I am grateful to the SLA for equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools, resources, and relationships they will need to move our community forward.
Associate Vice President for Community Engagement
Ball State University
Signature Programs
Our Signature Programs are typically offered at least once a year. These programs offer a deeper dive than you can accomplish in a workshop. Participants receive a badge and certificate after successfully completing each program. Click the links below to learn more.
Academy Programs
Members of the Shafer Leadership Academy may attend these programs for free. Non-members may attend by paying a fee.
♦ In-Person Programs | more about in-person
♦ Virtual Programs | more about virtual
September
Event Details
Engage. Connect. Create. The Art of Virtual Facilitation is designed to help you lead online sessions that are engaging, focused, and dynamic. Whether you’re guiding a team meeting, training,
Event Details
Engage. Connect. Create.
The Art of Virtual Facilitation is designed to help you lead online sessions that are engaging, focused, and dynamic. Whether you’re guiding a team meeting, training, or group discussion, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to create meaningful virtual experiences. You’ll explore how to manage energy and attention, use interactive tools with purpose, and show up with presence and confidence in a digital space. *This is workshop number three in our facilitation/speaking series of 2025.
Learning Objectives
1. Learn strategies to increase focus and participation in a group setting
2. Discover how to utilize diverse virtual tools for interactive engagement
3. Boost your presence and savviness as a confident virtual facilitator
Cost: Free for SLA Members. $50 non-member. $30 nonprofits.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
About Our Facilitator
Eilis (A-lish) Wasserman is the Program Director at Shafer Leadership Academy focused on overseeing impactful leadership development programming and creating innovative opportunities for Shafer members. She has a background as a career coach and facilitator, dedicated to cultivating confidence and inspiring self-discovery. She is an introvert and early career professional advocate, empowering introverts to hone their unique strengths and develop their own career stories. Eilis believes the most valuable skill that you can learn, and practice is the art of connecting- it’s all about telling our story. Eilis is a freelance coach on The Muse and has worked as a career coach with Ball State University and the University of Michigan. Eilis looks forward to working with you to present your best self wherever you may be in your career journey.
Time
September 4, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Event Details
In-person Lunch & Learn Today, we are living in a world where disagreement reigns and people are divided. A chasm is widening between us and them, where everyone picks a side
Event Details
In-person Lunch & Learn
Today, we are living in a world where disagreement reigns and people are divided. A chasm is widening between us and them, where everyone picks a side and tries to win at the expense of others. Why is this happening? Too many leaders are taking the low road with others. They do what serves themselves best. They take from others without giving anything back. This workshop will guide you how to avoid the low and middle roads and take the high road in your leadership.
- Recognize and affirm the value of all people
- Learn how to develop humble appreciation for yourself
- Discover how to strengthen your emotional leadership capacity
About Our Facilitator
Casey Ash is a leadership development trainer with 12 years of experience leading team and personal development workshops. She is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member and Certified Working Genius Facilitator who uses workshops to help people and teams discover their gifts and reach their potential. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University. Personal development has been life-changing for her, and she is passionate about sharing this with others.
Time
September 9, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
2025tue16sep2:00 pm3:00 pmOff the Shelf- The Let Them TheoryIN-PERSON DISCUSSION2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Details
Read a book. Lead with inspiration. SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways
Event Details
Read a book. Lead with inspiration.
SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways from inspirational leadership books. At each event, facilitators will share key leadership development lessons from leadership-focused books. This is not a book club, rather a guided discussion around the key takeaways from each book.
Prior reading of the book is not required but we encourage participants to share about what they learned and check-out one of the books from Muncie Public Library. All participants attending will be entered in a raffle to win a digital copy of one of the books discussed.
All sessions are FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, eKeeper. Registration is required.
Up Next:
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About
By Mel Robbins
Discussion facilitated by our very own- Mitch Isaacs
Time
September 16, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
Muncie Library Kennedy Branch
1700 W McGalliard Rd
Event Details
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, September 17 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, September 18 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Ever get tired of those around you denying their
Event Details
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series
Session #1:
Wednesday, September 17
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, September 18
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Ever get tired of those around you denying their role in an incident, pointing fingers at others as to why something happened, or feeling people are just waiting to see if someone else will take care of the mess? Learn practical ways to stop these behaviors while holding yourself and others accountable.
Research proves that employers and employees both place a high value on trust. How do you keep yourself, and others, on track? Do you willingly accept responsibility for your actions and decisions? Learn how to articulate expectations and take ownership of how you fulfill them. A team that is accountable, is a team that is high performing.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to improve performance through accountability.
- Learn to recognize the victim cycle and “Above The Line” behaviors.
- Apply several tools to help you and others remain accountable.
About Our Facilitator
Susan Rozzi (pronounced Row Z) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates, a leadership and organizational development firm. She has a passion for unleashing the potential for greatness in good leaders and believes each person has a unique way of leading. Susan is a leadership coach focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management. Each of her programs starts with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development. What makes Susan different is her observant approach and ability to speak grace with her candor. Rozzi graduated from DePauw University and earned an MBA from Indiana University. She is certified in EQi-2.0 and EQ 360 (emotional intelligence assessment) and DiSC, a Certified Real Colors (temperament assessment) facilitator, and a Certified John C. Maxwell coach, trainer and speaker.
Time
September 17, 2025 2:00 pm - September 18, 2025 3:30 pm
October
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour NATURE WORKSHOP Step outside and experience nature as a powerful teacher. In a fast-paced and often overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves and our
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour NATURE WORKSHOP
Step outside and experience nature as a powerful teacher.
In a fast-paced and often overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves and our purpose. This workshop is an invitation to step outside and experience nature as a powerful teacher for finding clarity and purpose in how we show up for ourselves, our relationships, and our work. Rather than providing simple answers that fall flat, this humans-in-nature experience uses the outdoors and our own awareness as a guide to explore our challenges and the opportunities of life. This is a practical workshop that blends together conversation, guided exercises, and space to benefit from what nature has to offer us and what we can offer ourselves through nature.
Learning Objectives
-
- Reconnect with the wisdom of the natural world to gain perspective on the patterns of change and resilience in your own life, work, and relationships.
- Practice holding the tension between current challenges and future possibilities, developing a “grounded optimism” that is both realistic and hopeful.
- Explore the season of life you are in and how the seasons of nature provide perspective on navigating cycles of change.
- Craft a personal set of practices, routines, and actions that can help you maintain a grounded, resilient path regardless of season.
Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits. Note: This is an outdoor workshop that will take place at Munsee Woods and will require participants to stand/walk during the workshop.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
In partnership with:
About Our Facilitator
Adam Bouse is the founder of Optimistic Coaching, where he helps people move from feeling stuck to finding new possibilities. He draws on more than 15 years of leadership experience and 1,000+ hours of coaching to guide clients in navigating change and living a more grounded, fulfilling life. With a philosophy rooted in positive psychology, neuroscience, and nature-based experiences, Adam believes everyone deserves the chance to thrive and discover the clarity, connection, and fulfillment they’ve been longing for.
Time
October 7, 2025 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Munsee Woods
Coffee Talks / Early Risers are free for SLA Members, $50 non-members, $30 non-profits
Lunch & Learns are free for SLA Members, $80 non-members, $60 non-profits
Workshops are free for SLA Members, $250 for non-members, $200 for non-profits
Signature Programs are typically more expensive than other program formats.
Special Programs are offered throughout the year and are often free of charge.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
Interested in facilitating for Shafer Leadership Academy?
Submit a Proposal or Learn More.
Community Programs
These programs may be offered for free due to the generous support of our sponsors and funding partners.
September
2025tue16sep2:00 pm3:00 pmOff the Shelf- The Let Them TheoryIN-PERSON DISCUSSION2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Details
Read a book. Lead with inspiration. SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways
Event Details
Read a book. Lead with inspiration.
SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways from inspirational leadership books. At each event, facilitators will share key leadership development lessons from leadership-focused books. This is not a book club, rather a guided discussion around the key takeaways from each book.
Prior reading of the book is not required but we encourage participants to share about what they learned and check-out one of the books from Muncie Public Library. All participants attending will be entered in a raffle to win a digital copy of one of the books discussed.
All sessions are FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, eKeeper. Registration is required.
Up Next:
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About
By Mel Robbins
Discussion facilitated by our very own- Mitch Isaacs
Time
September 16, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
Muncie Library Kennedy Branch
1700 W McGalliard Rd
I still remember activities that we participated in and utilize the lessons I took away from the program years later.
Lauren Berger
Assistant Dean for Students
UNH School of Law
Confident leaders and engaged board members make our community strong. That’s why it made sense to partner with Shafer Leadership Academy.
Kelly K. Shrock
President
The Community Foundation of
Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.
Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.
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Align your team and increase your success.
Do you need help creating a plan to develop and grow your people? Our leadership assessment will give you clarity about your biggest opportunities and next steps to align your teams.