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Alumni Executive Coach Profiles
Alumni Executive Coach Profiles
Take a moment to explore this year's availble exeuctive coach profiles below and discover their unique backgrounds, experiences, and coaching philosophies.
Amina Dickerson (she/hers)
Coaching Philosophy: "Working with the agenda set by the client-- their goals and desired outcomes from coaching- I serve as a thought partner, collaborator, supporter, and accountability ally. I help my clients connect to their purpose, possibilities, and power. I ask "fierce" questions, push clients to identify actions and timelines, and query the impact they want their work to have. It's a process of discovery, reflection, and deep inquiry to help clients identify strategies and solutions that foster both personal and professional growth."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Women in Leadership
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black/African-American
Location: Chicago, IL
Amy L. Torres (she/her/ella)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching approach follows a dynamic, cyclical arc that integrates intuition and strategic action. Beginning with discovery and alignment, clients explore their internal and external resources in relationship to their aspirations. Rooted in present-moment awareness, I support my clients to tune into their inner light so that they can lead from a place of compassion and power. Change emerges from the alchemy of bold vision, intentional action, and living inquiry."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Female, Femme Gender Expression, Lesbian/Queer
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Light-skinned, Boricua with Taino ancestry
Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Additional Identity Information: Spiritual/Intuitive Orientation, Professional Artist and Creativity Coach
Andre Samuels (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses unique strengths and untapped potential that, when identified and nurtured, lead to meaningful and sustainable growth. I utilize research-based tools, such as CliftonStrengths and 360-degree leadership assessments, to guide leaders toward greater self-awareness, clarity, and purpose. Coachees often describe me as empowering, strengths-focused, and deeply committed to helping them unlock their full potential. I bring both clarity and strategy to the coaching process, partnering with leaders to co-create development plans that are tailored to their goals, values, and leadership context. My coaching style is collaborative, authentic, and rooted in reflection. I help leaders challenge limiting beliefs, align their values with their impact, and strengthen the behaviors that shape team and school culture. I believe coaching should extend beyond individual development to positively influence the broader community. Through our work, leaders gain the confidence and skills to inspire teams, engage families, and create inclusive environments where all students and staff can thrive."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Identity-based coaching, Gallup Strengths; Organizational Development, 360 Feedback
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Cisgender Male/Straight
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black/African-American
Location: Hyattsville, MD
Additional Identity Information: First-generation college
Cynthia Nambo (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "I have been described as a healing system coach. I balance technical and adaptive aspirations and challenges while honoring the humanity of those I coach. Ultimately, leading to their impact on self, others, and systems. I have various curriculum platforms that focus on healing dispositions that honor racial, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and other identity markers, with getting down to business, imperative, and impact."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Cis gender Woman
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Mexicana
Location: Chicago, IL
Additional Identity Information: "I am from rich culture and communities that have been under-resourced and underserved. Growing up a child of immigrants and low economic means from many of the people of color neighborhoods in Chicago."
Dietrich Thompson (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is based on curiosity and exploration. I believe that leaders can achieve "True Victory," that is, victory over themselves in a way that gives the gift of self-care through self-awareness."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Neurodivergent
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Male, Straight
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: African-American
Location: Mahomet, Illinois
Additional Identity Information: Neurodivergent
Edgar Palacios (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person already carries the strengths and wisdom they need to thrive. I help them uncover, trust, and activate those gifts. I approach coaching as a partnership: I ask powerful questions, listen deeply, and challenge assumptions while offering support and accountability. Clients often describe my style as warm, encouraging, and action-oriented, with a balance of vision and practicality that helps them move forward with clarity and confidence."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 1 - 5
Gender and Sexuality: Male, Straight
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Latina/e/o/x
Location: Kansas City, MO
Additional Identity Information: Millennial, Community Leader, Bilingual
Erica Harris (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My intention is to support my clients in finding the seed of purpose that is within. I like to say that I don't have anyone's answers, but I have questions that will help you find and grow into the greatest version of yourself, if you're open to doing so. Knowing who you are more deeply will help you identify more of what you want to do differently in the world, which will lead to what it is that you want to have, in that order. I'm extremely personable with my clients and get to know them as whole people, not just work, because we are whole people, and everything should align if we are to find our own joy and fulfillment."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Female
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black
Location: Chicago, IL
Ian Buchanan (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is rooted in cultural responsiveness, whole-human leadership, and liberation. I create a space where Black and Brown leaders can reflect, reimagine, and lead with clarity, confidence, and alignment. Clients often describe my approach as a powerful blend of strategy and soul: I fuse frameworks like Immunity to Change and Co-Active Coaching to help them confront internal barriers, reclaim their purpose, and lead without losing themselves in the work. It's not just coaching—it's transformation with context, care, and conviction."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching, Confronting Self-Saboteurs and Leveraging Strengths
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Hetero male
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black (African-American)
Location: St. Louis, MO
Additional Identity Information: Parent, former school leader, former Chief Academic Officer
Injy Sullivan (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "To launch coaching, my clients reflect on all parts of their identity and dream about their aspirational vision for their life and work. We set goals related to those aspirations and then use coaching to consider where they are feeling stretched or challenged in pursuit of those goals. Throughout coaching, we pause to surface where the coachee's genius is showing and frequently reflect on what's becoming clearer, what they want to do next and/or what they are learning about themselves and their situation."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Woman, cis-gender, heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Biracial: Black and South Asian
Location: Irvington, NY
Jess Chacon (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "I always start with strengths in each coaching session, so clients get used to being able to confidently name things they do well and unpack how that led to a successful outcome. I also focus on identity of themselves and others they interact with. Additionally, I like to direct clients to reflect on their values to help them make decisions or unpack uncomfortable feelings. I am consistent and reliable, and have been named frequently as being a "safe space" for my clients."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Identity based coaching
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: cis gender heterosexual female
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Latina
Location: Austin, TX
Kalpana Rao (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "I believe coaching is a powerful catalyst for growth — a space where leaders and changemakers can reconnect with their purpose, reflect deeply, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and courage: I meet each client where they are, holding space for honest reflection and bold exploration. With over two decades of experience in global education and leadership, I bring a culturally responsive, systems-aware lens to my coaching. I support my clients to navigate complexity, lead with authenticity, and build more inclusive and sustainable practices — all while staying grounded in their values. Clients often describe our coaching conversations as calming, clarifying, and quietly transformative. Whether someone is seeking direction in their leadership journey, navigating change, or simply craving space to think and breathe, I’m here to walk alongside them — not with answers, but with presence, perspective, and partnership."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Cisgender female; heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Indian-American (South Asian)
Location: Ericeira, Lisbon, Portugal
Karen Goins (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My approach is to first listen deeply to understand the meaning behind my clients words. I assume they are brilliant and don't need to be told what to do, but need someone to help them to get where they really want to go. Sometimes that is not even evident to them in the beginning. I believe it is important that we laugh sometimes and make a space for other emotions as they arise. I am also respectfully direct when needed."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female, Heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: African American
Location: Plainfield, Illinois
Kelly Robinson (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My clients are wise, intelligent, and creative. I coach to surface clients' existing strengths and support them in leveraging their own assets to find their solutions and paths to transformation. My clients are whole and complete. I don't have answers as a coach - I have questions."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Transformation, Career Self-Reliance, Personal Development
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female, Heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black
Location: Hercules, CA
Additional Identity Information: Mother, government/non profit service, physical fitness trainer
Kevin Sansberry (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is rooted in a holistic, evidence-based approach, emphasizing that coaching is a creative partnership—not about fixing, but about fostering clarity, self-awareness, and purposeful growth. I believe every client is inherently resourceful and whole, and my role is to create a supportive environment where they can safely explore change, embrace new possibilities, and connect to their own wisdom. People describe my approach as authentic, deeply empathetic, and focused on helping leaders feel truly safe, enough, and empowered to lead with confidence and integrity."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Male, Heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Additional Identity Information: Father
Leslie Avant Brown (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "Healing Centered Coaching ® offers a safe and supportive space for Changemakers—individuals dedicated to making the world a better place—to prioritize their own growth and healing. Through our unique Healing Centered Coaching ® framework, we facilitate a coaching space that encourages clients to Pause, Ground, Align, and Act, helping them gain clarity, motivation, and support to help them move powerfully towards their goals."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Wellness / Addressing Burnout
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female, Queer
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black
Location: Detroit, MI
Michelle Seijas (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "I coach by guiding individuals, especially leaders of color, to recognize their inherent worth and power — not just the power of their titles, but the power of their stories, identities, and lived wisdom. Creating spaces where people can heal from systems that have drained or diminished them, so they can lead, love, and live from a place of alignment, not just survival. Holding a vision for what justice, belonging, and possibility can look like — in organizations, in schools, in communities — and helping others to build their vision and bring it to life. Bridging the inner work and the outer work: leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about self-awareness, values, nervous system regulation, and intentional practice. Modeling courage, tenderness, and clarity — I'm not asking people to do what I haven’t done or am not willing to do myself. In short, my purpose as a coach goes beyond “developing leaders” or “delivering programs” — it’s about supporting people to restore their wholeness so they can create systems, relationships, and futures where everyone thrives."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching, Finding personal and professional purpose
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Cisgender straight woman
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Latina: Mexicana, Venezolana
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Additional Identity Information: K-12 experience (teacher, elementary VP, high school principal, district coordinator), Non-profit experience (Executive Director, Surge Oakland)
Natalie Petit (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is rooted in mindfulness, empathy, and intentional action. I believe every leader has the capacity for meaningful impact when they are deeply aligned with their values and aware of their patterns. I create a supportive, judgment-free space where clients can explore challenges, build self-awareness, and uncover powerful insights that lead to sustainable growth. Clients often describe my approach as grounded, intuitive, and transformational. I meet people where they are, ask thought-provoking questions, and gently challenge them to move beyond comfort zones—always with a focus on clarity, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics
# years of coaching: 1 - 5
Gender and Sexuality: Heterosexual Female
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Haitian American
Location: Boston, MA
Nix Avant-Brown (she/they)
Coaching Philosophy: "Authentic Leadership as a specialized coaching, training, and empowerment strategy is about guiding leaders to embrace their true selves, to foster genuine self-expression, and to create a positive impact both personally and professionally. This approach helps individuals transcend the restrictive patterns of Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, and Procrastination by embracing our 6 Freedom Values: Freedom, Courage, Love, Perspective, Illumination, and Grace. Through these elements, Authentic Leadership empowers leaders to step confidently into new roles, perform at their best, and inspire others to do the same. It transforms challenges into stepping stones towards growth, paving the way for a more authentic and impactful leadership journey."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching, Coaching & Supervision
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Feminine Lesbian Goodness, or “Gay Lady”
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black, African-American, Detroiter
Location: Detroit, MI
Additional Identity Information: An inner-city girl. Lover of travel and adventure. From a large family with histories of mental health conditions. A loving person who’s been doing peer support since age 5. A daughter of two deceased, loving, and brilliant parents. A wife of 18 years.
Rito Martinez (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "I am often asked to describe or explain what "Leadership Coaching" is. I often struggle to define or describe coaching because I see it as a process and journey. Here is my latest attempt to put it into words: Coaching is a profound act of heart and consciousness. At its core, coaching is about creating space—both externally and internally—for self-exploration, growth, and transformation. It invites individuals to examine doubts, fears, and obstacles that may hinder their potential, encouraging a compassionate and non-judgmental journey into self-awareness. This practice is sacred work. It honors the inherent dignity and wisdom of each person, fostering a deep connection to one's authentic self. Through coaching, individuals can reconnect with their core values, reclaim their inherent genius, and cultivate inner strength. In a broader sense, coaching serves as a powerful tool for decolonization and liberation. It challenges and helps break free from the limiting, deficit-based narratives imposed by systemic structures—stories that have often suppressed, marginalized, or diminished individual and collective potential. Furthermore, coaching can be inherently healing. It offers a space to identify and address wounds that may require acknowledgment and care, supporting resilient and compassionate growth. By engaging in this process, coaching partners uncover their inner wisdom and develop a transformative alignment with liberatory values—values that promote equity, justice, and holistic well-being. Ultimately, coaching is a journey of rediscovery—an invitation to access your inner brilliance, embrace your full humanity, and step into a more liberated and authentic expression of self."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching, Identity-Affirming Coaching, Career Transitions, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Cis het
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Indigenous Chicano
Location: Oak Park, IL
Sareena Wildberger (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "As your coach, I want to help you meet your goals. A central part of my style is to help you reflect on your current practices and to help you explore new options in the areas you want to improve. I will ask a lot of questions regarding what you do, how you approach your work, what obstacles you experience, and what you can imagine doing differently. At the same time, I will share my opinions that I have developed based on my experiences and study. However, our collective aim will be to help you figure out what structures, approaches, and actions will fit your strengths and style and will help you achieve your goals. As you test these new practices in your day-to-day work, we will reflect on what worked and what was challenging so that you can adjust and develop confidence in your new strategies."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Indian
Location: Schaffhausen, SH, Switzerland
Shannen Coleman Siciliano (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy: 1- The world you seek begins within! So, instead of focusing just on the external work (the long to-do list and temporary external achievements), I help clients commit to the self-work. A stronger you creates stronger teams, organizations, and ultimately communities. 2- You are whole and brilliant. In the words of Resmaa Menakem, “You are not defective. You are protective.” I help leaders uncover their brilliance/light and true power. There's no "finding"- it's already there/within. Clients describe me as warm, approachable and calming but VERY quick to call BS on negative stories that affect the person and their leadership abilities! In other words… I “keep it real” but with love. Many clients call me their "work therapist."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching, Somatics, Inner healing
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Female, heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black, Black American
Location: Evanston, IL
Additional Identity Information: Mother, wife, former executive director, community organizer and educator/administrator, traveler/wanderer, spiritually grounded/sourced/connected, healer
Sharma Graham (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My clients describe me as a warm, thoughtful partner who listens deeply. When I describe my coaching philosophy, I like to use a metaphor of two kites. One kite is competence, and the other is courage. As leaders, and particularly leaders who are leading social change, I believe we must keep both kites flying -- one of competence and one of courage. My coaching philosophy is grounded in helping clients keep their eyes, energy, and attention on keeping both kites flying high, and not letting either begin to drag or fall completely."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Cisgender female, heterosexual
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: African-American
Location: Concord, NC
Additional Identity Information: Mom of 2 elementary-aged Black boys
Taquelia Washington (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: " In the coaching aspect of her work, she focuses on supporting leaders, particularly leaders of color, to lead from a values-aligned and embodied stance. She utilizes a somatic approach to support her clients to tap into their inner wisdom and fullness of being. Past clients have described her approach as empowering, healing, and balm for the soul."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching, Somatic/Embodiment approach
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female / Queer
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black, African-American
Location: Oak Park, MI
Veenay Singla (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful transformation happens when leaders feel seen, supported, and challenged. I meet people where they are - with curiosity, care, honesty, and directness - and help them navigate complexity, clarify their goals, and lead with greater intention and impact. My approach is grounded not only in rigorous training but also in my own leadership experience across education, philanthropy, and social impact, which helps me understand both the strategic and human dimensions of leadership. Clients often describe my coaching as warm, honest, and deeply attuned to the realities of leadership, equity, and change."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Female/hetero
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Indian
Location: NY, NY
Additional Identity Information: Newish mom, working parent, minority woman, first-generation
Wendy Perdomo (she/her)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is grounded in trust, accountability, and equipping clients with the tools they need to lead with confidence and clarity. I approach each client relationship with deep curiosity and care, beginning with a conversation about what they want to achieve through coaching and the challenges that may be holding them back. Together, we explore why these goals matter and identify the mindset, behaviors, and practices that need to shift in order to move forward. I’m known for creating identity-affirming, safe spaces where clients feel seen and supported. This foundation of trust allows us to have honest conversations about what they’re navigating in the workplace and to address limiting beliefs or self-sabotaging behaviors early in our work. I’m a highly relational and practical coach—I provide relevant tools, strategic insights, and real-time resources that clients can apply immediately. I hold my clients accountable while honoring the complexity of their lived experiences. At the heart of my practice is the belief that professional women of color deserve coaching that affirms their brilliance, supports their growth, and strengthens their leadership in tangible, actionable ways."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Team / Organizational Dynamics, Wellness / Addressing Burnout, Identity-based coaching
# years of coaching: 6 - 10
Gender and Sexuality: Female
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Afro Latina - Dominican
Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Yusha Assad (he/him)
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is grounded in presence, compassion, and curiosity, creating space for school leaders to lead from a place of truth, purpose, and clarity. I help clients examine the internal beliefs that shape their leadership, while supporting them in making strategic decisions that impact school culture, team dynamics, and student outcomes. Clients describe my approach as both healing and results-driven—blending reflective dialogue with practical planning to build leadership habits that last beyond the session."
Coaching Specialty Area: Leadership Coaching, Culture Transformation Coaching, Mindset Coaching
# years of coaching: 10+
Gender and Sexuality: Heterosexual Man
Racial/ Ethnic Identity: Black
Location: Washington, DC
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