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Development Association

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OCDA AWARDS

2026 OCDA Award nomination criteria and submission forms are OPEN NOW!

The OCDA Awards Committee is in charge of establishing criteria, reviewing nominations, and selecting recipients for The Bob Windle Leadership Award, The Career Innovator Award, The Outstanding Graduate Student Award, and an award with a theme/nomination criteria based upon the theme of the OCDA Annual Spring Conference.

The OCDA Awards Committee consists of up to 5 reviewers appointed by the chairperson(s). Past award recipients as well as OCDA members are invited (and encouraged) to join!

If you or someone you know are interested in joining the OCDA Awards Committee or have questions regarding award criteria, nominations, or recipient selection, please contact Anna-Kaye Rowe, 2025-2026 Awards Chair, at rowea@ohio.edu.

OCDA Award Nomination Criteria

Every year, OCDA recognizes professionals in the field of career development! This year, OCDA is excited to announce nominations are now open for FOUR different awards.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Award Criteria

This award will be presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of the exemplary contributions that graduate students are already making in the field. 
Nominees must be a full-time graduate student in Ohio, and in the field of career counseling, student affairs, college/student personnel or a related discipline. 

Nominees should demonstrate competency in at least 3 of the areas below:

  1. Academic Excellence: The nominee must have maintained a strong academic record throughout their graduate studies, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.

  2. Career Preparation and Development: The nominee should showcase proactive engagement in activities that contribute to their professional growth, such as internships, research projects, workshops, or relevant extracurricular involvement.

  3. Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership qualities, innovation, and initiative in pursuing career-related opportunities, whether within academia, industry, or the community.

  4. Impact and Contributions: Evidence of tangible contributions or initiatives that have positively influenced their own career prospects or those of their peers, department, or academic institution.

  5. Professional Development Skills: Displaying proficiency in skills crucial for career advancement, including but not limited to networking, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Award Benefits:  The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative award, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award!

THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS - March 13 , 2026

Career Innovator Award

Award Criteria

This award is presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of a creative thinker in the career field. 

The Career Innovator award will be presented to a professional with at least 2 years of experience in career development or related field who demonstrates innovation through specialized projects, initiatives, and/or contributions and has made an impact on the populations they serve.


Candidates should show competency in three of the areas below:

  1. Innovative Practices: Recognition for implementing innovative strategies, programs, or initiatives that have significantly impacted the field of career development.
  2. Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
  3. Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
  4. Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Award Benefits: The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH. 

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination for the Career Innovator Award!


THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS - March 13, 2026

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The Bob Windle Leadership Award

Award Criteria

This award is presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of a true leader in a career field. The award is named in honor of Bob Windle, who won the award in 2011, for his exceptional contributions to OCDA and to career counseling, exploration, transition, and resilience.

The Bob Windle Leadership Award recognizes practicing career counselors, consultants, or teachers for outstanding performance. Nominees must have at least eight (8) years of service in career development or a related field; demonstrated quality of service (such as innovative programs, recognition by local organizations, publications, awards, etc.); and service to professional association(s) at the local, state and/or national levels.


Nominees should show competency in three of the areas below:

  1. Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and served as an influential mentor or role model, guiding and inspiring others in their career paths.
  2. Professional Reputation and Influence: A strong reputation and influence within the field, demonstrated by awards, recognitions, or invitations to speak at conferences and events.
  3. Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
  4. Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
  5. Collaboration and Networking: Engagement in collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships, and building networks that have enhanced career opportunities and advancement for others.
  6. Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Award Benefits:  The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative award, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination for the Bob Windle Leadership Award!

THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS - March 13, 2026

Conference Themed Award: The Career Readiness Champion Award

Award Criteria

The conference-themed award is the newest addition to the slate of awards presented annually at the Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference. Each year's award is created in alignment with the theme of that year's Conference. The Career Readiness Champion Award recognizes an individual, team or organization who advances career readiness through engaging practice, intentional pathway design, and cross-sector collaboration. This award honors champions who help learners connect education, skills, and real-world opportunities while strengthening systems that promote access, equity, and successful career transition.


Nominees should demonstrate excellence in the following core areas:

1. Engaging Career Readiness in Practice: Implements creative, learner-centered approaches that actively engage individuals in career exploration, reflection, and transferable skill development. Brings career readiness to life through meaningful experiences that build confidence, agency, and clarity around career goals.

2. Building Equitable Pathways Through Partnership: Designs or strengthens inclusive career pathways that connect education, skills, and real-world opportunities while reducing barriers to access.
Collaborates effectively with campus, employer, and community partners to align resources and support successful education-to-work transitions.

3. Demonstrating Impact and Sustained Influence: Shows clear evidence of impact on learners, programs, partnerships, or systems through outcomes, feedback, or participation. Demonstrates sustained commitment to scalable, long-term career readiness efforts that extend beyond a single initiative or event.

Award Benefits: The winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination for The Career Readiness Champion Award!

THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS - March 13, 2026

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