February 2026 Newsletter

"Centering Connection, Purpose, and Impact"

A Message from OCDA President, Website Chair, & Social Media Co-Chair, Kaleigh Mahon

Dear OCDA Members,

As a counselor, self reflection is a core component of what I do to ensure that I am providing the best care to clients. Not only does it allow me to consider the past, current, and possible future directions of treatment, it also provides me with an opportunity to check in with myself. Recently, this got me thinking about whether we have ever taken a moment to consider how, as career professionals, we are individuals that have the opportunity to significantly impact the trajectory of other peoples’ lives. Whether it be exploring interests and connecting them to potential careers, directing to resources, or even processing mental health experiences within someone’s career journey, we have the chance to create a profound impact on the lives of others. Through establishing trust, sharing our knowledge, and actively listening, we help others have the mental clarity, capacity, and tools to make decisions about their lives. It is such a unique and great responsibility that we carry, and I would encourage you to consider your purpose within this practice.

Something that I would also encourage you to reflect upon is that while we assist others, we are also human and sometimes need a reminder to take care of ourselves. Please take a moment, at your earliest convenience, to engage in a form of self-care that you see as fitting for your needs (e.g. deep breaths, drinking water, taking a nap, journaling, etc.). Also consider the importance of connecting with others. This could be via sending a text to a friend/family member and/or having a chat with someone face to face or via phone call/video chat. Our investment in this work can run deep, and therefore, I find it immensely helpful when I get a reminder to take a step back and engage in some self-care. I hope that these newsletter messages can provide the same assistance to you, if needed.

Lastly, as always, OCDA is also here to support you throughout your journey as a career professional through offering opportunities to connect with others, learn, and grow personally/professionally. If there is anything that you hope to see from us, please do not hesitate to reach out via email at ohiocda@gmail.com.

Best,

Kaleigh Mahon
President, Ohio Career Development Association

The Heart of Career Development:

Finding Purpose in Practice

Conference planning for the 2026 OCDA Spring Conference is officially underway, and this month we’re spotlighting one of this year’s key pillars: Finding Purpose in Practice.

February often centers on connection, and in career development, connection is at the heart of everything we do. We build relationships with students, job seekers, colleagues, and employer partners. We connect learning to opportunity, and people to possibility. But sustaining that work requires something just as important: a strong connection to our own purpose.

The Finding Purpose in Practice pillar recognizes that impactful advising begins with clarity, resilience, and practitioner well-being. When we are grounded and supported, we are better equipped to guide others with authenticity and balance.

At this year’s conference, attendees will explore practical strategies for integrating wellness and meaning into their work, ensuring they can continue to serve others from a place of strength.

Reflection

As we move closer to May, we invite you to begin thinking about how this theme shows up in your own professional life. What keeps you connected to your “why”? What practices help you sustain your impact?

Looking Ahead: OCDA 2026 Conference

Early Bird Registration is Now Open!

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Spring Conference hosted by Ohio Career Development Association, and we’d love to see you there.

Early Bird registration rates are available through March 31, 2026 at 11:59pm! Take advantage of the best pricing by registering early.

This year’s conference, Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact, brings together career professionals across K–12, higher education, workforce development, and private practice to explore innovative strategies, meaningful collaboration, and purpose-driven practice.

Dates: May 28–29, 2026

Location: Lima, Ohio

Conference sessions will center on:

• Building Bridges in Workforce Development
• Engaging Minds in Career Readiness
• Finding Purpose in Practice

Now is a great time to secure your spot and start planning your spring professional development.

Register

OCDA Hotel Block

OCDA has collaborated with the Wingate Inn in Lima to offer special group rates for conference attendees.

Kings Room (2 people): $100/night + tax

Double Room (4 people): $105/night + tax

Dates covered by group rate: May 27–29, 2026

Perks:

• Connected directly to the conference venue (VMCCC)
• Free deluxe continental breakfast each morning
• Free parking included

Last day to book with the special group rate: April 27, 2026

To reserve at the group rate, call the Wingate Front Desk at 419-228-7000 and mention that you are attending the OCDA Conference.

Reserve Today

OCDA Award Nominations Are Now Open!

It’s time to recognize the outstanding individuals and professionals who are making a meaningful impact in career development across Ohio. We're pleased to announce that OCDA Award nominations are officially open, and we invite you to help us celebrate excellence within our community.

Do you know a graduate student, colleague, mentor, career professional, or organization that deserves recognition? Take a few minutes to submit a nomination and help us honor those who are advancing our field and supporting student and client success every day.

Learn more about the award categories and submit your nomination here: https://ocdaonline.org/awards   Nomination Deadline: March 13, 2026

Let’s shine a light on the incredible work happening across our profession!

If you have questions, please contact Anna-Kaye Rowe, OCDA Awards Chair at rowea@ohio.edu.

Upcoming Events

Thank you for being one of our members! As a member, you receive many benefits, including access to Professional Growth and Networking Opportunities:

• Continuing education credits (CEUs)
• Discounts on trainings (Free-$5)
• Meet other professionals through attending events

Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Part 1 of 3: Why Advocacy is a Career Coach’s Best Tool

Note: Become an advocacy champion! This is part 1 of a 3-part series on effective advocacy, how to engage on behalf of our clients, and the best channels for communication! Part two will be published in the Pulse on Ohio newsletter next month!

As career advocacy professionals, we are often the "early warning system" for the Ohio economy. We see the shift in required skills, the specific hurdles for veterans, or the impact of a plant closure months before those trends show up in a state report. While our daily work focuses on empowering the individual, there is a broader level of empowerment that happens all over the state, from state boards to public comment in a town hall meeting to organizations. Advocacy happens everywhere, just as the Government Relations Committee represents our members and clients at the statehouse.

Engaging with elected officials isn’t about "politics" in a partisan sense; it’s about professional expertise. You possess ground-level data that legislators in Columbus need but rarely get from a spreadsheet. When bills like Senate Bill 143 (addressing criminal background questions on applications) or the 2026-2027 Combined State Plan are under debate, lawmakers are looking for "the why." They need to know how these policies actually play out in an OhioMeansJobs center or a private coaching session. We can help provide that necessary content from meeting with our clients, partners, and the discussions that take place in our offices.

By sharing our perspective, we ensure our representatives have a clear view of the "real world" of work:

• Ensuring Funding Hits the Mark: We can advocate for Partnership, Funding, and Grants to ensure training dollars are going toward the actual jobs being created in our specific regions.
• Spotlighting Hidden Barriers: We can point out where professional licensing or "red tape" is unintentionally keeping qualified Ohioans on the sidelines.
• Amplifying Client Potential: Many of our clients don’t have the time or resources to testify in a committee. When we speak up, we aren't just representing a profession, we’re representing the untapped potential of the Ohio workforce.

This advocacy is crucial and next week we will examine some ways to engage in advocacy with your representatives, from simple things you can do at home to in-person meetings you can have in your neighborhood, city, or state level. See you next month for part 2!

Onward,

Sarah JanTausch & Newton Kimberly
Co-Chairs, OCDA Government Relations Committee

Ohio Career Development Association - Advocacy

Featured Career Resource:

Resume Writing Academy

Looking to sharpen your resume writing skills and stay current with industry best practices? Resume Writing Academy offers Master-E-Sessions, which are webinars with a portfolio of samples and resources, available as recorded sessions you can access anytime.

The free resource library includes recorded webinars covering essential topics for working with clients, including:

• Resume writing strategies and best practices
• Professional social media optimization techniques
• LinkedIn profile development
• Modern formatting and design trends
• Industry-specific resume approaches

Whether you're helping a client craft their first resume or supporting someone through a career transition, these webinars provide practical techniques and real-world examples you can immediately apply in your coaching sessions.

Access Resources

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

YouScience

OCDA's 2025 Conference Gold Level Sponsor

Empower Ohio's future with data-driven career discovery

YouScience helps fulfill OCDA's mission by aligning student talents with meaningful, in-demand career pathways. Together, we empower lifelong career development through data-driven guidance and purpose-driven decisions.

Contact ohiocda@gmail.com if you or your organization would like to help sponsor the 2026 conference!

If you have any ideas for membership email content, please email Co-Chairs Ryana Munford at munford.2@osu.edu & Taylor Lincicome at tslocum924@gmail.com.