Welcome Message From Our President, Valeska Martins |
| Dear ICF South Florida Community, |
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December arrives wrapped in celebration's joyful embrace, and what an extraordinary year we have to celebrate! As twinkling lights illuminate our community and the spirit of the season fills our hearts, I find myself on this Thanksgiving morning, overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable journey we've shared throughout 2025. What a special day to stop, reflect and write this note.
This year began with something not common in an ICF chapter: a completely new leadership team stepping into uncharted territory together. What courage it took! What dedication we witnessed as these passionate volunteer VPs learned their roles, navigated challenges with grace, and transformed vision into reality. They didn't just maintain our chapter, they pioneered out-of-the-box initiatives that have redefined what's possible for ICF South Florida. |
The results speak volumes: 80 new members welcomed into our community, groundbreaking partnerships forged, innovative programs launched, and countless transformative moments created. From The Business Show Miami to our expanded International Coaching Week, from the WeEvolution Project to our Core Competencies Summits gathering more than 520 coaches worldwide, from Zumba at the Park to Sharing Stories - every achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer family.
This month, we celebrate together! Join us for our in-person and online celebration events (registration at icfsouthflorida.org), where we'll honor this incredible year and the people who made it all possible. These gatherings embody the connection and community spirit that make our chapter truly special.
As we close 2025, we're already energized about what's ahead. The year 2026 promises to be spectacular: our biennial Luminous Conference returns, strategic partnerships deepen, signature programs expand, and exciting new initiatives await. Our volunteer leaders are already designing experiences that will elevate our chapter to unprecedented heights.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. Your engagement, your passion, and your commitment to coaching excellence make everything possible.
Here's to celebrating an extraordinary 2025 and welcoming a magnificent 2026 filled with connection, growth, and limitless possibility!
With deep gratitude and holiday joy, |
Valeska Martins
President, ICF South Florida Chapter |
| Meet our Advisor to the Board - Bari Schanerman |
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I am passionate about collecting and connecting people with resources and the idea that life can be easier. I work with individuals and teams to recognize where they are leading from, so they can continue to develop their skills to become great leaders of their life and in business. ICF South Florida is a great way to meet new people in the profession and learn from everyone. The volunteers each bring their passion to making a difference for the members of the chapter.
My favorite role as a volunteer for ICF South Florida was Board Coach. I liked being able to share what I've learned in different leadership positions, books, podcasts, and course work. I am always curious to learn more, as a coach, mentor, facilitator, teacher, and guide for individuals who want to grow that are serving on the Board.
It has been great watching all the different leaders of this chapter leave their mark. Currently, it is a true joy to witness Valeska Martins navigate the role of President of this chapter with the leadership skills she has learned over the last few years, and her desire to grow more leaders for the future. |
Bari Schanerman
ICFSFL Advisor to the Board
Bari collects and connects people with resources. She has a Business Degree with a major in Economics. She spent 20 years in the Banking Industry in the Accounting/Finance area with a little Business Development towards the end.
She volunteers work with different non-profits, while being home with kids, which eventually included ICF South Florida.
Business Coaching/Mentoring and Volunteer work - ICF South Florida Board since 2017 as Treasurer, Outreach Connector, Board Coach, and Facilitator for Emerging Leaders.
Certified in the following assessments: ELI (Energy Leadership Index), EQi 2.0, PRINT® “The Why of You” and Tilt365 – True Tilt Profile (TTP) and Agility Growth Tracker (AGT). Also Certified xchange Guide using the xcvhange approach of facilitation.
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| ICF South Florida would like to welcome our newest member to the chapter! |
Zhenya Hyman
Anna DeJulia
Julius Ordonez
Ana SoVal
Aalexandra Donofrio |
| Book Corner by Bari Schanerman |
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Find Your Why
Simon Sinek
Often, we know what we do and how we do it – what might not be conscious is why we do something. Understanding the passion behind why we do something gives us a way to articulate it to ourselves and others.
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I write this short column each month, recommending a book, because I am passionate about contributing to a greater cause and connecting people with resources to make life easier. Knowing that coaches are leaders, that impact others as well as organizations, is an opportunity to make an impact and contribute to a greater cause.
When you are clear on your WHY, you have a way to make decisions and pick choices that support your why so you can be intentional with the actions you take and stay aligned.
If you don’t want to read the book, listen to the Ted Talk that Simon Sinek did in 2009 where he talks about the why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
If you haven’t thought about your Why, there are different assessments that help you articulate your why. Want to know more? Reach out to bari@yourmeetingplace.com and I’m happy to share some resources. |
| | ‘Always Be Contracting’ Approach
Join us on Monday, December 01, 2025, from 06:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (ET NY), for this insightful session on the “Always Be Contracting,” approach, where you’ll explore how ethical contracting evolves throughout a coaching engagement and gain practical strategies for navigating re-contracting moments with confidence and integrity. Read more... | Mental Well-Being: A Coach’s Must-Have Toolbox
Over the years, I’ve watched the coaching landscape change. Mental well-being is no longer an optional skill. It’s essential.
As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and an ICF Master Certified Coach, I’ve seen a rising trend: more and more clients — and fellow coaches — are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. Read more... | | | ICF Professional Coaches Global Board of Directors Elections—The Results Are In!
The ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors is a body of elected members who govern the affairs of the organization, which is a membership association for trained, professional coach practitioners. Its purpose is to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession through its members and chapters worldwide. The Board of Directors is comprised of no more than nine members who have been nominated based on competencies of exceptional boards. Each director serves a two-year term, with a maximum of two terms. View Full list... | | 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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In-person End-of-the-year Brunch | |
Join us for a warm and festive End-of-the-Year Brunch with ICF South Florida! Connect with fellow coaches, celebrate our community, and close out 2025 with good food and great company. We look forward to seeing you there!
December 6, 2025
10:00 AM EST
Narbona Coconut Grove
3015 Grand Ave Ste 116, Coconut Grove
Just $20 for members — ICFSFL covers the rest.
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Dancing Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Tapestry of ICF South Florida | |
Join us for a vibrant year-end celebration honoring the cultures, rhythms, and stories that make ICF South Florida a truly global community. In just 60 festive minutes, we’ll “travel” across countries, share traditions, and experience how coaching connects us across borders. Expect music, color, interaction, and space for everyone to be seen and celebrated. Feel free to come as you are or add a small touch that reflects your heritage. Save the date and be part of this joyful gathering of our beautifully diverse coaching community!
December 10, 2025
8:30 AM EST
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ICFSFL WE Power Coaching Program: Coach Recruitment Webinar | |
Discover how you can help shape the next generation of empowered women through the ICFSFL WE Power Coaching Program. This informative session will walk you through the program’s mission, structure, and impact—along with what it means to serve as a volunteer coach.
Join Olena Fedorchenko and Virginia Lujan as they share insights, expectations, and the meaningful opportunities available for coaches who want to uplift women in our community. Whether you're exploring ways to give back or looking to expand your coaching impact, this webinar is the perfect place to begin.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
12:00 PM
| Celebrate Success of Past Events |  |
Wellbeing Through Storytelling and a Coaching Mindset
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On November 1, 2025, the ICFSFL Wellbeing Team hosted an in-person storytelling event centered on Turning Points – Stories of Resilience and Renewal. Registrants were invited to prepare their story, narrate it in an intimate gathering and receive authentic reflections from participants – all while holding space for oneself and others and honoring a coaching mindset.
Each participant engaged and shared their story with sincerity, courage, and openness – shaping a beautifully grounded atmosphere. Together, we co-created a safe and caring environment, blending personal transformation with community connection and showcasing the profound power of storytelling for collective wellbeing.
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This gathering was mindfully co-created by ICFSFL member-coaches Shakti Radhakishun and Mridula Patnaik, with the support of Wellbeing Team Director Katherina Capra and President Valeska Martins. Sparked from a simple, yet powerful conversation and short story that shifted perspective and created profound impact, we were reminded how sharing our stories can illuminate new insights and deepen connection.
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At the amazing Broward County Main Library, ten attendees gathered to slow down, reflect, and be fully present with and for one another. Light refreshments encouraged easy conversation, as we cultivated a space where everyone felt genuinely seen, heard, and respected.
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The beautifully narrated stories were powerful, tender, and deeply vulnerable, evoking reflections that were authentic, uplifting and caring.
Participants described the impact of this experience as “meaningful and restorative”, “therapeutic”, “authentic”, and “uplifting”, highlighting the strong sense of trust, community, and connection that filled the space.
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In addition, participant feedback reflects that this event evoked:
 Emotional Impact: a healing experience that inspired renewed self-reflection.
 Connection & Belonging: an intimate atmosphere that invited deep, heartfelt connection.
 Empowerment: sharing personal turning points that ignited resilience, growth, and gratitude. |
Everyone left with full hearts, strengthened bonds, and a renewed appreciation for the stories we carry.
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| Our heartfelt gratitude to every attendee for your presence, authenticity and vulnerability. You made this gatheing truly unforgettable. |
| President’s Call for Volunteers |
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Your Invitation to Shape the Future
(Personal invitation from President)
At ICF South Florida, everything we accomplish is fueled by dedicated volunteers — professional coaches like you who generously share their time, ideas, and heart to strengthen our community and elevate the gold standard of coaching.
Every day, I witness volunteers not only shaping our chapter but also growing themselves. Some lead inspiring initiatives; others bring projects to life with creativity and passion. Each one makes a meaningful impact. |
Why Volunteer?
• Lead meaningful projects and grow your leadership.
• Build visibility and credibility in the coaching world.
• Connect with an inspiring, diverse community.
• Shape the future of coaching in South Florida and beyond. |
| Whether you have a few hours a month or want to lead a major initiative, there’s a place for you here. |
| Email me and let's talk about possibilities: info@icfsouthflorida.org |
Valeska Martins
President, ICF South Florida Chapter |
| | Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
with Sophia Casey, MCC
December 2 & 16 | 1:30 PM
Happening 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month!
ICF South Florida and Sophia Casey, MCC, invite you to the biweekly Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call—a dynamic power hour to refocus, connect, and take action!
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MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC
Coaching the Emotional Brain: How Neuroscience Informs Empathy, Presence, and Change
December 3, 2025, 8:30 AM
| | MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Lerae Gidyk, MCC
MCC Coaching Demo
December 3, 2025 | 5:30 PM
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Emerging Leaders Sessions
From Coach to Leader: Bridging the Skills Gap
Ready to move beyond coaching skills and unleash your strongest leadership self?
Join our thriving community of coach-leaders every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM ET.
December 9, 2025 | 7:00 PM
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Outreach Committee Monthly Call
Join us for the ICF South Florida Outreach Committee Monthly Meeting — open to all ICFSFL members!
📅 Friday, December 12 | 9:00 PM
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The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
Be part of our 3rd Friday Barter Coaching sessions with Fernando Celis, MCC — where practice, learning, and new perspectives on competency development come together.
📅 Friday, December 19 | 8:30 AM
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2 Get Shift Done:Coaches Accountability Call Series
3 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC
3 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Lerae Gidyk, MCC
6 In-person End-of-the-year Brunch
9 Emerging Leaders Sessions
10 Dancing Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Tapestry of ICF South Florida
11 ICFSFL WE Power Coaching Program: Coach Recruitment Webinar
12 Outreach Committee Monthly Call
16 Get Shift Done:Coaches Accountability Call Series
19 The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
| Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
| 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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