Coffee Talks are free for anyone who wishes to attend.
Lunch & Learns are free for SLA Members, $25 non-members, $15 non-profits
Workshops are free for SLA Members, $149 for non-members, $99 for non-profits
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
march
04mar8:00 am9:30 amIgniting Your Social Emotional Leadership
Virtual coffee talk In these unique and extraordinary times, true leadership is more important than ever. In this reflective and interactive workshop, participants will examine Emotional Intelligence and Social
In these unique and extraordinary times, true leadership is more important than ever. In this reflective and interactive workshop, participants will examine Emotional Intelligence and Social Emotional skill-building through the lens of their own leadership and leadership style. They will learn tools for maximizing the power of this side of their own leadership, as well as bringing out the best of it in their staff. Beyond the “soft” skills and fluffy exterior, this is as hard as it gets. Join us to uncover new paths and possibilities, for yourself and your program.
Erika Petrelli has been in the field of leadership and people-development for more than 25 years, and is currently The Leadership Program’s Senior Vice President of Leadership Development (and self-declared Minister of Mischief). She spends her days nurturing the individual leadership spirit in both students and adults across the country, through training, coaching, and writing.
She is a regularly featured keynote speaker at youth serving conferences—speaking into the power of igniting the leadership in our youth—and has worked to inspire and inform leadership programming across the country. She speaks her leadership in writing, too, and in addition to regular blogs she wrote an interactive journal, On Wings & Whimsy: Finding the Extraordinary Within The Ordinary, now available for sale on Amazon. The Leadership Program is centrally housed in New York City, while Erika lives in Indiana. The legacy she strives daily to create is to be the runway upon which others take flight.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
04mar2:00 pm3:30 pmThe Room: A Virtual Networking Event
A Virtual Networking Event The Room is a place for individuals and organizations who miss in-person connection opportunities. This is a Free Event Exclusively for SLA and
The Room is a place for individuals and organizations who miss in-person connection opportunities.
This is a Free Event Exclusively for SLA and Muncie-Delaware County Chamber Members
March 4, 2021
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Join us in an innovative virtual meeting space where participants can move freely between virtual tables and conversations. Control where you go and who you talk with at any time. When you visit The Room, you get the intentional conversations, introductions, connections you’ve come to expect from any quality networking event. During each event, we will gather to discuss a theme connecting our community. You decide who you want to connect with and what you want to discuss!
Ask the Experts:
COVID, Vaccinations and Our Community
(Thursday) 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
18mar11:30 am1:00 pmThe Simple Act of Appreciation
Virtual Lunch & Learn The way we show and receive appreciation is important to our daily relationships, both personal relationships and our professional ones too. It doesn’t matter if we are
The way we show and receive appreciation is important to our daily relationships, both personal relationships and our professional ones too. It doesn’t matter if we are a leader of a team or an individual contributor, appreciation is a powerful tool. However, it can be extremely tricky to navigate. How can you show someone you appreciate them? What if you have no budget to buy expensive thank-you gifts? You tried to show appreciation to someone once and they didn’t seem appreciative, should you even bother? When people give me praise, I feel uncomfortable.
Learn to understand how people feel appreciated, how to encourage innovation and creativity and how to become comfortable receiving feedback yourself!
Kourtney McCauliff is an experienced Human Resources Professional, with a demonstrated history of working in HR for over 10 years in a variety of different industries, mostly Hospitality and currently Health Care as the Chief Human Resource Officer for Open Door Health Services. She has a focus in Recruiting, Retention, People Development and Employee Engagement. Kourtney is from Michigan but lived in Chicago for a decade before relocating to Muncie. When she isn’t working, she likes to spend time with her husband and family, as well as find ways to be involved in our great community!
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday Mar 24 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday Mar 25 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM The differences between us do not have to be
Session #1:
Wednesday Mar 24
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday Mar 25
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The differences between us do not have to be polarizing. Our business relationships can be nurtured through emotional intelligence, and be productive despite our differences, to build effective teams. What are the components that establish and sustain trust, diminish tension, and promote greater understanding amid chaos, confusion, and complex topics? Leaders understand that they must get to collaboration despite multiple differences of thought, perspectives, and opinions, to create operational excellence. This interactive session will allow participants to go deep into understanding how to productively approach these conversations and build community in the workplace.
This program is ideal for: emerging leaders, mid-level and executives in all industries.
Thresette Briggs, SHRM-SCP, DDI is Chief Performance Officer of Performance 3 (P3), a national leadership development firm. She is a John Maxwell Team member that believes all leaders can be high-performing, with the right opportunity and the right culture. A certified M/WBE with the City of Indianapolis and State of Indiana, and WBE & WOSB with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, P3’s customized services for keynotes, training, executive coaching & consulting, supplemented by its patented products, deliver high-performance solutions for global leaders in over 10 industries with clients such as Toyota, High Alpha, Ivy Tech, and Nubian Construction Group.
E. Jake Gamble is the President of Leadership Support Services (LSS), a leadership development firm. He is a certified with the Townsend Institute for Leadership & Counseling, which he uses in LSS to support leaders by assessing, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating training programs that provide comprehensive performance solutions and creates sustainable high-culture environments. LSS also provides executive coaching, career planning, and conference and keynote speaking that reflects best business and leadership practices for a host of clients.
24 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 25 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
april
01apr8:00 am9:30 amThe Young Professional Experience in Muncie
Virtual coffee talk Come spend time with Kelsey Harrington and Jackie Duffy as they share their experiences navigating the Muncie Community as young professionals, from the lens of a Mocal and
Come spend time with Kelsey Harrington and Jackie Duffy as they share their experiences navigating the Muncie Community as young professionals, from the lens of a Mocal and a transplant, respectively. This presentation aims to provide a better understanding of who the Muncie Young Professional is. This presentation also aims to provide an opportunity for young professionals to come together to share examples of experiencing and overcoming workplace challenges. Kelsey and Jackie will share research they have done about the young professional experiences in Muncie. Additionally, they will share the experiences of and tips from mentors and supervisors of young professionals in the area.
This program is ideal for: young and up & coming professionals in the Muncie community and supervisors of young professionals
Kelsey Harrington: Program Associate for the George and Frances Ball Foundation. Muncie Young Professional for 2 years. Received her Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Art in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
Jackie Duffy: Residence Hall Director at Ball State University. Muncie Young professional for 2.5 years. Received her Master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor’s of Social Work from Ohio University.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
01apr2:00 pm3:00 pmLessons on Leadership with President Geoffrey S. Mearns
SPECIAL Virtual PROGRAM Thursday, April 1 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns has had a diverse range of professional experiences, from his roles as a federal prosecutor
Thursday, April 1
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns has had a diverse range of professional experiences, from his roles as a federal prosecutor and trial lawyer to his second career in academia, which has included his administrative positions as a dean, a provost, and a university president. In this session, he will reflect on several of the most valuable leadership lessons he has learned over the course of his career, and he will share how those lessons inform his work on behalf of Ball State.
This program is ideal for people interested in learning more about how to be effective leaders and how to develop and utilize leadership skills on the job that will help in the advancement of their careers.
COST: Special Programs are free for SLA Members, $25 non-members, $15 non-profits.
*scholarships are available
President Geoffrey S. Mearns serves as the 17th president of Ball State University.
After joining the University in May 2017, President Mearns helped to develop a new strategic plan. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes a long-range vision for the University that sets priorities across five key areas: undergraduate excellence, graduate education and lifetime learning, community engagement and impact, scholarship and societal impact, and institutional and inclusive excellence.
During his tenure, President Mearns has pursued initiatives that have produced the largest freshman class in history and increased alumni engagement and fundraising. President Mearns has also strengthened the University’s relationship with the community, most notably through its innovative partnership with Muncie Community Schools.
President Mearns earned his undergraduate degree in English from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. After a legal career that included serving as a federal prosecutor, President Mearns held academic and administrative roles at Cleveland State University, and then he served as president of Northern Kentucky University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have five children.
(Thursday) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
15apr11:30 am1:00 pmThe Secret Ingredient: Creating Belonging Cultures for The New Reality
Virtual Lunch & Learn In light of our current environment there is an urgency to achieve productivity through diverse culture building, in nearly every industry. Yet, while leaders are inherently diverse,
In light of our current environment there is an urgency to achieve productivity through diverse culture building, in nearly every industry. Yet, while leaders are inherently diverse, and diversity tools are abundant, studies continue pointing to program ineffectiveness. This session will explore how belonging may be the ingredient missing for your diversity programming effectiveness, and how to harness its power to accelerate closing gaps, achieve leader and organization sustainability, and a culture where everyone can contribute effectively.
Thresette Briggs, SHRM-SCP, DDI is Chief Performance Officer of Performance 3 (P3), a national leadership development firm. She is a John Maxwell Team member that believes all leaders can be high-performing, with the right opportunity and the right culture. A certified M/WBE with the City of Indianapolis and State of Indiana, and WBE & WOSB with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, P3’s customized services for keynotes, training, executive coaching & consulting, supplemented by its patented products, deliver high-performance solutions for global leaders in over 10 industries with clients such as Toyota, High Alpha, Ivy Tech, and Nubian Construction Group.
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
28apr(apr 28)2:00 pm29(apr 29)3:30 pmOvercoming Imposter Syndrome
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday Apr 28 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday Apr 29 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Ever felt like a professional fraud? Afraid others will
Session #1:
Wednesday Apr 28
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday Apr 29
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Ever felt like a professional fraud? Afraid others will see that you’re “faking it” and aren’t as smart or talented as you’ve led them to believe?
If so, you’re one of the 70% of professionals who has experienced Impostor Syndrome.
This program is ideal for: leaders at all experience levels
Dr. Carolyn Goerner is passionate about creating confident leaders. Now in her 21st year as a professor at Indiana University-Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business, she’s coached and mentored graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of management and negotiation courses. She has multiple classes published on LinkedIn Learning and her book “The Confident Millennial: 52 Tips for Leadership Success” was published in September 2020. Carolyn’s company, Practical Paradigms, provides in-person and virtual training programs as well as personal and small group coaching. She received her PhD in Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University. Carolyn lives in Greenwood, Indiana with her husband Peter and their dogs Charlotte and Etta.
28 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 29 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
may
06may8:00 am9:30 amHow to Promote Your Organization or Event With Little to No Money
Virtual coffee talk With over 20 years in marketing and advertising, I have worked with numerous organizations that are 501c3 not -for-profits and are operating on shoestring budgets. This program would
With over 20 years in marketing and advertising, I have worked with numerous organizations that are 501c3 not -for-profits and are operating on shoestring budgets. This program would focus on ways to promote and create awareness of your group or selected event that is a fund raising avenue for acquiring operating revenues,
This program is ideal for: not-for-profits, small businesses, marketing directors
Todd Merickel has over 20 years of marketing and advertising experience working with businesses and charities on numerous events and promotions and was the former manager of WMDH 102.5 and the Assistant General Manager of MITS before being hired by Mesmerize Transit Advertising in 2018. Merickel also was employed with Q95 radio in Indianapolis, Clear Channel Radio in Sarasota, Florida and Rutter Media in Muncie. He is a Ball State Telecommunications graduate and has a Master Degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
20may11:30 am1:00 pmVested with Vulnerability
Virtual Lunch & Learn To be vested means to have a full right to something; typically thought of in terms of a retirement benefit. But, what does it mean to be
To be vested means to have a full right to something; typically thought of in terms of a retirement benefit. But, what does it mean to be vested with each other? If we are working alongside or for someone, are we holding back a percentage of our relationship? If so, are we getting back that same effort? The answer to the question is probably yes.
We will explore being fully vested with others whether its co-workers, bosses, teammates, and the like. This means being vulnerable with each other by sharing, caring, and yes – leading.
Michelle Vore is currently serving as the Learning & Development Manager for Muncie Power Products. In that role since October 2017, she develops content and delivers training for a variety of topics ranging from customer service to managing change. Her credo is that learning never ends and she is always happy to share information and ideas with others to help them grow professionally and personally.
Professional experiences of Michelle’s include working in learning and development, academic advising and mentoring, teaching as an adjunct faculty member, and designing web sites.
Michelle graduated from Ball State University in 2003 with a Master’s in Adult and Community Education and earned a second master’s in Business Administration in 2014 from Western Governor’s University. Beyond academic degrees, Michelle has continued learning and most recently in 2018 she completed the Emergence program at Shafer Leadership Academy and graduated from the Academy for Community Leadership.
Donating time is also important to Michelle. She serves on the Home Savers and National Alliance on Mental Illness Delaware County boards and has given time to other non-profit efforts in the Delaware County and Muncie communities.
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
26may(may 26)2:00 pm27(may 27)3:30 pmConfidence, Fear and Decision Making: through the lens of PI
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday May 26 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday May 27 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM This session leverages the PI behavioral assessment instrument to
Session #1:
Wednesday May 26
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday May 27
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
This session leverages the PI behavioral assessment instrument to delve into the movers of where I get my self confidence as a leader, how to contend with fear that can erode that confidence, and ultimately leveraging these insights to improve decision making in times of fear, change and crisis. This session is appropriate for any leader seeking to improve self-awareness and self-management in their life and career.
Be prepared to learn, think, practice and share in an animated and highly interactive facilitated session.
This program is ideal for: All levels of leadership from frontline emerging leaders to seasoned senior executives. By leveraging the PI behavioral assessment instrument, each individual will have a unique experience with the content, questions, sharing and practice. If a group is more peer-based at any level, that can deepen the trust and accelerate interaction during facilitated exercises during the session. This is a ‘nice to have’ but not essential.
BJ McKay has made a career out of studying why humans ‘do what we do.’ With authentic energy, experience and presence he guides clients, using data, in creating practical goals to help them achieve their vision of success in their business and life. BJ’s clients, from 5 employees to over 90,000, can be found operating in the United States and internationally, in a wide variety of business sectors. His sincere focus is to help clients solve complex issues with simple, practical solutions, channeling their own unique ideas and experiences rather than ‘preaching’ what ‘best’ looks like.
Before joining ADVISA 11 years ago, BJ sharpened his management skills in the SaaS world, and earned a Master of Arts in public relations and a BA in telecommunications from Ball State University. Outside of ADVISA, he spends time with his wife, his two sons and his three daughters. BJ also owns The Arsenal & Muncie CrossFit, a 7 year old local fitness business in Muncie focused on general physical preparedness, personal training, weight lifting and youth sports performance.
26 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 27 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
june
03jun8:00 am9:30 amThe Power of Your Story: Connecting People, Building Community
Virtual coffee talk Stories connect and inspire us. Through words, pictures, graphics, and sounds, stories expose and challenge us to understand worlds, lifestyles, and experiences we might never know otherwise. They
Stories connect and inspire us. Through words, pictures, graphics, and sounds, stories expose and challenge us to understand worlds, lifestyles, and experiences we might never know otherwise. They provide meaning and connection, transmit cultural values and uphold traditions. As children, they teach us societal norms and lull us to sleep; as adults, they empower us to act, pull us away from to-do lists, and share universal truths that link us, regardless of age, race, gender, ability, and religion, and economic status.
As we continue to build and live in echo chambers, narratives spark empathy, self-discovery, and action. This session will create a safe, empowering space for participants to consider the power of their own stories and encourage them to consider how storytelling — a timeless tradition — can help us better understand ourselves, break down barriers, build community, and inspire others to act.
Kate H. Elliott coordinates Ball State University’s Department of Journalism’s Magazine Media concentration and chairs the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) Engagement Task Force. Since 2018, Elliott has supported Ball State’s historic partnership with Muncie Community Schools as faculty fellow to the MCS-Ball State Academic Innovation Council. Alongside teachers, administrators, and community partners, Elliott is working to realize a holistic educational system that nurtures student success and community wellbeing.
In the classroom, Elliott is driven to outfit the next generation of storytellers and strategists with the confidence, expertise, and connections to lead competitive, in-demand fields. Facilitation of several immersive experiences reflects Elliott’s commitment to community-focused storytelling. In fall 2017, she guided a team of student journalists to profile farmers, nonprofit leaders, residents in food deserts, and more as part of a storytelling movement to share the challenges and opportunities within Muncie’s food system. In spring 2016, she worked with students to advance the reach and reputation of Muncie nonprofit, ecoREHAB.
Prior to teaching, Elliott served as a communications manager and alumni magazine editor for Ball State and Valdosta State universities. She has received numerous national and regional journalism and community service awards.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
17jun11:30 am1:00 pmEnhancing Your Emotional Intelligence
Virtual Lunch & Learn IMAGINE, you could have a skill wherein any given conversation with colleagues, clients, or subordinates–you could be keenly aware of, and even experience, their feelings and thoughts. Sounds
IMAGINE, you could have a skill wherein any given conversation with colleagues, clients, or subordinates–you could be keenly aware of, and even experience, their feelings and thoughts.
Sounds like some X-Men-like psychic superpower, right? Well, what if I told you that anyone could have this uncanny ability and use its strength in the workplace!
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to recognize the impact our feelings have on ourselves, tune into the feelings of those around us, manage our emotions and actions, and interact skillfully with the people around us. Studies have shown that those who lead with Emotional Intelligence are better equipped to inspire and mobilize others towards making a positive impact in the world! In this EI session, discuss how emotional intelligence impacts workplace interactions. Explore all 15 competencies and create an action plan to reach your very own EI goals.
This program is ideal for: staff, supervisors, high potentials, managers, and executives
Kayla Coates, Project Coordinator at the Ball State Fishers center, is responsible for meeting external clients and educating them about the university’s programs. These include personal community interest and professional development programs, along with academic programs. In addition to maintaining relationships, she is a certified trainer in BarOn EQ-i Emotional Intelligence assessment, training curriculum, and the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal.
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
23jun(jun 23)2:00 pm24(jun 24)3:30 pmDeveloping Negotiation Skills
Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday June 23 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday June 24 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM My negotiation training begins with an individualized assessment of
Session #1:
Wednesday June 23
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday June 24
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
My negotiation training begins with an individualized assessment of conflict preferences. A variety of hands-on exercises help participants develop a personal negotiation style.
This program is ideal for: This session is appropriate for leaders at all experience levels.
Dr. Carolyn Goerner is passionate about creating confident leaders. Now in her 21st year as a professor at Indiana University-Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business, she’s coached and mentored graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of management and negotiation courses. She has multiple classes published on LinkedIn Learning and her book “The Confident Millennial: 52 Tips for Leadership Success” was published in September 2020. Carolyn’s company, Practical Paradigms, provides in-person and virtual training programs as well as personal and small group coaching. She received her PhD in Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University. Carolyn lives in Greenwood, Indiana with her husband Peter and their dogs Charlotte and Etta.
23 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 24 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
Virtual Coffee Talks are an excellent way to get your morning started!
Virtual Lunch & Learns are 90-minute sessions designed for the busy learner.
Virtual Workshops are multi-session programs focused on a single topic.