Empowering Young Adults for a Confident Future

Welcome to Emerging Leaders, a coaching and training organization based in Buffalo, NY, founded by Nicole C. Bycina and her Gen Z partners. With a background in social work, K–12 and higher education, and leadership coaching, we bring over two decades of experience helping youth, peers, and professionals tap into their strengths, build confidence, and lead purpose-driven lives.

My approach is grounded in mutual respect, emotional intelligence, and practical, career-focused skill-building. As a coach, I believe in meeting people where they are and helping them grow to meet the challenges of their emerging careers while leading lives of purpose and integrity.

Emerging Leaders is more than a service — it’s a movement to empower the next generation with confidence, clarity, connection, and success.

About Us Services

Guidance for Every Step

1:1 Coaching for Youth & Adults

Personalized coaching designed to build confidence, strengthen emotional intelligence, and set achievable goals for school, career, and life. Each session meets you where you are and helps you grow with purpose.

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Peer-Assisted Leadership Circles

Collaborative small-group coaching where participants learn from one another, explore leadership values, and develop problem-solving and communication skills in a supportive, peer-driven environment.

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School-Based Coaching/Culture and Climate Training

Workshops and coaching sessions that help schools cultivate inclusive, emotionally healthy environments where both students and staff thrive through trust, resilience, and positive culture-building.

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Career & College Readiness Workshops

Interactive workshops focused on practical skills like goal-setting, communication, and career exploration to prepare youth and emerging professionals for a confident, purpose-filled future.

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Leadership Development – Quick Summary

Grow from within. Leadership begins with emotional intelligence — knowing and managing yourself.
Connect with others. Build trust, communicate clearly, and create psychological safety.
Lead with purpose. Align your values, vision, and actions.
Think in systems. See patterns, navigate complexity, and influence ethically.
Leave a legacy. Develop others and build lasting impact.

Leadership evolves from self-awareness to legacy — from 'me' to 'we' to 'all.'