Celebrating Excellence in Coaching

Each year, Millennial Life Coaches (MLC) recognizes the coaches who are making a profound difference in the lives of their clients and communities. The MLC Coach of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding professionals who exemplify the highest standards of millennial-focused coaching, leadership, and measurable impact.

Recipients of these awards demonstrate a clear magnitude of work paired with real-world results, empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Award winners will be recognized leaders across the coaching industry and formally honored during the 2027 Coaches Tech & Empowerment Summit, highlighting their contributions to the coaching profession.

2026 award categories

meet the mlc award selection committee

DR. AIKYNA FINCH

VP DEIB OF THE INTERNATIONAL COACHING FEDERATION (icf)

Dr. Aikyna Finch, PCC, DM, is Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as a certified coach, educator, TEDx speaker, podcaster, author, and social media strategist.

Her work centers on advancing inclusive coaching communities, empowering professionals through visibility and technology, and helping coaches lead with both innovation and human connection.

CHRISTIE MIMS

FOUNDER, COACH PONY

Christie Mims is the founder of Coach Pony, where she helps coaches and professionals build businesses and careers they genuinely love.

Known for her practical, no-fluff approach to client attraction and coaching business growth, Christie has helped thousands of coaches learn how to find paying clients, market authentically, and grow sustainable businesses. She has been featured by Forbes and other major platforms to share insights on coaching visibility, niche positioning, and what actually works when building a coaching practice. 

JEN KANE

FOUNDER & EDITOR, LIFE COACH MAGAZINE (LCM)

Jen Kane is the Founder and Editor of Life Coach Magazine, a trusted online resource supporting coaches at every stage of their journey.

As a life coach herself, Jen helps ensure LCM’s content is practical, grounded, and genuinely useful for coaches looking for certification guidance, business growth tools, real-life stories, and expert insight. Through Life Coach Magazine, she continues to support and connect the coaching community with resources that help coaches grow their impact.

MELISSA CASTRO

INTRINSIC LEADERSHIP AUTHOR & 2025 COACH OF THE YEAR (MLC)

Melissa Castro is a leadership coach, consultant, and author of Intrinsic Leadership, a coaching guide for Millennials ready to lead with purpose, influence, and alignment. Melissa was also the MLC 2025 Coach of the Year! 

As the founder of Intrinsic Lead, Melissa brings experience across corporate, public, and philanthropic sectors, with a coaching approach rooted in values-driven leadership, burnout recovery, psychological safety, and helping emerging leaders grow without losing themselves in the process.

LORNA TAYLOR

MLC LEAD COMMUNITY HOST

Lorna Taylor is a leading voice and community builder in the millennial-focused coaching space.

As Coaches Community Manager, host, and social media lead for Millennial Life Coaches, Lorna helps elevate coaches globally through podcast conversations, live events, community programming, and digital storytelling.

She has served as a host for How to Get Ahead by Millennial Life Coaches, Lead Host of the 2026 Coaches Tech & Empowerment Summit, and co-host of the International Coaches Café during International Coaching Week through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) platform.

Known for her warmth, energy, and ability to create meaningful connection, Lorna is helping shape one of the most active and influential platforms for coaches serving millennials.

Award Winners will receive

custom plaque award

Receive a beautiful, custom plaque dedicated to you and your accomplishment as our award winner 

T&E Summit '27 Recognition

Formal recognition at the Coaches Tech & Empowerment Summit 2027 

This summit will feature an audience from around the world, and you will have an opportunity to speak live during the summit 

Press Release Package

This is where the significance of this award changes and expands your digital footprint 

Includes MLC media and channel recognition (socials, newsletters, broadcasts) 

Exclusive opportunities to feature on MLC partner podcasts and platforms 

free mlc membership access

Award winners will be gifted 1-year of MLC Membership Access

Exclusive features, programs and opportunities

Includes free access to the #1 Directory for Millennial-Focused Coaches

selection committee seat '27

You have the option to join next year’s award selection committee to usher in the next group of award winners

MLC “Hall of Fame” Recognition

You will be recognized forever as the winner of this year’s award in our MLC coaches “Hall of Fame”, providing social credence well beyond your winning year

Apply for the 2026 MLC Coach of the Year Awards

Application is free for official MLC Members. 

Award recipients are selected through a multi-step evaluation process designed to highlight true coaching excellence.

  • Self-nominations are permitted
  • Nominations open until June 15th 
  • Finalists will be determined by July 15th 
  • Winners will be selected by September 15th 

Applications are review by a selection committee comprised of coaching industry leaders.

This is your opportunity to be recognized among the top coaches shaping the future of the profession.

Submit your application today and let the coaching community celebrate the impact you’re creating.

This application will take 10-15 minutes to complete. 

application closed