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
The tools and resources you need.
As a leader, you may not have an easy way to develop your leadership. This can leave you worried you’ll miss out on opportunities to make a difference. Shafer Leadership Academy helps individuals grow your leadership skills, increase your success, and make an impact in your community.
May
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour Session Increase your confidence. Speak with Poise. Join Peggy Cenova and Michele Owen for a practical workshop that will increase your confidence and charisma at networking events,
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour Session
Increase your confidence. Speak with Poise.
Join Peggy Cenova and Michele Owen for a practical workshop that will increase your confidence and charisma at networking events, giving presentations, and more! The workshop includes practice in understanding and overcoming anxiety, how to connect with your audience, how to master body language, and creating strong content. You will leave with activities to practice and a refined elevator pitch for your next networking event.
Learning Objectives
-
- Manage Speaking Anxiety and Build Confidence – Develop strategies to overcome nervousness and speak with ease in any setting.
- Enhance Communication Through Body Language and Vocal Delivery – Master posture, gestures, tone, and pacing to engage and connect with your audience effectively.
- Craft Compelling Messages with Strong Openings and Closings – Learn to structure presentations and conversations for maximum impact.
- Develop a Powerful and Memorable Elevator Pitch – Create a clear and engaging introduction that leaves a lasting impression in networking settings.
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 FacilitatorS
Michele Owen, known by some as “The Muncie Woman,” is a professor of Psychology at Ivy Tech Community College. She has always been passionate about communication, and has given a TED talk, taught public speaking at Ball State, and served as the Communications Director for the City of Muncie. Michele believes that everyone has the capacity to become a charismatic speaker in their personal and professional lives, if given the tools to understand and overcome their anxiety.
Peggy Cenova is a seasoned professional who was the Regional Director for the East Central Indiana SBDC, where she presented over 190 training events throughout the region. She is the former owner of the specialty advertising catalog company – Straight Status, which was listed in Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing businesses. She is a former board member of the National Speakers Association of Indiana and Shafer Leadership Academy. Peggy’s speaking philosophy can be summed up in three words: Prepare, Perfect, Present.
Time
May 22, 2025 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
June
Event Details
Let’s make presenting easier—and way more fun! Making presentations doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming—it can actually be fun and easy! In this interactive 90-minute session, we’ll explore how to
Event Details
Let’s make presenting easier—and way more fun!
Making presentations doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming—it can actually be fun and easy! In this interactive 90-minute session, we’ll explore how to use Canva to create beautiful, engaging presentations—without the frustration of clunky design tools or endless formatting. By the end, you’ll have a simple, joyful approach to designing presentations that feel as good to make as they do to deliver.
Learning Objectives
🎨 Use Canva’s ready-made templates to save time and spark creativity
✨ Add personality and polish with images, animations, and branding
💡 Keep your slides clear, compelling, and visually balanced
🚀 Build confidence in your design skills (even if you don’t consider yourself “creative”)
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
Sanovia Garrett is a versatile Music and Movement Artist from Muncie, Indiana, based in Philadelphia. She blends gospel, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and neo-soul, drawing inspiration from artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. A Ball State University graduate with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Leadership minor, she later earned an M.A. in Urban Studies (Community Arts) from Eastern University. In 2019, she joined the Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator, enhancing her entrepreneurial and community engagement skills. From 2021 to 2024, she served as Social Media and Communications Manager at Palmer Theological Seminary and Program Director for Girls Rock Philly. In 2023, she graduated from the Power Up Your Business Program at Community College of Philadelphia. Her initiative, “Come Move with Me,” offers inclusive, judgment-free movement sessions on a “Pay What You Wish” basis, promoting accessibility and self-expression for all. Sanovia’s discography includes the EP You Have Everything You Need (2020) and singles like “Sway” (2020) and “I Really Love You” (2024). In 2023, she received the John Lewis Award from Color of Change PAC Philadelphia for her contributions to the arts and community. Her mission is to inspire joy, self-discovery, and creativity through music, movement, and communication.
Time
June 3, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Event Details
Led by: Erika Bayh “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But how do you actually get stronger while life keeps throwing punches? In this energizing, and empowering resilience session, you’ll learn
Event Details
Led by: Erika Bayh
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But how do you actually get stronger while life keeps throwing punches?
In this energizing, and empowering resilience session, you’ll learn how to build grit that sticks. With fresh tools, shared stories, and honest reflection, you’ll walk away knowing how to rise from challenge, reclaim your momentum, and rewrite the narrative of what you’re capable of.
Eastern Indiana Works provides these sessions, in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, as a free service to our clients.
Workshops are designed to enhance your marketability and improve your skill-set.
Please register within 24 hours of workshop time. This program is virtual.
Time
June 4, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Event Details
“Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights.” (ATD) Facilitation is more than leading a discussion—it’s about creating an environment where participants feel engaged, heard,
Event Details
“Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights.” (ATD)
Facilitation is more than leading a discussion—it’s about creating an environment where participants feel engaged, heard, and motivated to explore new ideas. In this interactive session, participants will learn the fundamentals of inclusive facilitation, including how to establish a welcoming space, encourage participation, manage group dynamics and create interactive learning activities. Together we will build a facilitation toolkit, discover facilitation tools, and work towards building confidence in the art of facilitation. This part 1 of our Facilitation Skills Series. Part 2 will be offered in quarter three about virtual facilitation skills. NOTE- this workshop will last 2 hours instead of 90 mins and lunch will be served.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the role of a facilitator in creating engaging & inclusive learning environments.
- Learn techniques to foster participation, curiosity, and discussion- utilizing active listening, presence, and adaptability skills.
- Understand how to navigate group dynamics through discussion & practice in small groups.
- Learn about facilitation opportunities with Shafer Leadership!
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
June 5, 2025 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Event Details
A Different Kind of TEAM: Time, Energy and Attention Management for Leadership Success Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, June 11th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, June 12th 2:00 PM
Event Details
A Different Kind of TEAM: Time, Energy and Attention Management for Leadership Success
Virtual 2-Part Series
Session #1:
Wednesday, June 11th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, June 12th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The first secret: time cannot be managed. It is a thing that exists, like gravity. But our relationship to time can and should be managed. Our ability to manage this relationship, along with our own energy and attention, is the key to long-term success in leadership. The bad news is that it’s another thing to worry about as a leader. The good news is that worrying about it makes everything else less of a worry. Attendees will come away with a list of practical actions they can start using immediately – and share with their colleagues and teams at work. They will have a discussion in breakout rooms about how similar actions have worked well, or not worked well, in their own experience. Lastly, participants will develop and take home a map of their personal energy levels, across their responsibilities and days of the week. For the workshop, Alan will draw on his ideas from more than two decades of experience as a leader, executive coach and facilitator – along with the experiences of his hundreds of clients to date.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about 20 practical actions to change one’s relationship with time, energy and attention so you can start utilizing and sharing with colleagues right away
- Engage in discussion with fellow attendees about how similar actions have worked well, or not worked well, in your own experience
- Develop a map of your personal energy levels, across your responsibilities and across the days of the week.
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
Alan Heymann has served as an executive coach to hundreds of his fellow introverts, helping them feel seen and heard, to find balance in their lives and to unleash their superpowers in an extroverted world. Alan also specializes in coaching through career and leadership transitions. He brings a warm, open and energetic presence to his coaching and facilitation clients and speaking engagements. His clients to date were born in 32 countries and work on 4 continents. They have spanned corporations (including the Fortune 50), nonprofit organizations, public utilities, federal, county and municipal governments. The author of two books on leadership analogies: Don’t Just Have the Soup, and Embrace Your Inner Peaches, Alan is a member of the faculty of the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership. He spent more than two decades in public, government and nonprofit communications — leading teams from 2 to more than 100 people. Inspired by a career transformation he brought about with the support of an executive coach, Alan founded Peaceful Direction in April 2019. Alan is a member of the Barker Adoption Foundation Board of Trustees. He’s followed a plant-based diet since 2002, enjoys running half-marathons and lives with his family outside Washington, DC.
Time
June 11, 2025 2:00 pm - June 12, 2025 3:30 pm
Event Details
Led by: Michele Owen Prepare and practice so that you can stand out! During an interactive session, we will discuss and practice common interviewing questions and how to answer them most effectively.
Event Details
Led by: Michele Owen
Prepare and practice so that you can stand out!
During an interactive session, we will discuss and practice common interviewing questions and how to answer them most effectively.
Eastern Indiana Works provides these sessions, in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, as a free service to our clients.
Workshops are designed to enhance your marketability and improve your skill-set.
Please register within 24 hours of workshop time. This is a virtual workshop.
Time
June 12, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
2025tue17jun12:00 pmtue1:00 pmOff the Shelf- UnFunk YourselfVIRTUAL DISCUSSION12:00 pm - 1:00 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. Registration is required.
Up Next:
UnFunk Yourself: Leading Mindfully in the Midst of Mayhem
discussion facilitated the author herself!: Emily Morash
Time
June 17, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
♦ In-Person Programs | more about in-person
♦ Virtual Programs | more about virtual
♦ Special Programs | check program details
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 more expensive than other program formats. SLA Member discounts are typically available.
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 SLA?
Submit a Proposal or Learn More.
Leadership Academy Programs
May
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour Session Increase your confidence. Speak with Poise. Join Peggy Cenova and Michele Owen for a practical workshop that will increase your confidence and charisma at networking events,
Event Details
In-Person 3 Hour Session
Increase your confidence. Speak with Poise.
Join Peggy Cenova and Michele Owen for a practical workshop that will increase your confidence and charisma at networking events, giving presentations, and more! The workshop includes practice in understanding and overcoming anxiety, how to connect with your audience, how to master body language, and creating strong content. You will leave with activities to practice and a refined elevator pitch for your next networking event.
Learning Objectives
-
- Manage Speaking Anxiety and Build Confidence – Develop strategies to overcome nervousness and speak with ease in any setting.
- Enhance Communication Through Body Language and Vocal Delivery – Master posture, gestures, tone, and pacing to engage and connect with your audience effectively.
- Craft Compelling Messages with Strong Openings and Closings – Learn to structure presentations and conversations for maximum impact.
- Develop a Powerful and Memorable Elevator Pitch – Create a clear and engaging introduction that leaves a lasting impression in networking settings.
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 FacilitatorS
Michele Owen, known by some as “The Muncie Woman,” is a professor of Psychology at Ivy Tech Community College. She has always been passionate about communication, and has given a TED talk, taught public speaking at Ball State, and served as the Communications Director for the City of Muncie. Michele believes that everyone has the capacity to become a charismatic speaker in their personal and professional lives, if given the tools to understand and overcome their anxiety.
Peggy Cenova is a seasoned professional who was the Regional Director for the East Central Indiana SBDC, where she presented over 190 training events throughout the region. She is the former owner of the specialty advertising catalog company – Straight Status, which was listed in Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing businesses. She is a former board member of the National Speakers Association of Indiana and Shafer Leadership Academy. Peggy’s speaking philosophy can be summed up in three words: Prepare, Perfect, Present.
Time
May 22, 2025 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
June
Event Details
Let’s make presenting easier—and way more fun! Making presentations doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming—it can actually be fun and easy! In this interactive 90-minute session, we’ll explore how to
Event Details
Let’s make presenting easier—and way more fun!
Making presentations doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming—it can actually be fun and easy! In this interactive 90-minute session, we’ll explore how to use Canva to create beautiful, engaging presentations—without the frustration of clunky design tools or endless formatting. By the end, you’ll have a simple, joyful approach to designing presentations that feel as good to make as they do to deliver.
Learning Objectives
🎨 Use Canva’s ready-made templates to save time and spark creativity
✨ Add personality and polish with images, animations, and branding
💡 Keep your slides clear, compelling, and visually balanced
🚀 Build confidence in your design skills (even if you don’t consider yourself “creative”)
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
Sanovia Garrett is a versatile Music and Movement Artist from Muncie, Indiana, based in Philadelphia. She blends gospel, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and neo-soul, drawing inspiration from artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. A Ball State University graduate with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Leadership minor, she later earned an M.A. in Urban Studies (Community Arts) from Eastern University. In 2019, she joined the Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator, enhancing her entrepreneurial and community engagement skills. From 2021 to 2024, she served as Social Media and Communications Manager at Palmer Theological Seminary and Program Director for Girls Rock Philly. In 2023, she graduated from the Power Up Your Business Program at Community College of Philadelphia. Her initiative, “Come Move with Me,” offers inclusive, judgment-free movement sessions on a “Pay What You Wish” basis, promoting accessibility and self-expression for all. Sanovia’s discography includes the EP You Have Everything You Need (2020) and singles like “Sway” (2020) and “I Really Love You” (2024). In 2023, she received the John Lewis Award from Color of Change PAC Philadelphia for her contributions to the arts and community. Her mission is to inspire joy, self-discovery, and creativity through music, movement, and communication.
Time
June 3, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Event Details
“Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights.” (ATD) Facilitation is more than leading a discussion—it’s about creating an environment where participants feel engaged, heard,
Event Details
“Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights.” (ATD)
Facilitation is more than leading a discussion—it’s about creating an environment where participants feel engaged, heard, and motivated to explore new ideas. In this interactive session, participants will learn the fundamentals of inclusive facilitation, including how to establish a welcoming space, encourage participation, manage group dynamics and create interactive learning activities. Together we will build a facilitation toolkit, discover facilitation tools, and work towards building confidence in the art of facilitation. This part 1 of our Facilitation Skills Series. Part 2 will be offered in quarter three about virtual facilitation skills. NOTE- this workshop will last 2 hours instead of 90 mins and lunch will be served.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the role of a facilitator in creating engaging & inclusive learning environments.
- Learn techniques to foster participation, curiosity, and discussion- utilizing active listening, presence, and adaptability skills.
- Understand how to navigate group dynamics through discussion & practice in small groups.
- Learn about facilitation opportunities with Shafer Leadership!
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
June 5, 2025 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Event Details
A Different Kind of TEAM: Time, Energy and Attention Management for Leadership Success Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, June 11th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, June 12th 2:00 PM
Event Details
A Different Kind of TEAM: Time, Energy and Attention Management for Leadership Success
Virtual 2-Part Series
Session #1:
Wednesday, June 11th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, June 12th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The first secret: time cannot be managed. It is a thing that exists, like gravity. But our relationship to time can and should be managed. Our ability to manage this relationship, along with our own energy and attention, is the key to long-term success in leadership. The bad news is that it’s another thing to worry about as a leader. The good news is that worrying about it makes everything else less of a worry. Attendees will come away with a list of practical actions they can start using immediately – and share with their colleagues and teams at work. They will have a discussion in breakout rooms about how similar actions have worked well, or not worked well, in their own experience. Lastly, participants will develop and take home a map of their personal energy levels, across their responsibilities and days of the week. For the workshop, Alan will draw on his ideas from more than two decades of experience as a leader, executive coach and facilitator – along with the experiences of his hundreds of clients to date.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about 20 practical actions to change one’s relationship with time, energy and attention so you can start utilizing and sharing with colleagues right away
- Engage in discussion with fellow attendees about how similar actions have worked well, or not worked well, in your own experience
- Develop a map of your personal energy levels, across your responsibilities and across the days of the week.
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
Alan Heymann has served as an executive coach to hundreds of his fellow introverts, helping them feel seen and heard, to find balance in their lives and to unleash their superpowers in an extroverted world. Alan also specializes in coaching through career and leadership transitions. He brings a warm, open and energetic presence to his coaching and facilitation clients and speaking engagements. His clients to date were born in 32 countries and work on 4 continents. They have spanned corporations (including the Fortune 50), nonprofit organizations, public utilities, federal, county and municipal governments. The author of two books on leadership analogies: Don’t Just Have the Soup, and Embrace Your Inner Peaches, Alan is a member of the faculty of the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership. He spent more than two decades in public, government and nonprofit communications — leading teams from 2 to more than 100 people. Inspired by a career transformation he brought about with the support of an executive coach, Alan founded Peaceful Direction in April 2019. Alan is a member of the Barker Adoption Foundation Board of Trustees. He’s followed a plant-based diet since 2002, enjoys running half-marathons and lives with his family outside Washington, DC.
Time
June 11, 2025 2:00 pm - June 12, 2025 3:30 pm
2025tue17jun12:00 pmtue1:00 pmOff the Shelf- UnFunk YourselfVIRTUAL DISCUSSION12:00 pm - 1:00 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. Registration is required.
Up Next:
UnFunk Yourself: Leading Mindfully in the Midst of Mayhem
discussion facilitated the author herself!: Emily Morash
Time
June 17, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Skill Development Programs
June
Event Details
Led by: Erika Bayh “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But how do you actually get stronger while life keeps throwing punches? In this energizing, and empowering resilience session, you’ll learn
Event Details
Led by: Erika Bayh
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But how do you actually get stronger while life keeps throwing punches?
In this energizing, and empowering resilience session, you’ll learn how to build grit that sticks. With fresh tools, shared stories, and honest reflection, you’ll walk away knowing how to rise from challenge, reclaim your momentum, and rewrite the narrative of what you’re capable of.
Eastern Indiana Works provides these sessions, in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, as a free service to our clients.
Workshops are designed to enhance your marketability and improve your skill-set.
Please register within 24 hours of workshop time. This program is virtual.
Time
June 4, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Event Details
Led by: Michele Owen Prepare and practice so that you can stand out! During an interactive session, we will discuss and practice common interviewing questions and how to answer them most effectively.
Event Details
Led by: Michele Owen
Prepare and practice so that you can stand out!
During an interactive session, we will discuss and practice common interviewing questions and how to answer them most effectively.
Eastern Indiana Works provides these sessions, in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, as a free service to our clients.
Workshops are designed to enhance your marketability and improve your skill-set.
Please register within 24 hours of workshop time. This is a virtual workshop.
Time
June 12, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Nonprofit Programs
June
Event Details
Effective governance is the backbone of a successful nonprofit. Clear, well-crafted bylaws and board member expectations help organizations operate smoothly, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment with their mission. Yet, many
Event Details
Effective governance is the backbone of a successful nonprofit. Clear, well-crafted bylaws and board member expectations help organizations operate smoothly, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment with their mission. Yet, many nonprofits struggle with outdated or unclear governance documents, leading to confusion, inefficiencies, and legal vulnerabilities.
In this session, a legal expert will guide nonprofit leaders through the key elements of strong bylaws and how to set clear expectations for board members. Attendees will learn best practices for drafting, updating, and enforcing bylaws to support a well-functioning board and organization. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining existing governance structures, this session will provide practical insights and legal considerations to help your nonprofit thrive.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will:
✅ Understand the essential components of nonprofit bylaws and their legal significance.
✅ Learn how to draft and update bylaws to ensure clarity, compliance, and adaptability.
✅ Define clear expectations for board members, including roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations.
✅ Explore strategies for board accountability and what to do when governance issues arise.
✅ Receive a bylaws checklist and a sample board expectations document to apply within their organization.
This session will be interactive and practical, equipping nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to build strong governance structures that support long-term success.
Cost: $25
Facilitator:
Time
June 12, 2025 9:00 am - 10:30 am
August
Event Details
Session Description: In today’s competitive labor market, cultivating a strong and sustainable talent pipeline is essential for nonprofit success. This session, led by professionals from local and state workforce agencies,
Event Details
Session Description:
In today’s competitive labor market, cultivating a strong and sustainable talent pipeline is essential for nonprofit success. This session, led by professionals from local and state workforce agencies, explores how service learning can be leveraged to address both immediate organizational needs and long-term workforce development goals. Participants will learn how to partner with educational institutions, workforce development boards, and community programs to create meaningful service learning opportunities that not only enhance organizational capacity but also introduce potential future employees to the nonprofit sector. This session will offer real-world examples, practical tools, and insights from workforce professionals who understand how service learning can drive recruitment, retention, and mission alignment.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define service learning and distinguish it from other volunteer and internship models.
- Identify key benefits of service learning for nonprofits, students, and community stakeholders.
- Understand how service learning can be integrated into a broader workforce development strategy.
- Explore partnership opportunities with educational institutions and workforce agencies.
- Develop strategies to turn service learners into future staff or long-term volunteers.
Cost: $25
Facilitator:
Ashley Williams is the Vice President of Talent Development with the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce in Muncie, Indiana. She completed her undergraduate degree from Ball State University and earned a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration on non-profit leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Prior to joining the Chamber team, Ashley served on the senior leadership team at the Youth Opportunity Center, providing oversight of residential treatment programs. She most recently worked at Eastern Indiana Works, a regional workforce development board, strengthening her understanding of the current and future needs of the local workforce. Ashley has found her current role with the Chamber allows her to blend her passion for empowering young people with her love of aiding in the development of our future workforce. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Ashley is a skilled collaborator who takes pride in her ability to build strong partnerships that drive meaningful connections throughout the community.
Outside of work, Ashley values spending time with her family and volunteering for her church ministry. She is an advisory board member for TeenWorks and serves on the Board of Directors for Hillcroft Services.
Cassandra Gillenwater is the Director of Grants at Serve Indiana. In this role she oversees and manages the grant application, review, and funding process for AmeriCorps State and National Funding.
Prior to joining Serve Indiana, Cassandra worked and served in a variety of roles supporting community and youth development programs while working for Youth for Understanding USA and serving two terms as an AmeriCorps member with Public Allies Indianapolis.
Cassandra earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.
Time
August 22, 2025 9:00 am - 10:30 am
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.
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.
Need a custom approach to developing your leaders?
Work with a Shafer Leadership Advisor to build a custom program to fit your needs.
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.