Washington roster grows to three rigorously vetted, proven coaches
WASHINGTON, September 24, 2026 — The Women Leaders Association, the largest publisher and events organization for women professionals with 43,000 members and more than 130 chapters, today named Melinda J. Bickerstaff, MCC, a Coaching Partner of its Washington chapter, bringing the chapter's roster to three and the national roster its first Master Certified Coach.
Under Coaching Partners, the association does the screening itself, vetting every coach for recognized credentials, verifiable experience, and excellent client reviews before they appear on a chapter site, so members can engage with confidence.
Bickerstaff holds the Master Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation, the highest of its three levels, and has spent more than 25 years helping global leaders become their very best selves. She has also sat in her clients' chairs, serving as Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Knowledge Officer, and Chief Learning Officer for Fortune 100 companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Discovery Communications, alongside senior consulting roles at Accenture, KPMG, and Deloitte. A Master Storyteller, she built two workshops on business storytelling and data that she has delivered to more than 60,000 leaders worldwide.
"Our work together is often transformative, as leaders learn how to become the authors of their professional and personal lives," said Bickerstaff.
"A Master Certified Coach is rare. One who has actually held the CHRO, CKO and CLO seats at Fortune 100 companies is rarer still," said Lydia Price, 2026 Volunteer Chair.
Bickerstaff joins Megan Laabs and Violetta Diamond on the chapter's roster. Members can view her profile and schedule a free consultation at:
https://WashingtonWomenLeaders.org/CoachMelindaBickerstaff