Among other roles, ICF chapters provide opportunities to earn continuing coaching education units (CCEUs) to members, and support members’ efforts to become and remain ICF-credentialed coaches. At ICF Metro DC, these efforts are largely driven by the Learning & Development Committee; an active and dedicated group chaired by Board member, Sonya Atkinson.

Previously operating under the Professional Development title, the committee re-named itself in 2023 to reflect the personal growth and general learning opportunities it presents as well. This group of volunteer chapter members collaborates to present frequent, high-quality, easily accessible learning opportunities, through which members and guests can earn CCEUs. Most of our sessions are now presented virtually for convenience, and are offered free of charge to dues-paying ICF Metro DC chapter members. In the year spanning September 2023 - August 2024, ICF Metro DC offered opportunities for earning 26.5 Core Competency CCEUs, most of which were presented through Learning & Development Committee-led sessions. For reference, a coach must earn 24 Core Competency CCEUs over the course of three years leading up to a credential renewal, so ICF Metro DC membership holds great value!

Members of the Learning & Development Committee review proposals submitted by coaches or professionals with an area of expertise relevant to coaching, select those who they feel will offer outstanding value to fellow chapter members, and coordinate with chosen presenters to produce high-quality online learning experiences. The committee takes a structured and strategic approach to its selection of learning sessions, aiming to provide a wide variety of topics each year. These topic categories, or “strands” include: Artificial Intelligence and Coaching, Business Development, Ethics, Personal and Professional Development of the Coach, Supervision and/or Mentor Coaching, Team & Group Coaching, and Wellness: Trauma & Grief-Informed Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, etc. New this year, you can see which strand each session falls into in the event description on our Events Calendar.

The Learning & Development Committee has great expectations for 2025! Committee leaders have committed to presenting two in-person learning opportunities; pay attention to your email for information on these! The committee has also taken on oversight of special interest groups/events such as the Coaching Dojo, Coaching Book Club, and Communities of Practice. They have invited back presenters from the Capital Coaches Conference, so chapter members who weren’t able to attend may still benefit from the wealth of expertise that was shared in-person at that event in October, 2024.

ICF Metro DC recognizes the outstanding volunteers of the Learning & Development Committee:

Sonya Atkinson, Chair

Neenia Barlatt-Higgins

Ashley Bunder

Gideon Culman

Hermann Ditzig

TL Green

Kati Jalali

Zaimah Khan

Kate Miller

Dr. Blair Robinson

Terri Sanchez

Cammela Teel

Salah Elleithey

Sonya Atkinson shares of her experience, “Life-long learning is a hallmark of my personal and professional approach to on-going development. I stepped up to volunteer in the L&D Committee in 2021 because of my passion for providing our chapter high-quality learning and development opportunities that help satisfy the three-year ICF credential renewal. The evolution of the seven “strands” came out of an awareness of the most frequently attended sessions by our chapter and a desire to ensure that we continually offer the most current research and best practices in coaching. The added benefit of meeting members during our virtual sessions, helps build meaningful community across our chapter and opens opportunities for ongoing networking. I am honored to Chair the L&D Committee in 2025 and welcome the interest, enthusiasm, and ideas of future L&D Committee volunteers!”

TL Green shares of her experience, “I joined the L&D committee because I deemed it important to understand the workings of a committee that provides education for me as a coach. As a member of the committee it gives me great pleasure to ensure our coaching community receives quality sessions from professional coaches. I look forward to continuing my participation with the community and our chapter.”

Additional volunteers are always welcome! The Committee seeks strategic thinkers who have great ideas and like to plan and/or lead events. Visit the committee page to learn more, and email us at admin@icfmetrodc.org to express your interest.

Applications to present a Learning & Development session are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. If you or someone you know has exceptional information to teach fellow coaches, please visit our Speaker Application page to get started.

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