part of this community has not only expanded my perspective as a coach and leader, but it has deepened my belief in the transformational power of collaboration.

Building Purposeful Alliances

One of the highlights of my time on the board has been developing the foundation for our Strategic Alliances efforts. By building relationships with organizations that align with our mission, we’ve created a framework that positions the chapter for long-term visibility, growth, and member engagement. These partnerships with local businesses, thought leaders, and community organizations, are opening doors for collaboration, sponsorship, and broader impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this work is not only bringing more value to our members but also strengthening our presence across South Florida and creating new opportunities for meaningful connection.

A Global Soul with a Holistic Heart

A fun fact that usually surprises people?  One thing that often surprises people, especially those new to coaching, is how deeply transformative business coaching can be. Many expect it to be solely about strategy or performance, but are caught off guard when they realize it’s really about expanding awareness, unlocking potential, and shifting mindset. The real “aha” moment comes when clients see that coaching isn’t just about what they do, but who they are as leaders. That shift is where the real growth begins, and it’s always powerful to witness.

Favorite Experience with the Team

What I cherish most about our board is the genuine connection we share. My favorite moments are our team meetings, yes, really! Because we come together with authenticity, purpose, and a lot of laughter. It’s inspiring to be part of a team where everyone shows up not just with skills, but with heart.

Looking Ahead

Being part of ICF South Florida is a constant reminder that coaching is not just a profession, it’s a movement. Serving on the board has deepened my commitment to creating lasting partnerships that strengthen our chapter’s mission. I look forward to continuing this journey and helping build a stronger, more connected coaching community in South Florida.



Membership Committee
 
Sarah Staley
Iryna Kurir
Cindy Halim
Patricia Arenas Sandoval


Programming Committee

  While the South Florida heat & humidity may invite slowing down, Get Shift Done, the Barter Coaching Lab, and our Masterclass by Master Coaches series will be in full swing — and we’d love to see you there. Whether you’re looking to stay sharp, stay inspired, or simply stay connected, we’ve got something for you on the Calendar of Events. 
Summer is also a beautiful time to reconnect — with yourself, your purpose, and your community. If you're curious about upcoming programming, have ideas to share, or just want to chat about all things coaching, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to programming@icfsouthflorida.org 


Global Awareness
 
 
Future of Coaching
Demystifying AI: What Every Coach Needs to Know
 
Date: July 24, 2025
Time 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT
12:00 a.m. - 01:00 a.m. GMT+8
Duration: 1 hour
 
Explore artificial intelligence (AI) in this webinar, enhancing your understanding of how it can transform your coaching practice.

Who Is This For?
This is a FREE webinar is exclusive to ICF members... Read more. . .
Cultivating a Coaching Culture to Support Employee Mental Well-Being

To explore the evolving role of coaching in mental well-being, ICF spoke with Amy Smith, chief well-being officer, Deloitte Services LP, and Ellen Rudofsky, PCC, CPCC, senior manager and leadership and executive coach, from Deloitte Consulting LLP. Throughout this article, you’ll find insights from both Deloitte’s perspective on fostering a coaching culture and ICF’s 2024 Coaching Snapshot: Coaching and Mental Well-Being report, which gathered responses from 10,039 participants across 147 countries and all major world regions. The survey reveals both progress and challenges in how workplaces are supporting mental well-being.  Learn more. . . 

Sponsor Spotlight

Healing To Lead:
The Transformative Power of Conscious Leadership


One of the most powerful foundations of conscious leadership is the healing process. As I share in my book
“Líderes de Hoy”, healing is not just an individual journey—it is an essential practice for leading from an authentic place. Only by facing our wounds, shadows, and vulnerabilities can we lead in a truly compassionate and transformative way.

This path begins with a decision: to look at ourselves again. To re-cognize ourselves—with new eyes, without judgment, and with honesty—is the first step toward a more human leadership. Self-observation and self-love are not optional—they are the very core of conscious leadership. They allow us to understand our emotions, embrace both our strengths and weaknesses, and lead with coherence, empathy, and purpose.

In this process, coaching becomes an invaluable tool. It supports, empowers, and opens new questions and pathways. A coach doesn’t give answers, but enables the leader to find them within. That’s why coaching not only enhances skills—it strengthens the self. It creates a transformative space where wiser decisions, healthier leadership, and more authentic relationships can emerge.

Well-being also plays a central role in this perspective. It can no longer be treated as a secondary benefit. Holistic well-being—mental, emotional, and physical—is a fundamental condition for sustaining healthy, long-term leadership. Organizations must foster environments that care for people, promoting a real balance between work and personal life. Self-care is not selfishness—it is responsibility.

Emotional intelligence is another vital pillar. An emotionally intelligent leader doesn’t just manage their own emotions—they know how to read others’, connect on a human level, resolve conflict with maturity, and set healthy boundaries that protect their own energy and that of their teams. Because boundaries also heal—they define the territory of integrity.

At WEvolution, we proudly celebrate the completion of the 6th edition of our program in collaboration with ICF South Florida. This year, 50 new participants joined a growing community of leaders committed to personal and professional growth. Over the years, more than 120 women have accessed this powerful training journey—supported by over 1,000 pro bono coaching hours that helped take their leadership to the next level.

This program doesn’t just offer tools. It creates a space for deep personal transformation. Because when one person heals, their way of leading heals too. And that has the power to change teams, organizations, and entire communities.


 

María Gabriela Hoch
Founder at WEvolution – Author of “Leaders of Today”
www.we-evolution.org
www.mariagabrielahoch.com

Maria Gabriela Hoch is a renowned author, speaker, and mentor specializing in empowerment, conscious leadership, and healing mentorship. With a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the Argentine University of Enterprise (UADE) and a Master's in Communication Management from the Austral University of Argentina, she brings extensive expertise to her work. Maria Gabriela underwent rigorous training, including a Master's and teaching certification in Integration and Facilitation of psychotherapeutic processes from the Brennan School of Healing in Florida, USA.


Community Contributions

 The Leadership Dashboard: 
Empowering Leaders to Grow Bravely
 
  Nurdes Gomez
Founder and CEO of Grow Bravely, LLC, ACC, Certified Executive Coach Level 2



One of the most transformative tools in my executive coaching practice is the Leadership Dashboard—a reflective and strategic framework that supports leaders in aligning who they are with how they lead. As I’ve grown in my own journey, this tool has evolved from a structure I use to a shared space for co-creation, courageous self-exploration, and intentional impact.

The Leadership Dashboard resonates so deeply with my coaching approach because it meets leaders where they are—whether they’re navigating complexity, scaling influence, or rediscovering their purpose. It brings together their vision, values, priorities, and relationships in a way that is both grounding and growth-centered. More than a planning tool, it’s a living mirror—reflecting both their current leadership reality and what’s possible beyond it.

What makes this tool especially effective is how it enables deep inquiry and brave reflection. I don’t just guide leaders through it—I walk alongside them. Together, we explore the essential questions:
What is calling you forward right now?

  • Where are your actions and values aligned—or misaligned?
  • What relationships are pivotal for your leadership impact?
  • What wants to emerge as you lead more intentionally?

In one coaching engagement, a senior leader used the Dashboard to realize that their calendar reflected urgent demands, but not their core purpose. Together, we realigned their weeks to reflect their strategic intent and leveraged delegation to empower their team. The shift led to measurable business growth as they focused on driving impact — but more importantly, it reignited their energy and sense of direction.

What I appreciate most about the Leadership Dashboard is that it aligns with how I coach—with compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in every person's capacity to grow. It doesn’t impose answers. Instead, it honors the leader’s individual journey through reflection, choice and courageous action. This is how we grow bravely—together. 

 Want to share your voice in our monthly Community Contributions?


    
 
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! 

Celebrate Success of Past Events 
 
 
Six Years of Impact. One Shared Mission. Countless Transformations.
On July 1st, we marked the completion of the 6th cycle of our joint program (Annual WE & ICFSFL Power Coaching Program) - a moment that calls not just for recognition, but for reflection.
Six years is a significant time. In human terms, it's the time it takes a child to grow from birth to their first day of school - a journey of discovery, change, and new beginnings. Similarly, over these 6 years, a powerful partnership has taken shape and deepened, rooted in a shared mission between two organizations (ICF South Florida Chapter and WeEvolution) that believe in the limitless potential of human development.
  Today, our message is one of gratitude. While shortly we will be able to share more results and insights from the program, for now we want to make pause and thank everyone who made this journey possible:
  • To the dedicated ICF South Florida chapter coaches who gave their time, heart, and talent - thank you.
  • To WeEvolution and Maria Gabriela Hoch personally, who so consciously chose to inspire women to find their voice, expand their awareness, and heal emotionally and spiritually, we are humbled by your vision.
Together, we created more than just a program. We sparked transformation. We nurtured growth. And we introduced many participants to the power and integrity of coaching aligned with ICF standards - a standard we continue to honor.
With love, compassion, and peace in action, thank you for walking this path with us,  
Katya Talavera, Hayley Fretwell, and Olena Fedorchenko 


Outreach Committee
 
We’re excited to share that the ICF South Florida Outreach Committee successfully hosted its first Monthly Catch-Up Meeting, and it was packed with connection, collaboration, and meaningful conversations!

From reinforcing the value of volunteering to discussing ways to make coaching more visible and accessible across our community, the session brought together passionate coaches ready to contribute and grow together.  
Learn more. . .

Upcoming Events
 

 
 Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
with Sophia Casey, MCC
July 1 & 15, 2025 | 1:30 PM
Happening 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month! 

International Coaching Federation South Florida Chapter (ICFSFL) and Sophia Casey, Master Certified Coach (MCC) and CEO of ICLI RISING coach training school, are excited to offer the Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call, a biweekly power hour! 
Register here for July 1
Register here for July 15
 The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
with Fernando Celis, MCC
July 18, 2025 | 8:30 AM
Happening every 3rd Friday of the Month! 

Come join us as we expand our Barter Coaching Program with a dynamic encounter of Practice, Learning and New Insights on Competency Development. 
Register here for this webinar





MasterClass by Master Coaches

Shaped by Our Work
July 2, 2025, 8:30 AM
 
MasterClass by Master Coaches
 
MCC Coaching Demo
July 2, 2025 | 5:30 PM
 

JULY

 
1    Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
 
1    ICFSFL + WEvolution - End of Program Celebration for Coachees and Coaches
 
2    MasterClass by Master Coaches with Gideon Culman, MCC
 
2    MasterClass by Master Coaches with Lyssa deHart, MCC
 
8    Emerging Leaders Sessions
 
10  Coaching Group Super-Vision Opportunity with MCC Coach Paulette Rao
 
11  Outreach Committee Monthly Call
 
15  Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
 
18  The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab

Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors


 
 
 

Carrie Spaulding
 
Sophia Casey

Advertising and Partnership Opportunities
 
Want to share your story? Become a partner and share your unique program or service in all ICF South Florida's media outlets, including, email, Facebook, and Instagram.

Jobs Opportunities
 
Members – we now have a page on our website with jobs/work opportunities for you. When you log in to our website, you can find the link with posted opportunities.


 
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