June 2026 Newsletter

"Turning New Ideas and Connections Into Action"

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

Dear OCDA Members,

At the end of this month, I will conclude my term as President of OCDA. It’s bittersweet to think about, but it has been an honor to serve and get to know each of you, spearhead initiatives focusing on the needs/interests of our constituency groups, and lead OCDA into a new era. Throughout this term, OCDA has expanded our outreach to our constituency groups, hosted numerous professional development webinars in addition to our annual Legislative Advocacy Day and Conference, strengthened our partnerships with other professional associations (PACDA, MichCDA, OSCA, and OCA), took steps to ensure a stable succession plan for the OCDA Board of Directors, and maintained our connection with OCDA’s history. What a year it has been!

That all being said, I could not have done any of this without all the members of the OCDA Board of Directors. Every member of this year’s Board played an essential role in bringing about our shared vision for OCDA throughout this term. From planning the conference to organizing and maintaining our records and so much more, this year’s Board is one for the history books. No doubt about it!

As we move forward and I transition into the role of Past-President, I am excited to see where our Presidential Team takes OCDA. With a continued vision of expanding our outreach and building off the strong foundation forged over the course of 50 years, I know that as President and President-Elect, respectively, Rachel Richardson and Erin Liggett will both do incredible jobs leading us in the coming years! I would also like to extend a huge thank you to Richard Fajardo, who will be transitioning off both the Presidential Team and the OCDA Board of Directors. He has been an incredible model of what it means to be a leader within this organization, and I have been so fortunate to get to serve alongside him as well as build a friendship that will last a lifetime!

Finally, as I conclude the last Presidential Message of my term, I would like to leave you all with a few reminders. These are to check in with yourself, focus on and prioritize your passions within this meaningful work, and do not hesitate to reach out to any of us on the Board so that we can best serve you. The Ohio Career Development Association would not be the organization it is today without each and every one of you, and you all have the power to help shape its future.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve, and thank you for being a part of OCDA!

With immense gratitude and respect,

Kaleigh Mahon

President, OCDA

Thank you to our 2026 OCDA Conference Sponsors

Gold Level Sponsor

College Central Network

Bronze Level Sponsor

LDW Group LLC

In-Kind Breakfast Sponsor

Biggby Coffee of Lima, Ohio

In-Kind Printing Sponsor

Sign Solutions of Ohio

Trolley Sponsor

Visit Greater Lima

Ad Level Sponsors

CPH Insurance

Hiration

Ohio Counseling Association (OCA)

Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA)

Putting Conference Inspiration to Action

Conference season is a time to learn, connect, and gather fresh ideas. Whether you attended the 2026 OCDA Spring Conference, are planning to attend NCDA, or have participated in another professional development opportunity, the real impact happens when inspiration turns into action.

As you reflect on recent learning experiences, consider how you can carry new ideas, strategies, and connections into your work in the months ahead.

Reflection Question

What is one idea, strategy, or connection from a recent conference or professional development experience that inspired you, and how do you plan to put it into action?

Continue the Conversation

We'd love to hear your response. Share your reflection using the link below. Selected responses may be featured in a future OCDA newsletter.

Share your Reflection

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

OCDA Board Approves Legislative Policy Platform

We are excited to share that the OCDA Board of Directors has adopted the inaugural OCDA Legislative Policy Platform, which went live last month. This milestone represents a significant step forward in strengthening OCDA’s advocacy efforts and advancing the visibility of career development issues across Ohio.

The Legislative Policy Platform serves as a guiding framework for OCDA’s advocacy priorities and public policy engagement. It outlines the association’s positions on key issues impacting career development professionals, students, job seekers, workforce systems, and the broader education-to-workforce pipeline. The platform is intended to support consistent messaging, inform legislative outreach, and help members engage confidently in advocacy conversations at the local, state, and federal levels.

The platform includes policy priorities related to topics such as workforce development, career readiness, access to education and training, career services, mental health and wellness, and equitable access to career opportunities. We encourage all members to view the full Legislative Policy Platform here.

This work reflects the continued collaboration and dedication of the OCDA Government Relations Committee and the many members who contributed feedback, expertise, and support throughout the development process.

Upcoming Advocacy Opportunity: 4th Annual OCDA Legislative Day

Legislative Advocacy Day provides members with an opportunity to connect directly with policymakers, learn more about current legislative issues impacting the field, and advocate for policies that support career development and workforce success across Ohio. Additional details, registration information, and a schedule of events will be shared in the coming months. We hope you will join us for another impactful day of advocacy and professional engagement.

We look forward to seeing you in the fall for our legislative day!

Sarah JanTausch & Newton Kimberly

OCDA GRC Co-Chairs

Featured Career Resource:

NCDA Career Convergence Web Magazine

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) publishes Career Convergence, a free monthly web magazine written by and for career development professionals. The Counselor Educators & Researchers archive is a goldmine of peer-contributed articles covering everything from teaching career theory in engaging ways to integrating mental health, trauma-informed practice, AI ethics, and cultural competency into career counseling coursework.

Recent highlights include pieces on supporting clients experiencing burnout, navigating AI use in counseling courses, and building community in online settings. The archive is organized by department, so you can also explore sections tailored to K-12, post-secondary, independent practice, and workplace settings from the same page.

Access Resource

Want to get more involved with OCDA?

Learn about available OCDA Board positions for the 2026-2027 term, as well as how to get involved with OCDA's committees.

Get Involved

Thank you to our Sponsor!

College Central Network

OCDA's 2026 Conference Gold Level Sponsor

College Central Network

Connecting Students, Career Services, and Employers

For more than 30 years, College Central Network has helped colleges and universities connect students and alumni with career opportunities while providing career services professionals with tools to support career readiness and employer engagement. Through innovative technology and partnership, College Central Network helps bridge the gap between education and employment.

Contact ohiocda@gmail.com if you or your organization would like to help sponsor a future OCDA 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