NBCC was a Platinum Sponsor for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference in Seattle, Washington, held Oct. 10–13, 2019. As part of this sponsorship, NBCC was a co-host of the opening reception, which provided attendees with an opportunity for networking and learning more about how the organizations work together to promote the counseling profession.  
 
As a part of hosting the ACES conference opening reception, NBCC, in collaboration with the NBCC Foundation, collected donations for a local Seattle-based nonprofit, YouthCare. YouthCare’s mission is to “end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential.” 

Because YouthCare’s services align with the NBCC Foundation’s work to bridge the gap in mental health services for underserved and never-served populations, NBCC and Affiliates chose to leave a positive footprint on the city of Seattle by spreading YouthCare’s mission and raising support for its programs. The NBCC Foundation raised $500 with NBCC matching that amount, for a total donation of $1,000 to support YouthCare’s work with homeless youth. 
 
“We saw this as an opportunity to highlight the great work that both YouthCare and the NBCC Foundation are doing—engage attendees, and raise funds for a wonderful cause,” says Isabel Gomez, Vice President of the Foundation and Professional Services at NBCC.  
 
In addition to the sponsorship, NBCC hosted two special sessions: “Process and Potential: Counselors as Leaders and Board Directors” and “The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination: Development, Registration, and Program Evaluation.”  
 
NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) 2019 Doctoral Fellows also had the opportunity to attend a private training session led by Dr. Susan Branco, 2014 MFP Alumni Fellow and current MFP Advisory Council member. Dr. Branco provided the students with insight on what to expect during the conference, networking strategies, professionalism, how to summarize and explain their dissertation research in 60 seconds, and tips on self-care. Dr. Branco also discussed employment options with the fellows and explained the different tracks for a career in academia.    
 
“It is always such an honor to have our fellows come back and connect with us in these meaningful ways,” says Gomez. “We are proud of all that they have been able to accomplish, and it is so uplifting to see this strong group support each other throughout their professional journeys.”