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PARWCC Elite Circle Coaching Awards

Celebrating Excellence, Innovation, and Impact in Career Services

Introducing PARWCC’s Elite Circle Coaching Awards, honoring professionals who elevate the career coaching field through exceptional client results, ethical practice, innovative methods, and meaningful contributions to their communities.

These awards celebrate the coaches who inspire transformation, raise industry standards, and champion the mission of PARWCC every day.

Meet the 2026 Winners

Career Coach of the Year

Debraca Russell | CPCC

Interview Coach of the Year

Tali Schlafer | CIC

Veteran Coach of the Year

Antalon Flemons | CPRW

Student and Early Career Coach of the Year

Julie Nguyen | CPRW, CDCS

Thought Leadership and Education Excellence Honoree

Angie Callen | Executive Coach, Advisor, Speaker

Technology and AI Coaching Integration Honoree

Denise Bitler | CERW, CIC, CPRW

Award Categories

Career Coach of the Year

Career Coach of the Year

Honors a career coach who exemplifies overall excellence in the profession through exceptional client outcomes, ethical practice, innovative coaching approaches, and meaningful contributions to the career development community. 

This award recognizes sustained impact, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the standards of career coaching.

Interview Coach of Year

Interview Coach of Year

Recognizes a coach who demonstrates outstanding expertise in interview preparation and performance coaching. 

This award honors professionals who equip clients with the confidence and clarity as well as the strategy they need to succeed in interviews through effective coaching techniques, mock interviews, storytelling development, and measurable interview success outcomes.

Veteran Coaching of the Year

Veteran Coaching of the Year

Honors a coach who provides exceptional career coaching support to service members, veterans, or military spouses navigating career transitions. 

This award recognizes specialized knowledge, cultural competency, and meaningful outcomes that help military-connected clients translate their experience into civilian career success.

Student and Early Career Coach of the Year

Student and Early Career Coach of the Year

Recognizes a coach who excels in supporting students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals as they explore career paths and enter the workforce. 

This award honors impactful coaching that builds confidence, career readiness, and foundational skills that set clients up for long-term success.

Thought Leadership and Education Excellence Honoree

Thought Leadership and Education Excellence Honoree

Celebrates a coach who elevates the profession through education, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing. 

This award recognizes contributions such as training programs, webinars, articles, podcasts, curriculum development, and mentorship that advance best practices and support the growth of career coaches and job seekers alike.

Technology and AI Coaching Integration Honoree

Technology and AI Coaching Integration Honoree

Honors a coach who effectively and ethically integrates technology and AI into their coaching practice to enhance the client experience. 

This award recognizes innovative use of digital tools, AI-supported strategies, and tech-enabled programs that improve outcomes while maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

Why These Awards Matter

Career coaches play a critical role in helping job seekers navigate change, build confidence, and achieve their goals. As the world of work continues to evolve, coaches lead the way by adapting to changing labor market conditions and empowering clients through every career milestone.

The Elite Circle Coaching Awards recognize those who embody this spirit of excellence. Winners exemplify the highest standards in our profession and demonstrate the profound impact coaching can have on individuals, organizations, and communities.

Who Can Be Nominated:

    • Current PARWCC members

    • Professionals with at least one year of coaching experience

    • Coaches who demonstrate measurable impact, professionalism, and ethical practice

    • Self-nominations are welcome

How Awards Are Judged

Nominations are evaluated using a standardized rubric that assesses:
Impact • Professional Excellence • Innovation • Professional Contribution

A review committee of seasoned, diverse PARWCC leadership will conduct a blind evaluation process to guarantee fairness and consistency.

Winners and finalists will be announced during our annual recognition ceremony.

Why PARWCC? Voices from our Community

The CPRW Certification is the benchmark for being a recognized résumé writer.

Debraca R Testimonial

Investing in the continuous training and education provided by PARWCC makes me a trusted advisor…My hobby turned into a 5-figure business in one year because I invested in my education and received the career coaching credential from PARWCC.

Debraca R.

Agape Career Counseling Group
Dustin B Testimonial

PARWCC’s extensive library of resources, networking opportunities, and career services insights have significantly enhanced my ability to deliver exceptional services to my clients…and equipped me to help job seekers achieve their career goals with confidence and expertise.

Dustin B.

417 Resume Renovators
PARWCC Code of Ethics Badge

I was fortunate to be a part of the 1st cohort of the Certified Student Career Coach (CSCC), and Dr. Saunders’ expertise, homework exercises, and her breadth of resources enhanced my understanding of the material by providing practical hands-on exercises.

Towanda W.

Coach for New Life
Tali S Testimonial

I’ve gotten so much value out of being part of this community! I love the monthly networking calls and webinars included in the membership, and attending the in-person Thrive! conference was truly a highlight of the year for me.

Tali S.

Bold Career Talk

    “Here’s to the beginning… if you’re ready to dive in, I’m ready to share.”

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