Ten years of elevating counseling into a global culture

Play icon
Since 2016, the IC3 Movement has brought together educators, universities, and organizations with a shared mission: to transform education and empower students worldwide. What began as a simple idea has grown into a thriving global community that has touched millions of lives, created opportunities, and inspired lasting change. As we mark ten years, we honor the journey we have walked together and look ahead to the work that lies ahead.
Play icon

Ganesh Kohli

Founder, IC3 Movement
Play icon

Anju Deoskar

Director Admissions Outreach, FLAME University
Play icon

Jim McLaughlin

Assistant Vice President - Community Development, Partnerships & Communications, IC3 Institute
Play icon

Ritika Singh

Executive Director, IC3 Movement
Play icon

The IC3 Journey: A Shared Vision

In 2016, a simple yet powerful vision began to take shape: counseling in every school, purpose for every child.

At the heart of this vision was a teacher who believed deeply in the potential of her students. Molly Teacher, Ganesh Kohli’s school teacher, inspired not only his personal journey but also the foundation of the IC3 Movement. She taught with compassion, conviction, and the belief that every young person deserves guidance, encouragement, and someone who sees who they can become.

Her influence is a reminder that one educator can change countless lives. The IC3 Movement carries forward that belief by ensuring that every student, everywhere, has access to a caring, informed, and supportive counselor.

From Jaipur to Jakarta, Nairobi to New York, the message has remained the same: when students receive the right guidance at the right moment, their lives can change forever.

A Decade of Milestones

From the first Annual Conference in 2016 to a presence in 104 countries, the IC3 Movement has grown steadily, guided by its mission and the commitment of its people. Here are the key milestones that have defined our journey so far.
James was here

2016

Launch of the IC3 Movement and the first Annual Conference with 285 participants, representing 106 high schools from 14 countries, 75 universities, and 16 organizations.

2017

Molly Teacher was introduced to the world. The IC3 Regional Forums were introduced, bringing the mission to 9 cities in 3 countries.

James was here
James was here

2018

Launch of the IC3 Institute to advance research, professional development, and resources for educators worldwide.

2019

Graduation Ceremony of the 1st IC3 Institute cohort

James was here
James was here

2021

Expansion into Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific, ensuring access to counseling conversations in regions where such platforms were rare.

2022

Elevated the venue to a Convention Centre.

James was here
James was here

2023

Crossed 1000 volunteers.

2024

Introduced 2 new tracks: Consciousness & Well-being, Institutional Partnerships.

James was here

2025

Introduction of IC3 On Demand and IC3 Regional Conferences, offering more customized, impactful, and accessible engagement. The IC3 Institute’s Membership Platform is made public. 

2026

1st IC3 Regional Conference - South Asia and a milestone celebration with expanded scope and ambition.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

3,307,500

Students Impacted

6,615

Schools Engaged

912

Universities Collaborated

104

Participating Countries

The Next Chapter

As IC3 moves into its second decade, we are adapting to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and the education sector. Our new initiatives are designed to go deeper into communities, broaden our reach, increase focus on well-being, and create more meaningful, sustained engagement.
The past decade has shown what can happen when people from around the world unite for a common purpose. Yet millions of students still need access to the guidance that can help them find their path.
Your involvement can make a difference. Whether you are a counselor, educator, university representative, or organizational leader, there is a place for you in the IC3 Movement. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their purpose.
IC3 Regional Conferences
Two-day immersive gatherings at leading institutions, combining professional development with university fairs, direct engagement with students and parents, and well-being activities.
IC3 On Demand
An impact-first approach where we first identify shared goals and values with a mission-aligned school or organization. We then curate a focused experience designed to achieve those goals effectively.

Voices of IC3

Stories That Shaped a Movement
Over the past decade, the IC3 Movement has brought together a global community united by a shared belief in the transformative power of counseling. The voices featured here reflect the lived experiences of individuals who have engaged with IC3 across conferences, forums, initiatives, and collaborations.

This section presents a collection of written reflections shared by members of the IC3 community. These messages capture personal journeys, meaningful moments, and perspectives shaped through participation in the Movement, offering insight into how IC3 has influenced professional paths, ideas, and purpose.

Together, these reflections form a collective narrative of learning, connection, and impact, representing the many experiences that have contributed to IC3’s growth over the last ten years.

It was last year in August when I got the scholarship to attend the annual conference. It was my first experience to enter a plane and I was the only Burundian who has ever attended it. I moved from Bujumbura to Nairobi, then took another plane which took me to Mumbai and then from Mumbai to Delhi. All this was possible due to incredible people from the IC3 team: Jim, Ganesh, Anuradha, Anjali, Prabha, Preeti and others I did not mention. Thank you alot for allowing me to connect with other IC3 members across the globe.

Fulgence Nyabenda
Teacher and career guidance counselor,
Lycée du Saint Esprit, Bujumbura - Burundi

"One experience that stands out from my association with IC3 is the thoughtfully designed structure of the program itself. IC3 goes beyond being a conference or forum. It is a well-curated learning journey that blends dialogue, reflection, and practical application. Each session is intentional grounded in research, global perspectives, and real school contexts making the learning both relevant and immediately applicable."

Sheetal Aluri
Billabong High International School Pune

For me, the IC3 movement represents meaningful connections, genuine camaraderie, and purposeful collaboration. Over the past four years of attending the Annual Conference, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of this community, a space where barriers fade, and a shared commitment to student success takes center stage.

Each interaction reinforces this mission. Whether engaging with dedicated counselors, celebrating their well-earned certifications, supporting critical training initiatives, or collaborating with colleagues from higher education institutions to learn more about their programs and opportunities, I am reminded of the profound importance of our collective work. Building personal relationships with the IC3 team has been a highlight of this journey, and every event leaves me inspired and energized.

The opportunity to present year after year has been equally rewarding, offering a platform to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and foster growth. Above all, I want to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of EducationUSA advisers across diverse regions who have championed this movement alongside you. Through this collaboration, they have extended the reach of counseling to schools worldwide and developed robust programs that truly transform lives.

It is an honor to contribute to this story and to stand with a community that is shaping the future of education, one student at a time.

Lewis Cardenas
EducationUSA

One moment that stands out from my association with IC3 was standing in the registration line at the Hyderabad conference—the first in-person IC3 event after the long stretch of COVID-era online interactions. Being in a room full of people united by the same purpose and commitment to student guidance was a powerful reminder of the collective energy, collaboration, and shared vision that define the IC3 community.

Theresa Joseph
Nahar International School

The first Conference @ Yashoo Bhoomi as CBSE City Coord., Delhi, It made me to complete Enrich & Empower in IC3.

Senthil Murugan P
Senthil Public School

The IC3 Doha conference stands out to me as an amazing opportunity for Counsellors to gather, sharing inspirational and motivating ideas and concepts for success. I enjoyed the real life stories with specific morals applicable to counselling in international schools.

The English Modern School Al Khor

One moment that stands out from my IC3 journey is how the online sessions gradually turned into a strong learning community. What began as virtual discussions became meaningful friendships, guided by mentors who challenged us to think deeply and responsibly. Ganesh Kohli’s vision of building ethical, student-centered counseling systems tied it all together and gave the experience lasting direction

Hussaini Syed
Director, Greenfields English High School, Ohar, Aurangabad

My association with IC3 has been nothing short of transformative. Being part of the 10th Cohort of the EMPOWER flagship program and earning the Certificate of Excellence gave me an experience that I will always cherish. This journey allowed me to rediscover myself as a learner—I truly felt like a student again, writing MTA and FTA, collaborating on group projects, working through individual assignments, and finally bringing everything together through the capstone project, which beautifully reflected the learning of the entire year.  Beyond knowledge, the program touched my heart. It reshaped the way I look at careers, counselling, and guidance, and reminded me why learning should always be meaningful and evolving. The residential stays at four renowned universities across different states were moments of deep inspiration, connection, and joy.  I am immensely grateful to Mr. Ganesh Kohli, the founder of IC3, for envisioning and creating such a powerful learning experience. This journey has left an indelible mark on me—not just as an educator, but as a lifelong learner.

Anuradha Shyamprasad Dontul

IC3 Expressions

From Your Studio to an International Audience
IC3 Expressions is an open creative call inviting students, educators, counselors, and creators from around the world to share their voices through art and storytelling. This initiative celebrates creativity as a powerful form of expression and reflection, capturing ideas, emotions, and perspectives that connect us across cultures and geographies.

Submissions are invited across a wide range of creative formats, including art, poetry, photography, film, and digital media. Selected works will form part of a living gallery showcased at the 10th Annual IC3 Conference and Expo in August 2026, and will also be featured as a digital exhibition on the IC3 website.
Why Submit Your Work
  • Arrow

    Share what IC3 and counseling means to you using your talent on an international platform

  • Arrow

    Present your creation to a global audience of educators, universities, and leaders

  • Arrow

    Be featured in the official IC3 Movement digital gallery

  • Arrow

    Become part of IC3’s milestone 10-year legacy

Themes (Interpret Freely)
  • Arrow

    Threads That Connect Us

  • Arrow

    Roots and Wings

Deadline: 30 June 2026

For submissions and queries: communications@ic3movement.com

Limited works will be selected.

IC3@10: A Decade in Reflection

To mark ten years of the IC3 Movement, a special IC3@10 Commemorative Book is currently in development. This forthcoming publication will bring together exclusive essays and reflections from distinguished voices across the global education ecosystem.
‍
The book will explore the evolution of counseling, leadership, and student purpose through the lens of IC3’s journey, offering insights from individuals who have shaped and influenced education over the past decade.
‍
Scheduled for launch at the 10th Annual IC3 Conference and Expo in Mumbai on 19 and 20 August 2026, the IC3@10 Commemorative Book will stand as a lasting tribute to the Movement’s impact and a source of inspiration for the decade ahead.

COMING SOON

A Decade of Smiles

Ten years of moments, from conference stages to classroom discussions, from small group sessions to cultural celebrations. These are the faces, places, and events that have brought the mission of IC3 to life.
Leadership Committee of 2016
A session block at the 2016 Annual IC3 Conference & Expo
Fair & Symposium at the Annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2017
The grand ballroom at ACE 2017
University Fair at 2017
University Fair for Scottish High Students
Panel Discussion Session at ACE 2018
2018 Regional Forum Colombo
University Fair at ACE 2025
2024 Regional Forum at Astana, Kazakhstan
Panel Discussion Session at ACE 2025
2024 Regional Forum at Harare, Zimbabwe
2023 Regional Forum at Nairobi, Kenya, 2024
Keynote address by Eric Garcetti, Former Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of India
Graduating class of 2024
Counseling Mentor of the Year Nominees at ACE 2023
University Exhibits at ACE 2023
2020 Regional Forum Hyderabad
2022 Regional Forum at Golden Valley School, Costa Rica
Pre-Conference Curtain Raiser & Counselor Networking
2022 Regional Forum at Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior, India
2019 Regional Forum at Gateway College, Colombo
Graduating class of 2019