Imagine if instead of shying away from trauma, coaches and coach educators embraced a transformative justice approach to oppression-related trauma? To prepare for a future of coaching and coach training that truly weaves inclusivity into its very fabric, we will identify obstacles to the healthful, unsuppressed expression of those who still struggle from the legacy of imperialism, colonization and enslavement. We will look at the impact of inequity and intergenerational and historical trauma, which live in the bodies and minds of many of our coaching partners and students today. With this clarity, we can discover new possibilities that speak directly to the unspoken needs of many of our coaching partners and students – particularly those of color. In this workshop you can deepen your understanding of oppression-related trauma, sharpen your trauma-informed coaching skills, and discover how acknowledging the harm of systemic oppression is an essential step that supports authentic connection and true valuing of diverse cultural perspectives. Learning this more inclusive approach to coaching and training not only speaks to the needs of those carrying the weight of historical and generational trauma, it prepares coaches to transform this work to be more effectively inclusive with both individuals and organizations.

Sharon Y. Brown, PCC, MS is a certified professional coach, owner of Collaborate Change (https://collaboratechange.com/), and faculty member at Leadership that Works (2011-2020) and Inclusion Coach Certification Program (2020-present). As a coach, coach trainer/community educator since 2011, Sharon supports people to connect deeply and coach respectfully across cultural difference. She brings warmth into her work and models deeply held values of collaboration, cultural awareness, and social justice. Sharon brings extensive corporate project and team leadership experience into her curriculum design and work with organizational clients. Sharon is a co-author of the book Coaching for Transformation: Pathways to Ignite Personal and Social Change. She earned a B.A. from Swarthmore College and an M.S. from Rutgers University.