Embrace Change Coaching Certification program

The Embrace Change Coaching Certification program ("ECCC," or "E-triple-C") is an ICF Level 1 Accredited coaching certification program for coaches of color who want to coach clients of color.

ECCC provides 70+ total hours of training, including 73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education.

The next cohort is anticipated to launch in 2026.

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An overview of our program:

  • ECCC is an ICF Level 1 Accredited coach training program taught by ICF-credentialed Faculty who are coaches of color themselves.

  • ECCC includes 70+ student contact hours, with 73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education.

  • The program includes live, synchronous training sessions (40+ hours) as well as asynchronous training hours (30 hours).

  • There are no pre-requisites to enroll for interested applicants.

  • The program will be taught entirely in English and will be delivered virtually through Zoom.

Mission and Vision: Why we created the Embrace Change Coaching Certification program

We created this program in recognition of the fact that there is a huge need for a program like this to give more coaches of color the foundation, skills, and experience they need to coach clients of color.

It is our mission through ECCC, to educate, train, and launch BIPOC coaches to new heights–as well as to move the needle on the diversity of the coaching industry at large. This, in turn, is part of Embrace Change’s larger mission to get all women of color–and people of color–the money, power, and respect that we deserve in the workplace.

Our aim with ECCC is, in part, to create a streamlined coach training program to support participants to build their coaching skills and become comfortable and confident in their coaching know-how in practice.

Our learning philosophy for ECCC is rooted in the belief that every coach brings unique strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences that enrich the learning ecosystem for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering space that centers people of color and fosters growth.

ECCC is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for 73.84 total hours of coach-specific education/training.

Note: ICF accreditation applies only to the Embrace Change Coaching Certification (ECCC) program and does not apply to any other programs operated by Embrace Change.

The next cohort launches in 2026.

Additional Details

  • This 70+ hour coach training program includes:

    • 73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education

    • 11 hours of Mentor Coaching (group and individual)

    • Peer coaching practice

    • Homework assignments (readings, videos, reflection exercises, and other activities)

    • Final coach performance evaluations

  • Aside from the live, synchronous group coaching sessions, we recommend that participants set aside a minimum of ~4-6 hours per week to complete in a meaningful and educational manner.

  • At only $5,500, the investment for this one-of-a-kind program is significantly lower than for other comparable coaching certification programs currently available, many of which start at $10K and can even go up to $20K or more.

    Tuition is payable in a one-time, upfront payment of $5,500 or 4 monthly installments of $1,375 with the first installment due at the point of enrollment.

  • ECCC graduates earn a coaching certification from Embrace Change and are also eligible to pursue the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from ICF.

Embrace Change Team Members:

Payal Shah, PCC, ELI-MP, Director of Coach Education
Vince Zabala, PCC, M.Ed., Curriculum Development
Careen Gilzene, Executive Assistant
Cynthia Pong, JD, Founder and CEO

Reach out to the team at training@embracechange.nyc

If you would like to join the waitlist for future rounds of ECCC, please register your interest here:

Questions? Please contact Embrace Change’s Director of Coach Education, Payal Shah, PCC, ELI-MP, at training@embracechange.nyc, or reach out to the Embrace Change team through the phone number in the footer.