Academy Programs

Examining Biases and Stereotypes

Stereotypes and biases affect decisions, communication, behavior and determine how we respond to family, friends, co-workers, and the strangers that we interact with on a day-to-day basis. Based on our experiences, real or perceived, the brain creates categories and associations to help us process & organize information that makes sense of the world around us. These associations are influenced by social and cultural factors and are exhibited through behavior and thoughts.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and address our own biases and stereotypes.
2. Recognize the impact our belief system & actions have on others while addressing ways to actively minimize decision-making that contributes to disparities in all kinds of systems.
3. Learn to identify and interrupt words, behaviors and attitudes that are insensitive and actively discount and marginalized individuals from different social groups.
4. Practice strategies that enhance empathy and understanding in our culturally diverse workplaces.
5. Create a plan to shift from awareness towards action and stability.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 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

Dorica Watson is a Social Worker, certified Life Coach, Community Advocate, Trainer, and Director of Community Engagement at Open Door Health Services. She is a Muncie native who started her higher education journey as a non-traditional student at the local community college. Dorica went on to earn many degrees and professional certifications that have led her to the national stage as a collaborator, speaker, trainer and coach. Dorica is a change agent who brings a unique “relationship- first” perspective to each and every encounter. Her background in community engagement, mindfulness, personal & professional empowerment and poverty alleviation align with her moto “to not only take up space but to create it for other people”. Dorica has been honored with serval awards including, Ivy Tech Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Team Community Award, NASW Region 5 Social Worker of the Year and was the 2019 ATHENA International Leadership Awardee.  Dorica is passionate about people having served on many youth and/or family focused boards and committees in Delaware County. She is a member of The Church of the Living God, Co-Chair for Juneteenth Muncie and past Board President of Women In Business Unlimited, WIBU. Additionally, Dorica serves an advisory board member for the Ball State University Social Work Department, Director of Representation Matters, a literacy advocate and a dedicated youth mentor. She is a mother, Gorgeous Grandmother (GG) and wife, three separate but powerful titles that encourage her to be the best version of herself daily.

Finding Flow: A Workshop for Unlocking High Performance & Focus

VIrtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, September 18
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Thursday, September 19
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Have you ever noticed how there are certain moments when you do your best work? What if you could stack the deck in favor of doing that more consistently? In this interactive workshop, we will look at the science-backed ways of working known as ‘flow’—the state of optimal focus and ‘clutch’ performance—navigating high-pressure situations with finesse. Explore the psychological principles, practical strategies, and experiment with hands-on exercises that can help unlock new ways of showing up for the work that motivates and matters most to you.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the psychology behind ‘flow’ and ‘clutch’ performance
2. Learn techniques to access and sustain the ‘flow’ state
3. Develop strategies to thrive and excel in high-pressure situations
4. Cultivate a personalized action plan for achieving peak performance in professional and personal pursuits

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 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

Adam Bouse founded Optimistic Coaching to help people overcome challenges, navigate emotions, and live with greater intentionality. He’s an International Coaching Federation-certified coach with more than 15 years of leadership experience and over 1000 hours of coaching experience. With training in emotional intelligence and brain-based coaching, Adam empowers clients to achieve their goals while fostering greater resilience and satisfaction. Optimistic Coaching specializes in coaching and training for emotional intelligence, empathy, difficult conversations, mindfulness, resilience, and, of course, optimism.

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. Registration is required.

LEARN MORE »

In-Person 3 Hour Session

Learning Objectives

1. 1. Assess the communication styles of other team members to adjust their own accordingly to facilitate more effective, authentic, and productive communication.
   2. Gain awareness of common communication style “disconnects” and how to use CHAT to resolve conflict, source solutions and connect powerfully with others.
   3. Learn how to create an inclusive agenda, taking into account diverse communication styles and learn how to connect/speak with new audiences

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 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

Lorilyn B. Alden is a professional speaker, master facilitator, published author, two-time TEDx Speaker, Curator, and Coach. She is the creator of the CHAT Communication System, an innovative communication style assessment tool. Based on the CHAT methodology, Lorilyn has facilitated more than 100 employee trainings and presentations. She has over 30 years of experience working with organizations. Lorilyn has been in front of the camera as a TV host and behind the camera as an award-winning producer. She founded a non-profit organization that supported teenage girls in building positive self-esteem, healthy boundaries, and goal setting, which was recognized in two national magazines and other media outlets.

Excel: What You Don’t Know But Should

Excel has so many features – and so many shortcuts – it’s hard to know them all unless someone shows you. In this session, Janet Jackson, who designs spreadsheets for clients, will share her favorite time-saving tricks and tips as well as fan-favorite keyboard shortcuts. Topics include Format Painter, AutoFill, Find, Sizing, Quick Access Toolbar, and Print Settings. This session is great for the novice as well as the experienced Excel user looking to be more efficient when working in their spreadsheets.

Learning Objectives

1.  Develop practical skills to elevate your Excel expertise and boost productivity in your daily work with spreadsheets.
2.  Gain knowledge in essential Excel features such as Format Painter, AutoFill, and the Quick Access Toolbar.

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

Janet Jackson is passionate about three things: her faith, her family, and helping others find time to pursue their passions, professionally and personally. She started Organization Solutions, LLC, in 2001, because she loves people and hates inefficiency.

Prior to starting Organization Solutions, Janet spent six years with Honda of America Manufacturing where she served as the Purchasing Lead on a corporate-wide software implementation, ensuring business and system processes were efficient and effective. She left Honda in 2000 to start Organization Solutions and to have more time for her biggest priority, being a mom.

Janet attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where she double majored in Business Administration and Psychology. She graduated with honors in 1993. While at Taylor, she continued to grow her desire and ability to serve as a leader, which was cultivated initially by her ten-year involvement with Indiana 4-H. With Indiana roots, Janet and family are currently planted in Ohio. She speaks regionally and nationally to bring increased organization, productivity, and efficiency to businesses and individuals.

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Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Tuesday, October 15
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Wednesday, October 16
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Ever lost sleep because you couldn’t stop rehearsing a conversation in your head?

Conversations are hard for a number of reasons. Either the stakes are high, the topic is emotionally charged, it’s complicated, or there’s conflict present. Oftentimes, it’s all four. Luckily there is a way to make navigating hard conversations easier. In this interactive workshop, Ariana will share the DNA framework, which utilizes the latest research on the Neuroscience of Conversation. Participants will learn practical tools they can implement immediately at work or home to make hard conversations easy.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to prepare effectively for hard conversations
2. Develop techniques to self-regulate during stressful situations
3. Learn how to apply the latest research in Neuroscience to improve communications

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs. *Please note this particular workshop is not able to be recorded. 

About Our Facilitator

Ariana Friedlander, MPA, is an organizational anthropologist, a leadership development expert and an author. She is the founder and principal of Rosabella Consulting and has over 20 years of experience in fostering positive change within organizations and companies of all shapes and sizes including small business, non-profit, government and higher education. Ariana is a master facilitator, Certified Conversational Intelligence® Coach, certified HeartMath Mentor, and trained Breathwork practitioner. She specializes in modeling shared leadership and navigating co-creating conversations that lead to new innovations. She is adamant about walking her talk, which is why she wrote her first book, “A Misfit Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building a Business your Way” with a community of 31 co-creators. Ariana earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Delaware. Clients have included the Colorado PGA, Department of Denfense, Water for People, New Belgium Brewing Company, Colorado State University and Promethean. When not working, Ariana enjoys journaling, walks in nature and impromptu dance parties. She lives in Fort Collins, CO with her family.

Navigating the Job Search Journey with Confidence – The Power of Disclosing Disabilities

In this empowering session, we delve into the nuanced and often uncharted territory of disclosing disabilities during the job search process. Discover the key strategies to turn disclosure into a strength, fostering an environment of openness and understanding with potential employers. We explore the delicate balance between transparency and personal privacy, providing valuable insights on when, how, and why to disclose your disability. Through real-life success stories and expert advice, participants will gain the tools to navigate interviews, application processes, and workplace dynamics with confidence. Our presentation transcends the traditional narrative, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique strengths and talents. Uncover the potential for diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and enhance team dynamics within professional settings. Whether you are a job seeker with a disability, a hiring manager, or an HR professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Join us on this journey of empowerment, where disclosure becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding the Dynamics of Disclosure: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding disclosing disabilities during the job search, including legal considerations, personal choices, and potential impacts on the hiring process.
2. Strategic Disclosure Techniques: Learn practical strategies for strategically disclosing disabilities in various stages of the job search, from crafting resumes and cover letters to navigating interviews, in order to emphasize strengths and contribute to a positive and inclusive impression.
3.  Navigating Interview Challenges: Develop effective communication skills to confidently address questions related to disabilities during interviews, turning potential challenges into opportunities to showcase resilience, adaptability, and unique problem-solving abilities.
4. Building Inclusive Work Environments: Explore the role of individuals in fostering inclusive workplaces and learn how disclosing disabilities can contribute to a diverse and innovative organizational culture. Understand the importance of creating an environment that values and supports all employees.
5. Empowering Professional Growth: Discover how embracing one’s unique strengths, including those associated with disabilities, can lead to increased self-confidence, resilience, and overall professional growth. Gain insights into leveraging diversity as a driving force for personal and career development.

Free for All to Attend- Join us in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

About Our FacilitatorS

Dr. Courtney Jarrett is the Director of Disability Services at Ball State University (BSU) where she oversees the university’s efforts to provide access and opportunity for approximately 4000 students with disabilities. A triple alum of BSU, Courtney is Affiliate Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies, teaching several classes at BSU yearly. She authored a textbook, Not Your Momma’s Feminism, in 2016 and the 2nd edition was released in August 2020. She recently published her first children’s book, Muncie Women A-Z. She is a member of the League of Women Voters, American Association for University Women, and a current precinct committee person for her district in Muncie. Dr. Jarrett also has a role with Shafer Leadership Academy as a Community Inclusion Ambassador for People with Disabilities. In her never-ending crusade for work-life balance, Courtney enjoys reading for fun, going to the movies, traveling with her husband & sons, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Workplace Serenity: Strategies for Stress Reduction

This session will develop participants’ awareness of personal stress triggers and sources within the workplace. Learn practical stress management techniques, including breathing exercises and physical movement, to proactively manage stress and maintain mental clarity.

Learning Objectives

1. Increased Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of personal stress triggers and how they impact your mental and physical well-being.
2. Practical Techniques: Learn and practice stress management techniques that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine to reduce stress.
3. Proactive Approach: Develop a proactive mindset towards managing stress, enabling you to address challenges before they escalate

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 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

Nichole Linebaugh balances her corporate expertise with a passion for holistic well-being as seasoned professional with 12 years’ experience in Safety, Health, and Human Resources. Holding a 500-hour Yoga Teacher certification from the Yoga Alliance, her yoga journey began in 2013 as a response to stress, evolving in 2016 with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and the establishment of Nurturing Rose Yoga. In 2020, she achieved a 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training, and in 2023, fulfilled a dream by opening Nurturing Rose Yoga Bin—a converted grain bin transformed into a unique yoga studio, a space to share the healing embrace of nature. Balancing her professional role with a commitment to holistic well-being, she seamlessly integrates yoga principles into her approach to managing stress. Beyond her corporate endeavors, she eagerly shares the growth and insights garnered through this dual journey, offering valuable perspectives to professionals and individuals on their paths of development. Rooted in family, nature, and a dedication to continuous growth, she embraces life’s adventures with an open heart and a holistic perspective.