October 2026 Newsletter

"Exploring the Issues Shaping Career Development"

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Message from OCDA President, Rachel Richardson

Scary things seem to take place all around us during the month of October! Personally, I’m not a fan of anything remotely spooky like spiders or haunted houses. When you really think about it, even change can be a bit scary for most people.

The field of career development has weathered recent changes, with potential for future ones as well such as…

• Economic shifts that affect workforce and job stability
• Growth in use of AI and other future technological uncertainties
• Speed of evolving careers and development of brand-new occupations
• Ever increasing need to stay flexible in skill development

Instead of letting uncertainty or the future frighten us, let’s reflect on what has recently changed in our lives and careers in a positive way! Did you expand your network of connections, incorporate a best practice or learn a new skill?

While the future landscape of the workforce may seem scary, OCDA is here to help you take charge of your ever evolving career through advocacy, connection, and continuing education. Look for even more ways to learn and build a sense of community, especially during NCD (National Career Development) month coming up in November!

Sincerely,

Rachel Richardson
President, OCDA

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On Our Radar

On Our Radar: What's Brewing in Career Development?

Last month, we asked OCDA members what topics, trends, and challenges were on their career development radar. The results are in, and we've uncovered a few things stirring in our professional community!

From student engagement and workforce development to navigating limited resources and evolving government mandates, members shared a variety of issues on their minds. One topic emerged from the mist: work-based learning!

Take a peek at our community's word cloud below to see what else is brewing.

We'll use your responses to help guide future newsletter features and highlight resources, research, and professional development opportunities that matter to you.

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Welcome New Members!

Our OCDA community continues to grow! We’re excited to welcome our newest members and the experiences, perspectives, and ideas they bring to our career development community.

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NCDM Member Spotlight:
Celebrating Our OCDA Community

How do you envision your future? The National Career Development Association (NCDA) & OCDA invites you to participate in its Art & Poetry Contest, themed “Charting the Unknown: Mapping Your Future – Paths, Pivots, and Possibilities.”

Whether through art or poetry, share your creativity and explore the many paths, unexpected turns, and exciting possibilities that shape our personal and professional journeys. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your vision of the future and celebrate the journey of career development!

For More Information

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Upcoming Events

Learn More and Register for Events

Register Here

Register Here

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Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Government Relations Committee Update

Committee News

• Please save the date for OCDA’s 4th Annual Legislative Day on March 2nd! More information on how to register will be coming out in December.
• The GRC is excited to announce that we are the recipients of the NCDA State Advocacy Grant! This grant will be used to support our legislative day festivities, allowing us to extend the program into a full-day event! We look forward to hosting everyone at the statehouse for a full day of advocacy, camaraderie, and OCDA passion!

What We’re Watching: SB 328 The Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative

This bill, which has passed the Senate and is currently under consideration in the Ohio House’s Education Committee, builds out a more effective career development plan for Ohio students in grades 6-12. The bill requires state entities in the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Department of Higher Education, Department of Job and Family Services, Department of Development, Department of Children and Youth, and Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to collaborate and be hold responsibility towards the state’s education and workforce data, evaluate outcomes, and improve the information available to policymakers, educators, and workforce development professionals. In summary, this policy aims to build a statewide career-exploration and career development component into our educational system in a defined framework.

These changes provide more opportunities for career-exploration and much more direct involvement in exposing students to potential pathways available to them after they graduate from high school. It also emphasizes statewide data reporting, providing valuable insights into educational pathways, employment outcomes, and workforce needs that directly intersect with several of our own OCDA constituency groups, including K–12 education, higher education, workforce development, and business & industry. Giving these groups a much clearer picture on where gaps in our current system are. Each student shall create their own career and academic plan by the end of 8th grade and continue building upon it through graduation. By doing so, this prepares Ohio’s students for a variety of career possibilities by informing them with options, equipping them with skills, and providing them tools to address gaps in Ohio's education-to-workforce pipeline.

The bill connects education and workforce data to examine outcomes such as credentials, employment, wages, talent gaps, and retention. The bill seeks to help students make more informed career decisions while also providing a way to measure the impact of Ohio’s education and workforce system and evaluate results of this investment. Additionally, the bill provides an auditing mechanism to evaluate up to 5% of schools annually and requires annual reports to ensure compliance. If enacted, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will establish professional skills standards and a Career Coaching Framework by March 15, 2027. New requirements for students would begin with students entering sixth grade during the 2027-28 school year.

The Senate & House Education committees’ record shows substantial support from education, business, workforce, and advocacy organizations. We have already seen several organizations connected to OCDA’s constituencies testify in support of the legislation, including the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and multiple educational institutions across various levels.

This bill is very relevant for the career development industry in Ohio and proposes some of the most substantive changes we have seen in recent years. SB 328 directly intersects with the type of career development policies and practices our profession works to advance. As this bill moves forward, we will be watching to see if our interests are represented and, if signed into law, we will be looking to ensure that the regulations align with the high quality industry standards put forth by the National Career Development Association. OCDA’s Government Relations Committee is eager to see Ohio’s students provided with the skills, tools, and support to achieve their career goals. The committee hosted a representative from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce during one of our first legislative advocacy events and we are hopeful to be engaged as a key stakeholder when the time comes for building out this framework.

Legislative information is current as of October 12, 2026. The GRC will continue to monitor SB 328 and other legislation affecting career development and Ohio’s workforce.

Have you encountered a policy issue in your work that you think OCDA should be watching? Have a question about a bill or want to become more involved in advocacy? Learn more about the Government Relations Committee.

This issue of Pulse on Ohio was authored by Connor Thomas, a member of the OCDA Government Relations Committee.

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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!

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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!

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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.

September 2026 Newsletter

"Welcoming new members and new ideas to our OCDA community"

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Message from OCDA President, Rachel Richardson

September is the month where we officially transition from summer to fall, and when Ohio continues to give us warm days and evenings filled with daylight to enjoy! As the seasons change, it’s quite fitting to acknowledge distinct transitions also taking place within OCDA.

If you happen to be new to OCDA, I encourage you to get connected early! I highly recommend checking out this newsletter as it’s a quick read and offers a concise overview of upcoming events, webinars and ways to engage. Speaking of new members, I’d like to give a special welcome to new OCDA board members, Dr. Justin Edwards, Dr. Austin Raines, Sara Molski, and Nathan Titkemeyer! Look for more information and full board bios on our website coming soon!

A round of applause and demonstration of appreciation is most definitely in order for outgoing board members, Richard Fajardo, Anna-Kaye Rowe, and Ryan Wilhelm. Individually, they’ve made unique contributions to our organization over the years, and their service will continue to have a lasting impact for many more to come.

Having shared that, I’m also pleased to present to our OCDA membership the 2026-2027 Executive Committee:

Past President: Kaleigh Mahon
President Elect: Erin Liggett
President Elect-Elect: Felicia Wethington
Secretary: Alicia Camak
Treasurer: Calvin Wagner
Member at Large: Angie McGinnis
President: Rachel Richardson

There were no other declared candidates for the above officer positions that would require elections, and any feedback or reservations regarding the executive committee may be shared with ohiocda@gmail.com and/or myself at Richardson.607@osu.edu.

Lastly, I’m pleased to announce the 2026-2027 OCDA Committee Chairpersons, as evaluated by our Past-President and President-Elect, and appointed by me, our President:

Archives Co-Chairs: Taylor Lincicome, Michelle Norris
Awards Co-Chairs: Angie McGinnis, TBC (please reach out if interested in serving in this capacity)
By-Laws Co-Chairs: Calvin Wagner, Christine Yancey
Government Relations Co-Chairs: Sarah JanTausch, Newton Kimberly
Membership Chair: Nathan Titkemeier
Membership Engagement Co-Chairs: Marie Nicks, Christine Yancey
National Career Development Month Co-Chairs: Sara Molski, Felicia Wethington
Newsletter Chair: Ryana Munford
Professional Development Co-Chairs: Dr. Justin Edwards, Sarah Grace McCollough
Social Media Co-Chairs: Erin Liggett, Kaleigh Mahon
Website Co-Chairs: Kaleigh Mahon, Dr. Austin Raines

It is truly an honor to lead this team of caring and quite talented individuals who work together in the most collaborative and impactful ways. Spotlights highlighting the great work being done by many members in our field are on the horizon!

Sincerely,

Rachel Richardson
President, OCDA

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New Faces, New Perspectives

What's on Your Career Development Radar?

A new year brings new conversations, challenges, and opportunities across the career development field. As we welcome new members and new perspectives to the OCDA community, we want to hear from you, too!

What topics, trends, and challenges are on your career development radar this year?

Take our quick poll and help us identify topics and resources to highlight in future OCDA newsletters.

Take Poll

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Welcome New Members!

Our OCDA community continues to grow! We’re excited to welcome our newest members and the experiences, perspectives, and ideas they bring to our career development community.

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NCDM Member Spotlight: Celebrating Our OCDA Community

This NCDM, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible members who make the OCDA community so special! Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting OCDA members and celebrating the meaningful contributions they’ve made to our field.

Know an OCDA member who deserves a spotlight? Nominate them! Click "nominate" to tell us about someone who is making an impact and helping make our field stronger.

Join us in celebrating our colleagues, learning more about the amazing work happening across OCDA, and bringing some extra fun and energy to NCDM!

Nominate

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Connected Career Rounds

Enrollment is now open for Connected Career Rounds for the 2026-2027 school year. Educators are invited to have their middle and high school students join teams of Cleveland Clinic professionals to learn about the career journeys that landed them face-to-face with today’s most challenging healthcare issues.

Each session includes a caregiver team, whose members discuss their career paths and how they provide care around a specific health topic. The sessions also provide valuable information about the depicted careers such as average income, education requirements and expected 10-year job growth. At the end of each live session, students have the opportunity to ask the caregivers any questions they may have.

Can't make it to a live session? Students and teachers can also access on-demand recordings of past sessions, plus other valuable career exploration resources, by visiting the Connected Career Rounds website.

Teachers and other school professionals: If you are interested in participating in live Connected Career Rounds sessions, please register your class today. Once registered, you will receive RSVP emails one week before each live session so you can save a spot for your class.

Questions? Please contact CYCE@ccf.org.

Register for Live Sessions

Access On-Demand Sessions

Learn More About the Center for Youth and College Education

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Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Government Relations Committee Update

Committee News

The Government Relations Committee recently applied for an advocacy grant through the National Career Development Association to expand opportunities for OCDA’s members. We are eagerly awaiting NCDA’s decision on grant awards and will know more by the end of September.

What We’re Watching: House Bill 994

One bill that we are keeping a keen eye on this September is House Bill 994, which focuses on Ohio’s Education and Workforce specifically the bill aims to create a category dubbed, “qualified education partnerships” between universities and employers. This, in essence, is where private business significantly contributes to the development of degrees/certifications that would meet the needs of the workforce in the area. In return, these businesses receive tax credit incentives up to 20% of qualifying expenses from the state and more for talent hiring rates. These businesses, however, must attain a completion rate of 70% or higher for the developed program. Another caveat to this bill, and important to note, private businesses cannot have full dictation or accreditation within the content they help create, nor can they be the only business to benefit from the degree or certification. Universities would still retain that process of proper accreditations and educational responsibilities.

Last month, we covered Senate Bill 328. The bill has been passed by the Senate but is still in committee in the House. We will continue to monitor that piece of legislation as well. In the meantime, if you’d like to read our coverage on the bill, visit the OCDA Pulse on Ohio newsfeed.

Legislative information is current as of September 15, 2026. The GRC will continue to monitor HB 994 and other legislation affecting career development and Ohio’s workforce.

How Your Voice Matters in Public Policy

Policy decisions often move quickly, and legislators need to hear from the professionals who understand their real-world impact. When they hear from those of us working in these spaces, they listen, learn, and legislate from those conversations. The GRC will continue monitoring legislation, connecting with policymakers and stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for OCDA members to participate in advocacy to the betterment of fellow Ohioans. We also will continue our collaboration with NCDA’s Government Relations Committee to stay informed about federal policy developments as they come.

Have you encountered a policy issue in your work that you think OCDA should be watching? Have a question about a bill or want to become more involved in advocacy? Learn more about the Government Relations Committee.

This issue of Pulse on Ohio was authored by Connor Thomas, a member of the OCDA Government Relations Committee.

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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!

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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!

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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.

August 2026 Newsletter

"On the Horizon"

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Message from OCDA President, Rachel Richardson

Welcome from the President

My name is Rachel Richardson, and I’m thrilled to begin my term serving as President of OCDA. This organization holds a special place in my heart, as I truly value the camaraderie and culture of collegiate enthusiasm! It reminds me of what I love most about my profession, and what brings me joy in helping others through the work I do.

For nearly 14 years, I’ve worked at The Ohio State University at Lima as our campus career development manager. Before this, I was the founding administrator of a charter elementary school and daycare, and served as education partner for our local city high school through the small school transformation initiative. While my career began in business and workforce development while working in corporate sales and community development at a local Chamber of Commerce, education continued to emerge as an area of true passion. Career services in higher education positions me within a unique intersection of both industry and education.

Like many other OCDA members, I have the privilege to help others discover career opportunities of interest to them! When working with youth who are exploring future career possibilities for themselves, I often pose a series of questions such as, “what comes easily or naturally for you” and “what do you enjoy doing”?

Oftentimes, students share how much they enjoy being active, on their feet, and on-the-go or even outdoors while they work. Some say while they appreciate working independently and remotely, they prefer a balance of working in office while being part of a team. Over the years what I’ve learned is that what students, and people in general, enjoy as their vocation, can vary just as widely as how people like to vacation differently.

The theme this month is centered around vacations as well as vocations! I challenge you to engage with the Vacation Map activity, and take a moment to also consider your vocation. Ponder what drew you to the vocation you are currently in, and think of what parts of your job come easily and naturally to you. What do you enjoy doing, and how can offerings of OCDA help you in your vocational endeavors?

Have a great summer, and I look forward to serving and connecting with you this upcoming year!

Sincerely,
Rachel

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On the Horizon

August is a season of transition. For some career professionals, a new academic year is beginning; for others, fall brings new programs, clients, projects, and opportunities. As summer winds down, it’s a good time to look ahead and consider what you want the next season of your work to hold.

Looking Ahead

What is one thing you’re looking forward to in your work this fall?

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Upcoming Events

Ohio Career Development Association Webinar Series Presents:

Advancing Career Readiness Through Policy: OCDA Government Relations Committee Progress & Policy Updates

Thursday, September 10, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Register Here

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Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Government Relations Committee Update

What's happening at the Statehouse?

The Government Relations Committee is working to keep OCDA members informed about legislation and policy decisions that affect career development, education, workforce development, and the communities we serve.

What We’re Watching: Senate Bill 328

One bill we’re keeping a close eye on is Senate Bill 328, which focuses on Ohio’s Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative and includes several provisions directly related to career development. For career development professionals, this is an important bill to watch. The proposed statewide career coaching framework could have implications for how career coaching is defined, delivered, and supported in Ohio schools and potentially for the broader recognition of career development as an essential component of education and workforce development. SB 328 has passed in the Ohio Senate and is now in Committee with the Ohio House of Representatives.

Your Voice Matters

Policy decisions often move quickly, and legislators need to hear from the professionals who understand their real-world impact. The GRC will continue monitoring legislation, connecting with policymakers and stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for OCDA members to participate in advocacy. We also collaborate with NCDA’s Government Relations Committee to stay informed about federal policy developments.

Have you encountered a policy issue in your work that you think OCDA should be watching? Have a question about a bill or want to become more involved in advocacy?

Newton Kimberly & Sarah JanTausch
OCDA GRC Co-Chairs
Learn more about the Government Relations Committee

Legislative information is current as of August 21, 2026. The GRC will continue to monitor SB 328 and other legislation affecting career development and Ohio’s workforce.

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Featured Career Resource:

Careers Out There

Careers Out There is a free video interview library featuring day-in-the-life conversations with real professionals across a wide range of fields, including healthcare, business, law, science, public service, and arts and communications.

Each video gives job seekers an inside look at what a career actually involves, including the skills needed, the daily realities, and how to break in. This is a very practical tool for career exploration at any stage. The site also includes career assessments and articles, and the content is available at no cost with no login required.

Access Resource

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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!

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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!

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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.

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

Upcoming Events

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

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Pulse on Ohio

Part 3 of 3: From Moments to Momentum, Making An Advocacy Habit

Effective advocacy is ongoing; it isn’t a single phone call; it’s a professional relationship built on trust. In Part 1, we talked about why your voice matters. In Part 2, we mapped out the 136th General Assembly. Now, we look at how to weave advocacy into the fabric of our work as career development professionals to create long-term systemic change for Ohioans.

Become a Trusted Resource

The goal of advocacy is for a legislative aide to think of career development professionals and the hard work of OCDA when they have a question about the workforce.

• Build Trust: Take initial steps to establish a relationship with legislators and their aides so that your knowledge has a more powerful impact. Attend a legislator’s office hours, engage in local events in your district, attend OCDA’s legislative day, or any other way to introduce yourself and begin engaging.
• Stay Organized: Organize your talking points and the data that can support them before reaching out. Having clarity and maintaining information can help make these interactions more casual and provide clear and concise conversations centered on our clients!
• The Update: Every few months, send a brief "view from the ground" email to your representative’s office as it relates to direct legislation. What is the number one hurdle your clients are facing right now? Is it childcare? Transportation? Tech literacy? Don't just reach out when a bill is bad; reach out when you see something working well in your role! If they are looking for an official statement, please refer them to the OCDA GRC or NCDA GRC.

The Power of In-Person Site Visits

Nothing changes a legislator’s perspective like seeing the work in action. It’s one thing to read a brief about "workforce barriers"; it is quite another to watch a client navigate a confusing, multi-layered digital application on an outdated computer terminal. When legislators step into our offices, they see the exact friction points and celebration points that impact our clients!

• The Invite: Invite your State Representative or Senator to visit your office and see the important work being done on a daily basis
• The Impact: Let them meet the people behind the numbers, as meeting the clients served by legislation can have a drastically different impact than the legislation alone. From higher education to those changing careers and re-entering the workforce, and everyone in between, meeting these clients can have a profound impact on our representatives.

Amplify Your Voice Through OCDA’s Government Relations Committee!

Advocacy is a team sport, and we want you on our team!

• Join the Committee: Engage more deeply with our Government Relations Committee, when we speak as a unified body of career professionals, our leverage in Ohio is amplified. Email Sarah or Newton if you are interested in joining a meeting, as we would love to showcase the collaborative work we do every month.

Conclusion: A Thriving Ohio

Advocacy is the bridge between a client’s struggle and a legislator’s solution. By moving from occasional contact to a consistent, professional presence, you ensure that the future of Ohio’s workforce is built on reality, not just theory.

Are you interested in putting knowledge into action? Join us for the 4th annual OCDA Legislative Day!

Keep the conversation going! If you are interested in learning more about our committee’s work, attending future meetings, or joining us for events, please email either Sarah or Newton and we would be happy to connect with you!

Onward,

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

Ohio Career Development Association - Advocacy

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Celebrating our Award Winners

OCDA 2026 Conference

Featured Career Resource:

Go Government Career Guides

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If you're not already familiar with GoGovernment.org, it's time to bookmark this free resource! Built by the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, the GoGovernment Career Guide organizes federal job opportunities by field rather than by agency, making it easy to connect your clients' existing skills to real government roles. From Data Science and Engineering to Creative Arts and Social Sciences, all 16 guides include job series codes for USAJOBS searches, sample positions at specific agencies, and plain-language descriptions of what the work actually looks like.

Start on the main hub at gogovernment.org/career-guides/ and have your client browse the categories to find 2–3 that match their background. From there, each guide links directly to live openings on USAJOBS.gov, so you can go from exploration to application in a single coaching session.

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Click Here Learn More!

Dear OCDA Members,

Happy April! These months just seem to be flying by, and it’s already almost Summer! That being said, I would venture to guess that many of us have set goals for ourselves for the year 2026, but it can be a bit stressful to think that we are already a quarter of the way through the year. This message, however, is not to create worries or stress but rather to offer a reframe and some helpful considerations as we move into the second quarter of the year and the Summer months.

As a counselor, I love a good reframe. Much of my work is sharing how our brain can play tricks on us (even when it comes to our goals and careers). Take a moment to consider that you still have about 7.5 months left of this year, and that is still a lot of time to work towards your goals! Think of how far you have already gotten on working towards your goals, and if you haven’t started yet, have no fear, I have a reframe for you. You’re saving the best goal for last!

Now that you have identified your thoughts and feelings, it’s time to consider how we move forward intentionally. By setting a goal and recognizing your thoughts and feelings associated, you have already planted the seeds and thought about what you need to make them grow, now it’s time to water and add some sun! This could be through setting small objectives for yourself to achieve along the way to reaching your larger goal (e.g. reading one chapter of a textbook, completing one module of an online training), connecting with peers/colleagues to share information or hold each other accountable, or, one of my personal favorites, co-working! No matter your method of taking actionable steps towards your goals, I want you to know that I believe in you!

Finally, as I bring this message to close, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone of how the OCDA Conference can be a great way to make strides towards reaching professional goals of networking, learning, and sharing best practices. Every year, we tailor the conference to focus on topics that would be of use to our constituents, and I encourage you to take some time to check out this year’s agenda. If you can’t make it to the conference, there are still a few more professional development opportunities available to you before summer including a webinar on Cultivating Healthy Workplaces with a special focus on employee well-being and team engagement, and a collaborative event with the Michigan Career Development Association (MichCDA) featuring OCDA and NCDA’s very own Sarah JanTausch! This joint event will focus on using mindfulness to reduce stress, and what better time to begin practicing mindfulness to reduce stress than the Summer months? As I like to tell my clients, practice your skills in low stakes/less stressful situations so that you are ready if things become more challenging.

I’ll leave off with a few final helpful hints: stay focused, check in with yourself and others, and know that you are capable!

With immense gratitude,

Kaleigh Mahon, OCDA President

Planting Seeds, Growing in Action 

2026 OCDA Conference: Registration Is Open! 

Join Ohio Career Development Association this May for the 2026 Spring Conference, Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact, in Lima, Ohio.

Dates: May 28–29, 2026

Location: Lima, Ohio

Earn CEUs While You Attend

Attending the full conference offers strong professional development value:

• Up to 6 NCDA CEUs available
• • Each breakout session, keynote, and workforce panel = 1 CEU
• 3 Ohio CSWMFT CEUs currently approved
• • (Possibly 4 pending keynote approval) 

This is a great opportunity to earn credits while engaging in meaningful, practice-focused learning.

Explore the Agenda

This year’s agenda brings together a wide range of sessions designed to support career professionals across K–12, higher education, workforce development, and private practice. Topics align with conference pillars and offer practical strategies you can take back to your work immediately.

View the full agenda: https://ocdaonline.org/agenda 

Plan Your Stay

Make the most of your conference experience by securing your lodging early.

OCDA has arranged a hotel room block with convenient access to the conference venue, making it easy to stay connected and engaged throughout the event.

View lodging details & booking info: https://ocdaonline.org/location&lodging

Register Today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR 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

Join colleagues from Michigan Career Development Association and Ohio Career Development Association for a virtual session focused on practical strategies to reduce stress through mindfulness.

NCDA ISSC Mini Conference: Call for Proposals 

The National Career Development Association International Student Services Committee (ISSC) is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Virtual Mini-Conference, focused on supporting the career development of international students.

This year’s theme, “Building Together: Centering Advocacy, Community, and Adaptability,” highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the evolving landscape of career services for international students.

Conference Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST

Format: Virtual

Call for Proposals

Career professionals are invited to submit proposals to present at the conference.

• Proposal Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Presenter Notifications: May 28, 2026
• Acceptance Deadline: June 4, 2026

Proposals are welcome from NCDA members as well as non-members who work closely with international students.

Interested in Attending?

If you’re not presenting, consider saving the date! Registration details will be shared on the NCDA events page in the coming weeks.

Submit a Proposal

Government Relations:

Part 2 of 3: Your Ohio Legislative Advocacy Cheat Sheet

How to make an impact with tips from the OCDA Government Relations Committee:

Note: Become an advocacy champion! This is part 2 of a 3-part series on effective advocacy, how to engage on behalf of our clients, and the best channels for communication! Part three will be published in the Pulse on Ohio newsletter next month!

We are here to help guide you through the process based on our advocacy work and experience during our annual legislative advocacy day each fall. The Ohio legislature works for you and learning to navigate it just takes a few steps.

Find Your Representative and Senator:

Every Ohioan has one State Representative and one State Senator. To find yours, enter your zip code in ohiohouse.gov orohiosenate.gov to locate yours.

1. Review your representative and senator’s pages to learn about what they are working on to understand their work before engaging. This will help you to know if they are working on something related to your workplace or industry.
2. Save their office contact information in your phone. You’re their constituent, and they’re there to listen and represent you.

Keep Tabs on the Action

The legislature.ohio.gov site is the best place to find accurate update information on a bill. You can search for keywords like "internship" or "workforce" to see which bills are actually moving.

1. Keep an eye on the Workforce Development Committee (Senate) and the Workforce and Higher Education Committee (House). You can even watch their meetings live on The Ohio Channel if you’re feeling extra studious. There may be other committees, too, that relate to your interests.
2. Set up email alerts in your legislature.ohio.gov account for specific bills of interest.

Use the "Three-Sentence Rule"

When you call or email, keep it human and keep it brief. Legislative aides are busy, and if you make their lives easy, your message is way more likely to reach the boss.

1. Who you are: "I’m a career advocate in [Your City] and a constituent."
2. The Issue: "I’m calling about [Bill Number/Topic] because it’s directly affecting my clients' ability to find jobs."
3. The Ask: "I’d love for the Representative to support this measure to help our local hiring."
4. Reach out to the OCDA GRC if you need a template or advice on reaching out!

Give Your Two Cents Today

State agencies (like ODJFS) are constantly putting out "State Plans" for public feedback. Right now, the 2026-2027 Combined State Plan is a huge deal because it decides how federal workforce funds (WIOA) get spent in Ohio. Sharing your thoughts here is a simple, formal way to steer the ship.

Onward,

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

OCDA Advocacy webpage

The free MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential) assessment helps students and clients discover careers that align with their natural motivations, strengths, and interest.

Students and clients can create a free account to take the assessment and receive an initial results report, including a list of top career matches. Once complete, results are available immediately and your profile is matched against over 1,000 possible careers in their database, giving you a concrete starting point for exploring new directions.

For those who want to dig deeper, paid upgrade options are available for more detailed reporting, but the free version alone offers meaningful insight for anyone feeling stuck or ready for a change.

Access MAPP Assessment

OCDA's 2025 Conference Gold Level Sponsor

YouScience

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

March 2026 Newsletter

"Spring Cleaning: Out with the Old, In with the Goal"

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

Dear OCDA Members,

It’s so exciting that we are starting to see Spring approaching! Despite loving a cozy cardigan, I am definitely looking forward to some warmer temperatures and sunshine. As the season’s change approaches, I would guess that many of us are thinking about the concept of “Spring Cleaning.” For a majority of the world, this likely means deep cleaning our homes, removing physical clutter, and getting organized. I would like you, however, to consider how we could apply this through a different lens as career professionals.

Aligning with the OCDA annual Conference themes, I would like to start with how we can view “Spring Cleaning” through a career lens in application to ourselves. This could be physically as well as mentally. Take a moment to consider what would make you feel refreshed within your career over the next few months. Would you feel refreshed through taking days off work, engaging in self-care, or continuing to pursue continuing education that aligns with our interests within the career development field? Maybe all of the above? Would it be through removing clutter from your office or even adding something to your space that brings joy? I encourage you to reflect on this idea of viewing “Spring Cleaning” through a career lens and take time to either share your thoughts with a friend or family member, journal about them, or even join forces with some of your colleagues to see how this could come to life within your department.

Finally, I would encourage you to consider what you would like for your clients/students to get out of your “Spring Cleaning.” Would the outcome be that you can hold more space for the struggles and successes of those you serve? Is it so they feel more at ease when entering into an appointment that (for many) can be quite nerve-wracking or anxiety-provoking? Are you looking forward to your returning client/student to comment on how the vibe of the space/staff has shifted?

No matter what your “Spring Cleaning” looks like, I hope that you take action so that you can go into the next few months feeling refreshed on both a personal and professional level. If there is any way that OCDA can support you in this journey, please do not hesitate to let us know. I wish you all a wonderful rest of this month, and I look forward to connecting again in April and in-person at the OCDA Conference in May!

Take Care and Be Well,

Kaleigh Mahon
President, Ohio Career Development Association

Spring Reset: Reflect, Refresh, Renew

Clearing Space for Growth

Community Reflection

What would you like to bring with you this season? What do you want to leave behind? What's cluttering your mind the most right now?

Enjoy the activity below and reflecting on some of these questions.

Activity

Clearing Out Space is Intentional

Spring offers a natural moment to step back and take inventory—not just of our spaces, but of our work as career development professionals. It’s a chance to sort through what may no longer be serving us, revisit the tools and approaches we rely on, and consider what could use a refresh. Creating that kind of space allows for new perspectives, renewed focus, and more intentional support for the clients we serve.

As you reflect on where you’d like to grow, OCDA has many investments to support you including unique trainings, our upcoming conference, recognizing a colleague through an award which all provide meaningful opportunities to invest in your professional development, build new skills, and continue evolving in your practice.

We’re excited to clean out some clutter and share updates and opportunities waiting for you in this month’s newsletter.

OCDA Awards Deadline - EXTENDED!

Friday, March 20!

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

We have some amazing entries but are looking for more! If you have a colleague who you think is amazing please consider nominating them! OR! If you think you have had an outstanding season -- self-nominate!

We want to hear about all the powerful things our members are achieving. Please submit an entry today!

Visit www.ocdaonline.org/awards for more information or read the criteria below and the links to nominate!

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:

• Academic Excellence: The nominee must have maintained a strong academic record throughout their graduate studies, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.
• 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.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership qualities, innovation, and initiative in pursuing career-related opportunities, whether within academia, industry, or the community.
• 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.
• 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.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 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:

• Innovative Practices: Recognition for implementing innovative strategies, programs, or initiatives that have significantly impacted the field of career development.
• Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
• Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
• 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.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 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.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

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:

• 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.
• Professional Reputation and Influence: A strong reputation and influence within the field, demonstrated by awards, recognitions, or invitations to speak at conferences and events.
• Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
• Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
• Collaboration and Networking: Engagement in collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships, and building networks that have enhanced career opportunities and advancement for others.
• 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.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

Spring 2026 Conference Registration is OPEN!

Dates: Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th 2026

Location: Lima, Ohio

Get the best price on registration for the conference by registering today! You can register for the 2026 OCDA Conference by following THIS LINK.

Spotlight Lima Spot

Moorice - A 25-foot wooden cow sculpture at the Allen County Fairgrounds (5-10 minute drive from the Civic Center)

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

Bring on the warmth and awesome professional development opportunity virtually in June!

OCDA and MichCDA are partnering to offer an amazing training -- perfect timing after the excitement from the conference.

Sign up now and reserve your spot!

Register Here

Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Advocacy Update: NCDA Statement on Proposed Regulations

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) has recently issued a public comment and press release regarding proposed regulations that may impact professionals in our field who hold counselor licensure. These developments could have important implications for scope of practice and professional identity within career development. We encourage members to review NCDA’s statement and stay informed as conversations continue to evolve. Remaining engaged in advocacy efforts helps ensure our work—and those we serve—are thoughtfully represented.

Sincerely,

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

Ohio Career Development Association - Advocacy

Featured Career Resource:

LearnFree.org!

Looking to build new skills without breaking the bank? LearnFree.org -- powered by the Goodwill Community Foundation -- is a completely free online learning platform perfect for students and clients who want to upskill at their own pace. With over 200 topics, 2,300+ lessons, and 2,000+ videos, the site covers everything from Microsoft Office and computer basics to job readiness, math, reading, and even entrepreneurship.

Students and clients can create a free account to track their progress, earn completion certificates, and build a learning history they can reference for job applications. Feel free to share this resource with anyone looking to strengthen their skills and boost their confidence in the job market!

Click Here Learn More!

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.

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.

January 2026 Newsletter

"Be the Mirror, Not the Map: Guidance through Reflection, not Direction"

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

Dear OCDA Members,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2025, the year of our 50th anniversary, is over and that we have moved into the 51st year of OCDA as an organization. I have been, and continue to be, honored to serve OCDA and its membership throughout these monumental milestones. As we begin this new year, I would like to thank each and every one of you for being a part of OCDA’s journey thus far. Each of our members bring their expertise, experiences, and passion to serve to the organization which makes the OCDA community so fruitful.

All this being said, I hope you will continue to enjoy and engage with all that OCDA has planned for this year starting with several professional development webinars focusing on topics including, but not limited to, supporting international students, career decidedness, and leadership all culminating to our 2026 OCDA Conference in May. (If you haven’t heard, our Call For Proposals is now live!) The annual conference is our largest event of the year and provides several opportunities to expand your knowledge, share your expertise, and connect with the OCDA community!

As always, OCDA is here to serve you. If you have any feedback, ideas, or recommendations, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at mahonkaleigh@gmail.com. Your insights are always welcomed and valued!

Thank you for being a part of OCDA, and I look forward to seeing you all in the coming months!

Kaleigh Mahon, M.Ed., LPCC, CDCA
President, Ohio Career Development Association

Asking with Intention: Empowering Powerful Questions

Your clients thrive when you do.

Community Reflection

What powerful questions have been the most impactful when working with clients (or personally reflecting)?

Add your thoughts HERE

Reflection as an Act of Care—for Clients and Ourselves

This month invites career counselors to shift from giving answers to cultivating insight. By acting as a mirror rather than a map, we help clients hear themselves more clearly—surfacing values, strengths, and possibilities they may already sense but haven’t yet named. The power lies not in directing the path, but in asking questions that deepen reflection and expand agency. Below are some examples of ways to turn some of our usual questions for clients into powerful ones to help clients see the answers differently.

Turning Common Questions into Powerful Ones

“What are your strengths?” → What feels easy for you that others find difficult?

“What is your greatest success?” → What accomplishments do you tend to dismiss—and why?

“What do you think?” → If you were advising someone in your shoes, what might you recommend?

“What values are you looking for in a job?” → What are you unwilling to sacrifice in your next role?

“What’s working and what’s not?” → What would your future self thank you for doing—or not doing—right now?

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” → How do you want your career story to sound when you tell it five years from now?

January is also the time of year where we personally reflect on the future we want to have and the ways we hope to achieve it. The same goes for reflecting on our views of serving others. By taking the time to ask ourselves questions, and allow space for our self-awareness to grow, we create counseling spaces where clarity emerges from reflection, and clients become the authors of their own direction.

Questions for our personal reflection, as career development professionals:

• Where am I tempted to give answers instead of holding space?
• Which client narratives trigger strong reactions for me—and why?
• What assumptions or biases about “success” might I be carrying?
• How do I recognize when reflection is empowering versus overwhelming?
• Where am I finding joy or frustration in my work right now, and what is within my control to change?

Powerful questions invite clients—and ourselves—to pause and uncover insights that already exist, shifting our role from giving direction to holding space and fostering clarity, confidence, and agency.

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

National Career Development Month

NCDA Poetry & Art Contest Winner!

The OCDA board reviewed entries for NCDA's 60th Annual National Poetry and Art Contest for this year’s theme, “The Evolution of Work: Careers in the Past, Present, and Future.” We have officially selected a winner!

Congratulations to Richard Fajardo for his beautiful entry entitled, “I Remember,” which reflects on how childhood dreams, pop culture, and evolving work shape our sense of purpose, reminding us that meaningful careers and stories unfold over time, and that living and sharing our gifts matters even in uncertainty.

Richard will move forward and represent Ohio for the national level contest! We wish him the best of luck!

View his piece, “I Remember” below:

Taking a look at the evolution of work

Need to think of dreams and goals of the past and the pop culture that was there along the way

I remember pretending to be a Transformer or a Ninja Turtle

Do the right thing, save the world

I remember wanting to play point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers like Mark Price

Score points and pass the ball to help other people succeed

Inventing something new and revolutionary seemed cool

Teachers in grade school thought I might find the cure for cancer

I once got second place in a science fair for innovating a Slinky with magnets for accessibility

Being an artist or a writer can be fun, at least when done for fun

Keep good records, hit Ctrl+S regularly, don’t rush when cleaning, don’t lose your work

I remember having a Cabbage Patch Kid named Randall

Wouldn’t it be fun to be a big brother or a mentor?

Ponders the youngest child in his family

Tickle Me Elmo, Beanie Babies, and Furby showed me the power of marketing and trend setting

While Stu Pickles showed baby Tommy the importance of taking on meaningful work

It’s ok if you have to sell Consolidated Lard in the short term

Don’t settle for less in the long term

Can you believe that pro wrestlers can tell good stories?

Overcome a corrupt boss or insurmountable odds

I hope you ‘get your flowers’ and ‘finish your story’

We are all blessed with gifts for a reason

Just because you didn’t get what you wanted yesterday or today

Doesn’t mean tomorrow can’t be holding your hopes and dreams

So many clients and students and parents and family members and friends

Worry about not knowing what they or their loved ones want to do for a living

Yet, the reality is, many of the jobs that will be their best fits don’t even exist yet

Let alone the technology they will be using

To this day, that episode of Tale Spin leaves a profound effect

Trying to replace pilots with robots still reminds me why technology needs people

Social media apps may be a dominant trend, but in the longer-term, might be quite forgettable

Your life is the real part of history, that’s the part we do remember

In the day-to-day, it sure can be confusing

Still, for as much as fear and impostor syndrome can ruin a day,

Isn’t it exciting and adventurous to see what tomorrow holds?

So write, type, speak, sing, play music, play sports, embrace your storytelling medium

Live that story of yours and share it

For as much as you need to live it

Someone else may need to witness it, too

Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

OCDA’s Policy Platform: Ensuring Member Voices Shape Our Advocacy

As members of the Ohio Career Development Association, our collective voice is central to how we engage in advocacy at the local and state levels. The Government Relations Committee is currently developing OCDA’s first policy platform, which will be revisited and updated every five years. This document will guide our advocacy efforts as we engage with elected officials and state agencies.

Purpose 1: Define Our Advocacy Priorities

The platform will clarify which policy issues OCDA will actively engage in, ensuring our advocacy is focused, strategic, and aligned with member priorities.

Purpose 2: Ensure Representation Across Constituency Groups

The platform will help ensure that our advocacy reflects the needs and perspectives of OCDA’s diverse constituency groups.

Purpose 3: Guide Consistent and Credible Policy Engagement

The platform will provide a shared reference point for engaging legislators, agencies, and partners, strengthening the credibility and consistency of OCDA’s voice in policy discussions.

Because OCDA represents professionals working across varied settings and systems, it is essential that our policy platform is informed directly by member input. Your insights help us understand what is happening on the ground, what challenges you are facing, and where advocacy can make the most meaningful impact.

To ensure your perspective is included, we invite you to complete a brief questionnaire. Your responses will directly inform the development of OCDA’s policy platform and help the Government Relations Committee advocate effectively on behalf of all members. This will take approximately 5 minutes or less to complete and will close on February 13, 2026.

OCDA Policy Platform Development Questionnaire 

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to the profession. We look forward to representing your priorities and strengthening OCDA’s advocacy work together.

Sincerely,

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

Ohio Career Development Association - Adovcacy

Featured FREE Career Resource:

Projections Central (Labor Market Predictions from the Department of Labor)!

Help your clients answer the critical question: “Will there be jobs in this field?” Projections Central, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides state-level occupational employment projections, including long-term and short-term forecasts.

Use It To:

• Show clients concrete job growth data for their target occupations
• Compare opportunities across different states or regions
• Guide education and training decisions with labor market intelligence
• Identify alternative careers when preferred fields show decline

For hundreds of occupations, you’ll find employment totals, projected growth percentages, and average annual job openings, giving your clients the data they need to make informed career decisions.

Check it out: https://projectionscentral.org/home

Click Here Learn More!

2026 OCDA Conference

Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact

Dates: Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th, 2026

Location: Lima, Ohio

Submit Proposals Now!

Learn More About the Conference HERE

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.