ICF New Jersey Coach Connect - March 2025 
Welcome Message from Our Chapter President
Greetings Members!
Every year brings its own set of goals and aspirations, and for me, the way I approach them has shifted over time—from having a long list of detailed objectives to embracing broader, more flexible ambitions. This year feels like a chance to step back and take it all in with a fresh perspective.
In 2025, we remain committed to fostering a chapter as a collaborative community of professional coaches, where every member is seen, heard, and respected and diversity of every kind is welcome. Guided by the ICF’s principles of Professionalism, Collaboration, Humanity, and Equity, within the ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter, and in the broader community, we aspire to practice and promote the values of I.D.E.A.S.:
To this effect, we are introducing our Diversity Statement centered around the core principles of I.D.E.A.S.:
I is for Inclusion: We welcome every member.
D is for Diversity: We embrace diversity in all its forms, including backgrounds, identities, views, beliefs, and coaching styles.
E is for Equity: We create a level playing field for every coach within our chapter.
A is for Accessibility: We ensure every member’s access to opportunities, programs, resources, relationships and collaborations.
S is for Solidarity: We stand together and support each other as a community where every member belongs, and differences are acknowledged and celebrated.
These principles are more than just words, the statement will be an aspiration to live by and to weave into the culture or fabric of ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter.
Our 2025 theme is “Transformation” and throughout the year, you can expect a variety of events designed to inspire and challenge you, including a new business development series, networking opportunities, credentialing support, meaningful discussions that encourage deeper connections and learning. Whether you've been coaching for years or are just starting out, we want you to feel part of a community that supports your professional journey and empowers you to thrive.
Our Board has rolled up their sleeves and has been working on our strategic plan for the chapter based on member feedback and enhancements you wish to see. The energy and enthusiasm of this team are inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together. Furthermore, with the efforts of our Strategic Partnership Team, we will amplify the impact of coaching by strengthening our relationships with local organizations and by increasing awareness of how coaching can truly transform lives and careers.
Looking back, our 2023-2024 Board wrapped up the year with an in-person gathering filled with gratitude and celebration. We bid farewell to Walter Slade as the interim DEI Chapter Leader who dedicated time and efforts to the chapter, and we welcomed new faces Joyce Heckman, John De Palm, Mindy Gewirtz, and Deann Forman with excitement for what lies ahead. The transition has been seamless, and I’m grateful for the wealth of knowledge and passion that each board member brings to the table. This year marks a fresh chapter—one filled with new opportunities and collaborations. Our 2025 Board of Directors brings together a mix of seasoned and new leaders, each with their own perspectives and dedication to advancing the chapter’s future. We’re eager to build on the strong foundation that has made ICF New Jersey what it is today, while exploring new ideas to better serve our members.
I want to encourage you to “get in where you fit in,” whether that means joining a committee, sharing your voice, or simply connecting with a fellow member. This chapter belongs to all of us, and your involvement is what makes our chapter truly special.
I’m honored to serve as your chapter president. I’m excited for the journey ahead. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Kelli Kombat
ICF New Jersey President
Member Spotlight
Member Engagement is shining a spotlight on our incredible coaches and their stories, opening opportunity to get curious about our members. Our goal is to share stories and insights to build connections and inspire engagement. Click here or on the image below to find out more about Denise.
Your Membership Matters: Renew Before March 31st!
For those whose membership expires on March 31st, as the renewal date approaches, we invite you to renew your membership and continue to benefit from the ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter. Your membership has played an integral role in our diverse, thriving community, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support. Some of the key benefits of membership are:
- Community and Collaboration: Stay connected with like-minded coaches in a global community who share your passion to be of service. Engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate on innovative projects, and build lifelong connections within our vibrant community.
- Recognition and Visibility: Showcase your expertise and achievements through our various platforms and programs. Gain recognition for your contributions, big and small, and establish yourself as a thought leader in coaching. We want to celebrate and support your wins or challenges in a growing, global community of coaches.
- Professional Development: Enjoy a wide range of learning opportunities through our robust, high caliber webinars and speakers to enhance your coaching knowledge and skills.
- Advocacy and Influence: Let’s amplify your voice and contribute to shaping the future of the coaching industry. As a member of ICF, you can participate in advocacy initiatives, influence activities and decisions, and drive positive change within the chapter and beyond. Your voice counts!
We believe your continued membership and participation in the chapter are vital to ensuring a thriving, inclusive community for the ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter’s future. To renew your membership, visit the ICF Global website and select New Jersey Charter Chapter as your local chapter. Feel free to reach out to our member engagement team at [email protected] for questions.
Thanks for your ongoing commitment to ICF and the New Jersey Charter Chapter. We value your partnership and look forward to another year of exploration, growth, and collaboration!
Reflections on the Global Cherish Coaching Festival
Empowering Coaches Globally: A Celebration of Connection and Impact
Recently, I learned how the power of coaching transcends borders, weaving together diverse perspectives, cultures, and traditions into a shared movement of empowerment and unity. The Global Cherish Coaching Festival was a testament to this. Hosted and co-hosted by the ICF Delhi NCR Charter Chapter and the ICF South Africa Charter Chapter, this festival created a rich space where coaches from various parts of the world could meet, gain peer learning, and grow together. The energy was geniune, the conversations insightful, and the wisdom exchanged reaffirmed why I believe, as coaches, we are dedicated to this profession.
Over the course of five incredible days, the ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter, in collaboration with a total of 11 ICF Chapters across nine countries, came together in a virtual, safe space to celebrate how coaching can make a transformative impact beyond borders. Shout out to the partnering chapters - ICF Colombo Chapter, ICF South Florida Charter Chapter, International Coaching Federation ISRAEL, ICF Uganda Charter Chapter, ICF Oman Chapter, International Coaching Federation - ICF UAE Chapter, ICF Bengaluru Charter Chapter, ICF Kenya, and ICF Chennai Charter Chapter - that traveled the journey with us. “We were a coaching community that showed up,” commented the ICF Bengaluru Charter Chapter.
The festival coordinators’ vision worked out beautifully. There were coaches from various backgrounds gathered across different time zones to connect, share, and elevate the coaching experience beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. There were incredible speakers, panelists, and contributors who made the festival a rich and uplifting experience for all of us.
Stay Connected
Please keep up with all the chapter's exciting events and updates by following us on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Don’t forget to register for upcoming events through the events email to secure your spot.
