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Introduction
Elissa Kennedy
ICF Professional Certified Coach, PCC
Interdisciplinary Success Coach
Strategic Partnership Associate Director,
ICF Sacramento
Ambassador of Coaching Science,
ICF Global Community of Practice
As a lifelong learner, I bring a distinctive, multidisciplinary perspective to my work. I began college at 16, pursuing diverse fields including Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Studio Art, Business Law, World Religions, Human Services, and Ethnic Studies. I paused my degree to launch a photography business and start a family.
During this time, I continued my professional development by becoming a certified coach, managing an Airbnb business, and completing coursework in business development and marketing while raising and homeschooling my children.
In 2024, I enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies program at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in two semesters, graduating with high honors in May 2025. This program enabled me to synthesize meaningful connections across the diverse disciplines from my academic and professional experience.
I have since earned additional credentials and plan to pursue a master's degree.
Table of Contents
Career Objective
Corporate Partnership, Contract, or Internal Team Role
I am seeking a role within a socially responsible or philanthropic organization. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, I bring an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to my work. I thrive in client-facing roles within purpose-driven organizations where I can contribute as a valued team member focused on creating positive impact.
Clifton Top 5 Strengths
Learner: A desire to learn and to continuously improve. The process of learning holds significant meaning.
Relator: Creates close relationships and finds deep satisfaction in working hard with colleagues to achieve goals.
Belief: A highly ethical set of core values. These values provide direction and a strong sense of purpose.
Connectedness: A belief that everything is linked and that there are few coincidences; everything happens for a reason.
Arranger: Both organized and flexible, and enjoy figuring out how to align people and resources to get the best results.
Core Competencies
Organizational Development & Transformation: Strengthening workplace culture through employee engagement strategies, change management initiatives, and cross-departmental alignment that drives innovation and sustainable success.
Coaching & Leadership Excellence: Guiding executives and teams through transformational growth using technology-enabled platforms, assessments, neuroscience-based strategies, and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and foster high performance.
Learning Design & Facilitation: Building comprehensive educational experiences through workshop design, program development, and platform administration that inspire action and deliver measurable impact.
Strategic Relationship Management: Cultivating trust and long-term partnerships with clients, stakeholders, and communities through personalized engagement, accountability frameworks, and metrics-driven success strategies.
Digital Innovation & Efficiency: Implementing AI-powered workflows, systems optimization, and process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and organizational outcomes.
Business Growth & Market Development: Executing integrated campaigns across multiple channels while identifying strategic opportunities for partnerships, client acquisition, and revenue generation.
Skills
Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC) – Executive Wellness Coaching
AI Integration & Prompt Engineering – Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini
Client Relationship Management – HubSpot, Kajabi, CoachAccountable, Attractwell
Learning Management Systems – Canvas, Teachable, Kajabi, LearnWorlds, Thinkific
Workshop Design & Facilitation – High-Impact Learning Experiences
Project Management & Budget Administration – Trello, Spreadsheets, Task Management
Customer Success & Accountability Management
Employee Experience, Engagement & Retention Strategies
Change Management & Organizational Development
Community Building & Board Leadership (0-450+ Member Growth)
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Building
Strategic Innovation & Human-Centered Leadership
Data Analysis & Research – Excel, Survey Analysis
Content Development & Thought Leadership
Integrated Marketing Strategy – Digital, Email, Networking, Speaking
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
Executive Support & Operations Management – Complex Scheduling, International Travel
Program Development & Implementation
Systems Optimization & Process Improvement
Innovative Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Professional Experience
ICF- PCC | Certified Master Coach (click to expand)
Elissa Kennedy Coaching | January 2020 - Present
ICF-PCC, Professional Certified Master Coach
Through coaching, I empower clients to develop clarity, confidence, and strategic insight to thrive in dynamic environments. I believe the most successful leaders and teams don't just adapt to change—they lead it.
Key Achievements
Designed customized coaching programs utilizing mental fitness principles to cultivate positive mindsets and high performance.
Achieved 100% client improvement in mindset assessment scores within 6 weeks through structured accountability and personalized support.
Facilitated personalized transition plans, wellness strategies, and goal-tracking systems that drive measurable client progress.
Delivered comprehensive client onboarding, goal setting, and tactical guidance to ensure sustainable behavior change.
Core Competencies
✔ Mental Fitness & Resilience for High Performance
✔ Strategic Coaching for Innovation & Impact
✔ Executive & Leadership Development
✔ Change Management & Organizational Development
✔ Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics
Skills
Program Development & Facilitation – Designing and leading transformational coaching programs and workshops
Leadership & Executive Coaching – Guiding individuals and teams toward accelerated growth and performance
Group Facilitation & Team Development – Leading collaborative coaching sessions that strengthen team effectiveness
Client Relationship Management – Building lasting partnerships through personalized, results-driven coaching
Strategic Communication – Delivering clear, compelling messaging across diverse stakeholder groups
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services for maximum market impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Creating and publishing high-value insights that inspire action
ICF Sacramento Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships (click to expand)
ICF Sacramento Chapter | January 2026 - Present
Working on the Board of Directors. Focused on creating high-quality, strategic partnerships that support the region to get access to professional coaches. Working collaboratively to establish promotional endeavors and coordinating with all other director teams to maximize efforts of growth, retention, and promotion.
Assessing, initiating, and implementing community outreach to enhance programs and serve as spokesperson for efforts at special and media events. Actively recruiting sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic alliances with other organizations.
Working cross-functionally with the Board of Directors to continuously improve and enhance member engagement, learning outcomes, and community impact.
Developing new strategic partner relationships
Managing and leveraging existing professional partnerships
Cross-functional partnerships with Membership, Communications, Programming, and the President's Team
Creating new opportunities for coaches to connect with local agencies and organizations.
Core Competencies
✔ Strategic and Innovation Initiatives – Aligning leadership vision with directives
✔ Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening communication across teams
✔ Networking and Marketing Outreach
Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching and training
Board Relationship Management
Strategic Communication & Engagement – Delivering clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services and programs for maximum impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Writing, publishing, and delivering high-value insights
ICF Ambassador of the International Coaching Science Community of Practice (click to expand)
International Coaching Federation Global Community | January 2026 - Present
A working volunteer leading the Global Community of Practice. An online group offering professional development and network-building opportunities for coaches interested in integrating research and scientific insights into coaching practice. This CP encourages coaches to collaborate and foster a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices. Members engage in discussions and initiatives to enhance their coaching skills and to advance the coaching profession.
Research & development, a list of speakers for Quarterly Global Webinars.
Moderate and manage the online global community of practice for the Science of Coaching
Cross-functional partnerships with the ICF Marketing and Communications Teams
Creating new opportunities for coaches to connect with cutting-edge science-based practices
Collaborate with an international team in Europe
Core Competencies
✔ Strategic and Innovation Initiatives – Aligning leadership vision with directives
✔ Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening communication across teams
✔ Networking and Marketing Outreach
Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching and training
Client Relationship Management
Strategic Communication & Engagement – Delivering clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services and programs for maximum impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Writing, publishing, and delivering high-value insights
Mental Health Coach | Client Relationship Manager (click to expand)
Lyra Health | October 2022 - May 2023
Provided high-impact, evidence-based mental health coaching to professionals across industries—from frontline employees to executives at global organizations. As part of an elite coaching team (top 2% of applicants), delivered personalized support using Lyra’s technology-driven, blended care model.
Leveraged validated clinical measures to track progress, ensuring measurable ROI for individuals and organizations. Facilitated one-on-one and group coaching, helping clients navigate stress, enhance resilience, and improve workplace performance and personal life satisfaction.
Core Competencies
Delivered full-time 1:1 virtual coaching to clients across diverse industries
Using evidence-based coaching to support clients in addressing stress, burnout, life transitions, and workplace challenges.
Leveraged evidence-based care, virtual care, and tools to enhance client learning and accountability between calls.
Client management in CRM through detailed communication, outcomes aligned with quality metrics, and KPIs.
Skills
✔ Data-Driven Coaching
✔ Employee Engagement & Well-Being
✔ Technology-Enabled Mental Health Solutions
✔ Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC)
✔ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
✔ Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
✔ Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Executive Coach | Relationship Manager | Strategic Partner (click to expand)
Donato Lane | January 2012 - January 2020
Strategic advisor and executive coach, helping shape messaging, storytelling, and audience engagement strategies. Supported business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative teams to refine communication approaches to create compelling and impactful presentations.
Competencies
Supporting corporate executives to refine communication with high-impact presentations for large sales events and conferences.
Advised on executive storytelling and messaging strategies
Creative strategy partner, ensuring alignment between visual presentations, messaging, and business objectives
Skills
✔ Presentations - Keynote, PowerPoint, Graphic Images, Charts, Messaging
✔ Design and Communication
✔ Cross-functional Communication
✔ Client Management
Marketing | Business Development (click to expand)
Women's Business Center Sacramento |Workshop Instructor| September 2022 - 2024
As a Guest Instructor for the Women's Business Center of Sacramento, I led free educational webinars and workshops to support entrepreneurs and professionals in developing mental resilience, leadership confidence, and strategic vision.
My sessions provided actionable strategies to help participants overcome mindset barriers, manage stress, and build sustainable business and career success.
Workshop Topics Included:
Mental Fitness & Resilience
Stress Reduction & Avoiding Burnout
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Creating a Vision Plan for Success
Building Confidence & Executive Presence
Skills:
✔ Marketing coaching business by teaching workshops to small business owners in the Greater Sacramento Area
✔ Provided expert insights as a credentialed coach and business leader
✔ Inspired a local audience with practical strategies for entrepreneurial success
Brainz Magazine | Freelance Writer | June 2021 - June 2022
Selected as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, I was invited to share insights on mindset, mental fitness, leadership, and vision-building. My published articles provided actionable strategies and thought leadership to empower individuals in their personal growth and professional success.
Skills
✔ Marketing coaching business by publishing articles on mental fitness, leadership, and mindset transformation
✔ Provided expert insights as a female coach and business leader
✔ Inspired a global audience with practical strategies for success
Elissa Kennedy Photography & Baby Steps Photography | January 1997 - December 2019
Freelance photographer specializing in portraits, engagement, weddings, products, musicians, bands, classical dancers, High School senior portraits, corporate headshots, and fine art photography. Clients: Nordstrom Ladies Shoes, Easy Spirit Shoes, Schwab Charitable, Flower Mama - Flower Farmer/Florist.
Competencies
Branding Images and Alignment For Corporate and Small Businesses
Marketing and Business Development
Creative strategy partner, ensuring alignment between visuals, messaging, and business objectives
Family Portraits and Seasonal Photography
Skills
✔ Creative Partnerships with businesses
✔ Design and Image Retouching
✔ Marketing, Branding, Business Development
✔ Client Management
Elissa Kennedy Photography & Baby Steps Photography | January 1997 - December 2019
Freelance photographer specializing in portraits, engagement, weddings, products, musicians, bands, classical dancers, High School senior portraits, corporate headshots, and fine art photography. Clients: Nordstrom Ladies Shoes, Easy Spirit Shoes, Schwab Charitable, Flower Mama - Flower Farmer/Florist.
Competencies
Branding Images and Alignment For Corporate and Small Businesses
Marketing and Business Development
Creative strategy partner, ensuring alignment between visuals, messaging, and business objectives
Family Portraits and Seasonal Photography
Skills
✔ Creative Partnerships with businesses
✔ Design and Image Retouching
✔ Marketing, Branding, Business Development
✔ Client Management
Credentials
CAPM - Pending: Certified Associate Project Manager - Training in Progress 20026
CAIC - ICF Certified AI Coach - January 2026
CMC - ICF-Level 2 - Certified Master Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
PCC - ICF-Professional Certified Coach - June 2025
CODC - Certified Organizational Development Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
CCMC - Certified Change Management Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
CEC - Certified Executive Coach - Symbiosis - October 2024
CLC - Certified Leadership Coach - Symbiosis - October 2024
CPQC - Certified Mental Fitness Coach - Positive Intelligence September 2022
ACC - Credential from ICF - March 2022
CLCC - Certified Life and Somatic Coach - Courageous Living Coach Certification - October 2020
Education
Returning to higher education has been a transformational experience with a clear focus and timeline to complete the 30 residential units required in two semesters while running a business and parenting my youngest child, a high school senior.
The professors at Humboldt were inspiring and created meaningful learning experiences. Learning in a formal setting has activated and inspired me to bring critical thinking and an interdisciplinary approach to the next level in my career.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, an Individualized Degree Plan (GPA 4.0)
Minor in Studio Art
Degree Focus: Leadership Coaching For Community Wellness
Interdisciplinary Studies, Coaching, Health Education, Global Awareness, Journalism, and Multi-Ethnic Resistance
San Francisco State University
Studies toward a BA in Fine Art (GPA 3.7)
Studio Arts, Photography, Ceramics, Movement, Health, and Nutrition
College of Marin
AA in Liberal Arts (GPA 3.8)
Broad study of subjects including business law, nutrition, health, sociology, movement, and art
Professional Projects
Community Development and Relationship Manager
DAWN (Davis Area Women’s Network) | November 2022 - June 2024
I founded and directed the Davis Area Women's Network (DAWN), a supportive, empowering community for women in the Davis area.
Through networking events, workshops, and casual gatherings, DAWN provided a space for connection, growth, and professional development. By cultivating meaningful relationships and shared learning experiences, DAWN helped women gain confidence, build strong connections, and grow both personally and professionally.
Key Contributions:
✔ Built a thriving community from 0 to 450 members, that fostered collaboration and mentorship
✔ Organized many networking events, workshops, and educational sessions
✔ Created opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals to expand their networks
✔ Championed social impact, community engagement, and professional growth
Professional Workshop Instructor
Sacramento Women's Business Center | September 2022 - September 2024
As a Guest Instructor for the Women's Business Center of Sacramento, I led free educational webinars and workshops designed to support entrepreneurs and professionals in developing mental resilience, building leadership confidence, and cultivating a strategic vision.
My sessions provided actionable strategies to help participants overcome mindset barriers, manage stress, and build sustainable success in their businesses and careers. Through engaging, interactive learning experiences, I empowered individuals to develop clarity, confidence, and practical tools for personal and professional growth.
Workshop Topics
✔ Mental Fitness & Resilience
✔ Stress Reduction & Avoiding Burnout
✔ Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
✔ Creating a Vision Plan for Success
✔ Building Confidence & Executive Presence
Writer Executive Contributor
Brainz Magazine | June 2021 - June 2022
Selected as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, I was invited to share insights on mindset, mental fitness, leadership, and vision-building. My published articles offer practical strategies and insights to help people grow personally and succeed professionally.
Skills & Competencies
✔ Published articles on mental fitness, leadership, and mindset transformation
✔ Provided expert insights as a female coach and business leader
✔ Inspired a global audience with practical strategies for success
Interdisciplinary Studies
Individualized Academic Plan (click to expand)
As the professional landscape constantly changes, so does the need for unique and adaptable college degree programs. At California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, the Interdisciplinary Studies BA with an Individualized Degree Plan (IDP) is customized using courses from multiple disciplines that align with a student's interests, passions, and goals. Among just a few of its kind, this customized degree program brings a new approach to learning. The IDP program lays a path to an adaptable and future-proof professional career, addressing significant world problems through an interdisciplinary lens.
Creative Leadership Coaching For Community Health and Wellness
My personalized IDP combined my professional credentials and academic experiences in Creativity, Health, and Coaching with courses at Cal Poly Humboldt in Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication, Global Awareness, Media Messaging, Health Education, and Ethnic Studies. The program strengthened my leadership skills and has reignited my love of learning and appreciation for higher education.
I am prepared to bring an interdisciplinary approach to a leadership position within a socially conscious organization.
IDP Content and Learning Outcomes
Creative Leadership Coaching for Community Wellness includes the disciplines of coaching, community building, health, and creativity. Holistic wellness requires social connection, artistic expression, health, and coaching.
Coaching
Examining the historical context of women and mental health reveals a legacy of mistreatment and cultural stigma surrounding women's mental health, which continues to hinder access to care to this day. Safety is a key consideration when working with women.
Coaching is less stigmatized in our society than therapy and may be a more approachable option for some people.
Through a holistic and interdisciplinary lens, coaching provides support across multiple disciplines, including positive psychology, sociology, neuroscience, nutrition, art, fitness, and health education.
Coaching strengthens individual and team performance and improves organizational productivity.
Coaching reduces stress and burnout, leading to positive outcomes that improve overall well-being.
Individuals become more resilient, productive, and innovative, leading to greater harmony in both their professional and personal lives.
Coaching is a transferable communication skill that benefits leaders, managers, teams, and organizations.
Health & Wellness
Improving physical wellness and health is an essential part of supporting women.
Creativity
Including artistic experiences and creative expression can develop a powerful pathway to improved mental health.
Community Impact
Incorporating social connection in a safe community is vital to women's wellness. Creating social change through heart-centered leadership skills will develop solutions that improve equity and equality for women and other marginalized people in our society.
Academic Research & Development
Senior Capstone: Mental Fitness Program Presentation
The mental health crisis affecting women is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors and conditioning. Women are disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. A solution must acknowledge the interconnectedness of the mental health crisis with other systemic problems, such as socioeconomic disparities and gender inequality.
Report
The report shares research and program planning to determine the efficacy and feasibility of developing a new mental fitness program that supports women in reducing stress and burnout, improving work-life balance, and enhancing overall well-being.
Additionally, this report aims to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in promoting mental wellness for women (and other marginalized communities) worldwide. It synthesizes the research and the development phase of building the Resilience Mental Fitness Program.
Podcast
The mental health crisis affecting women and girls is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. This podcast episode of "Wicked Problems" delves into the systemic roots of this crisis, highlighting how women are disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This podcast emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the challenges around the mental health crisis, incorporating insights from psychology, social connection, and wellness.
Leadership
Redefining success for women by creating powerful connections and cultivating a safe space where everyone belongs and rises together! Formed on the values of collaboration over competition and connection over isolation. We all benefit when we grow together.
We are heart-centered and built on a DEIB foundation! Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging guide us as we create a safe space where everyone's voice matters and is valued! DAWN is focused on building a safe space for cross-generational and cross-cultural women-centered connections. In 2023, DAWN grew into a community of over 450 local women in business.
Through our in-person events and online platform, DAWN has transformed lives. New friendships blossomed, new collaborations formed, and businesses grew.
Project Management of Senior Capstone
Utilizing the Health Education Model to assess the need, efficacy, and feasibility of developing a new mental fitness program specifically designed to support women.
The final project will be presented in an online report highlighting the research, proposed program framework and design, needs assessment, delivery strategies, sustainability plan, evaluation of effectiveness, funding proposal, facilitation guidelines, executive summary, and implementation plan.
The aim is to determine whether this program is feasible and, if so, how to develop and implement it. If the program does not prove its feasibility, it will serve as a framework for testing future program development.
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