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.

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.
What is a virtual program? Learn More »
Program Format
All
Coffee Talk
Early Riser
Lunch and Learn
Workshop
Event Tag
All
Communication
Team Building
Self-Awareness
Organizational Culture
Productivity
Health and Wellness
Career Development
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Stress and Conflict
Community Engagement
Human Resources
Virtual Events
All
Virtual Events
Non Virtual Events
april
Why is sometimes difficult to talk about disabilities? How do you know which words to use? What words would you use to describe yourself and your identities? In
Why is sometimes difficult to talk about disabilities? How do you know which words to use? What words would you use to describe yourself and your identities? In this session, the presenter will share some quick and (relatively) easy tips for everyday language to use when talking about disabilities and accommodations. Please bring questions to ask during the talk and be prepared to share your own experiences and examples.
This program is ideal for: anyone
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 over 2800 students with disabilities. A triple alum of BSU, she is involved in several professional organizations, including the National Student Affairs Association (NASPA), the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and is the current past president of Indiana AHEAD. Courtney is Affiliate Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies, teaching several classes at BSU yearly. She has presented at several national conferences and published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals. She authored a textbook, Not Your Momma’s Feminism, in 2016 and the 2nd edition was released in August 2020. Dr. Jarrett is an ATHENA Young Professional Award winner and also recently won a LEAP Indiana Award for her work assisting students with disabilities during the pandemic. 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.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, April 26 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, April 27 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM We’re digging deeper into why young professionals job hop and
Session #1:
Wednesday, April 26
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, April 27
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
We’re digging deeper into why young professionals job hop and how recruiting and culture have direct impacts on this new phenomenon.
In the first session, we’ll spend time covering the generational research that is critical to understanding our coworkers in the workplace. Then, we’ll wrap up by workshopping the challenges your business faces with young professional talent.
In the following session, we will cover best practices your team can apply today, from that very first interview in the hiring process to retaining them and building them as future leaders.
This program is ideal for: those in leadership or preparing for a leadership role that involves hiring or working with young professional employees. You’ll be taught useful tools to support your young professional employees.
Kamber Parker — Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Kamber moved to Greenville, South Carolina after attending Furman University. She started her company The YoPro Know in 2018, a platform designed to be the bridge between ambitious young professionals and the companies that wish to hire them and most importantly, retain them. The YoPro Know offers consulting services for companies looking to increase recruitment, retention, and engagement of young professional talent with the sole mission of helping companies develop future leaders of not only our businesses, but our world. Kamber is a Forty Under 40 Winner, Young Professional Of The Year named by the Greenville Chamber, and Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest 35 Under 30. In her free time, she volunteers for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Board, Meals on Wheels, and is involved in her local Greenville Chamber of Commerce. She is an avid runner, yogi, and enjoys spending time on the Swamp Rabbit Trail with friends in Greenville.
26 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 27 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
may
The way we use our time reflects our priorities, personalities and life demands. We often seek time management skills to improve our work productivity, but what if we
The way we use our time reflects our priorities, personalities and life demands. We often seek time management skills to improve our work productivity, but what if we could also be more creative, calm and satisfied at work? Those same skills can also have a positive impact on our personal lives giving us room to rest, set new goals and grow. Time management skills are techniques and habits to be learned, practiced, evaluated and adopted. In this session, participants will evaluate how they are currently spending their time at work and home. We will discuss a variety of techniques and habits in this interactive session and build a time management system to put into practice to meet the goals of the participants.
This program is ideal for: professionals who are interested in compassionate self-evaluation of their current time management habits and willing to explore and practice new techniques.
Amy K Demchak helps professionals refine skills to be more creative, effective and enthusiastic in their careers and lives. Amy earned her master’s degree at Ball State University and spent her career in higher education administration and personal and employee wellness. Amy is a workshop facilitator, coach and consultant through her company Working On It, LLC. She loves old clocks and new calendars to measure and record how she directs her time.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, May 24 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, May 25 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Listening is very different from hearing. If we listen intently,
Session #1:
Wednesday, May 24
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, May 25
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Listening is very different from hearing. If we listen intently, we will be able to recite back what the other person says. At the same time, we often hear based on what we believe the person is saying, or their intent. Our own experiences, both positive and negative, can impact both the way we speak/act as well as the way we listen/interpret. In this session, we discuss courageous conversations and how to unpack difficult moments to be able to grow through them rather than be stunted by them.
This program is ideal for: all people looking to communicate in a stronger fashion.
Megan Fuciarelli is an educator and administrator with nearly 25 years of experience in the social justice realm. Now residing in Michigan, Fuciarelli has spent the bulk of her educational career in the Chicago area. As the Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) of US², she works with a team of like-minded individuals whose primary goal is to help Unite Society through equity and inclusion work. In her career, she has served as an educator as well as building and district-level administrator. She has presented for local, state, national, and international audiences in the areas of Restorative Practices, Equity & Inclusion, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, and The Whole Child. As a featured TEDx Speaker, she is a true leader in the so
24 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 25 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
june
When conflict arises in a group, our emotions take over. Understanding the role of our emotions and how they surface in ourselves and others is critical to being
When conflict arises in a group, our emotions take over. Understanding the role of our emotions and how they surface in ourselves and others is critical to being able to facilitate unbiased conversations. In this session, we will discuss the foundational pieces of restorative conversations and focus on the impact of having nonjudgmental conversations.
This program is ideal for: everyone
Megan Fuciarelli is an educator and administrator with nearly 25 years of experience in the social justice realm. Now residing in Michigan, Fuciarelli has spent the bulk of her educational career in the Chicago area. As the Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) of US², she works with a team of like-minded individuals whose primary goal is to help Unite Society through equity and inclusion work. In her career, she has served as an educator as well as building and district-level administrator. She has presented for local, state, national, and international audiences in the areas of Restorative Practices, Equity & Inclusion, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, and The Whole Child. As a featured TEDx Speaker, she is a true leader in the so
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
2023wed07jun4:00 pmwed5:00 pmOff the Shelf - "Flow"4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Read a book. Lead with inspiration. SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways
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. Some events will be in-person and some will be virtual. Registration is required.
(Wednesday) 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, June 21 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, June 22 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM According to a Korn Ferry survey, nearly two-thirds of professionals
Session #1:
Wednesday, June 21
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, June 22
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
According to a Korn Ferry survey, nearly two-thirds of professionals say their stress levels at work are higher than they were five years ago. As a leader, what brings you the most stress? Do you begin to consider all the possibilities of what might happen in the future — in three minutes, three months, three years? Learn a few practical tools to discover, name and diffuse your leadership anxiety.
This program is ideal for: first time supervisors, early career professionals, and leaders at all stages.
Susan Rozzi (pronounced Row Z) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates, a leadership and organizational development firm focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management. Susan has a passion for unleashing the potential for greatness in good leaders and believes each person has a unique way of leading. She reminds her clients 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 candor.
21 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 22 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
What is an in-person program? Learn More »
Program Format
All
Coffee Talk
Early Riser
Lunch and Learn
Workshop
Event Tag
All
Communication
Team Building
Self-Awareness
Organizational Culture
Productivity
Health and Wellness
Career Development
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Stress and Conflict
Community Engagement
Human Resources
Virtual Events
All
Virtual Events
Non Virtual Events
april
Sponsored by: Whether leading a small group or giving a keynote address, speaking from “the front
Sponsored by:
Whether leading a small group or giving a keynote address, speaking from “the front of the room” can bring fear to the hearts of many. This session will focus on the skills needed to speak persuasively and improve your professional presence. We will discuss what it means to communicate effectively while engaging your audience throughout your talk.
This program is ideal for: anyone
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.
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
2023sat15apr10:00 amsat1:00 pmAll Aboard: Board Leadership in Motion10:00 am - 1:00 pm
All Aboard: Board Leadership in Motion is a three-hour workshop ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about
All Aboard: Board Leadership in Motion is a three-hour workshop ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about what serving as a board member entails, and how to find the potential board opportunity that suits their interests and skill sets.
Lunch Will Be Provided
This session is a partnership with the Heart of Indiana United Way and the Nonprofit Support Network and is sponsored in-part by: Stallings Wealth Management.
Panel Discussion Led by John Anderson. Panelists Include:
All Aboard is ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about what serving as a board member entails and how to find the potential board opportunity that suits their interests and skill sets.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, All Aboard is available for free.
Our presenter is Dave Sternberg, Senior Partner of the Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale based firm of Loring, Sternberg & Associates, provides fundraising and governance consulting services to nonprofits.
Dave Sternberg has been a nonprofit professional since obtaining a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. Today, he is a member of the faculty at the Lilly School of Philanthropy’s Fund Raising School, a BoardSource senior governance consultant, and an independent consultant with Loring, Sternberg and Associates.
For The Fund Raising School, Dave teaches “Developing Annual Sustainability, Principles and Technique of Fundraising” and “Developing Major Gifts,” as well as numerous customized training programs nationally and internationally. As a BoardSource consultant, Dave provides counsel on such topics as strategic planning and fundraising. His clients describe him as a gifted strategist, adept at assessing and identifying solutions for organizational and board challenges, and brutally honest.
He is the only person in America to hold a position with both Board Source and the Fund Raising School.
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dementia affects every community and is a significant burden on the mental and physical health of family caregivers. There is still a significant misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the
Dementia affects every community and is a significant burden on the mental and physical health of family caregivers. There is still a significant misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the disease, resulting in stigma and isolation for those living with dementia and their caregivers. The Dementia Friends Indiana initiative, an outreach of Dementia Friendly America, seeks to educate communities about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and their loved ones. Learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support.
This program is ideal for: anyone interested in making their community a more inclusive, age-friendly place to live.
Holly Neal is the Caregiver Programs Coordinator for LifeStream Services and the Dementia Friendly Liaison for East Central Indiana. Hollyn has a bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Promotion from Ball State University, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Hollyn is especially passionate about caregiver health and well-being, and educating the community on dementia.
Since February 2022, Hollyn has led 25 Dementia Friends sessions and made 230 Dementia Friends throughout East Central Indiana. Hollyn is also a Dementia Friends Indiana Master Champion, and has trained 3 new champions to lead these information sessions in their own communities.
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
may
Sponsored by: In this session participants will engage in small group discussions on ideas, themes, and
Sponsored by:
In this session participants will engage in small group discussions on ideas, themes, and issues related to leadership, innovation/creativity, organizational culture change, and motivation. Dr. Anderson has a series of short video-media clips sampled from some of his favorite movie dramas, which combined with guided prompts, serve as discussion starters for participants think and discuss key themes, ideas, and issues related to leadership and leadership development.
This program is ideal for: early-career professionals, current community leaders, executive directors, aspiring community leaders, department leaders, clergy/ministers.
Dr. John Anderson is an educator, mentor, and thought leader with over 27 years of experience and impact, working with people from all walks of life. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Anderson has taught in higher education for the last 13 years. His own educational path in higher education has meant that he has studied at every level and has completed seven programs of study. He holds an EdD in Adult, Higher, and Community Education from Ball State University.
(Tuesday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Setting aside at least one minute each day with the intention of mindfulness makes all the difference in creating space, focus, and calm in your mind and everyday life. Thoughts,
Setting aside at least one minute each day with the intention of mindfulness makes all the difference in creating space, focus, and calm in your mind and everyday life. Thoughts, actions and reactions are all connected in how in tuned one is to themselves, their surroundings, and present to daily activities. Practicing mindfulness allows one to become more aware and brings peace of mind. Come learn and experience ‘A Mindful Minute’ with me.
This program is ideal for: anyone interested in increasing their mindfulness
Nichole Linebaugh is passionate about safety and health. She has been working in the occupational safety and health field for just over 10 years and currently holding the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation with the Bureau of Certified Safety Professionals and working at FCC (Indiana) in Portland, IN. Nichole is also a yoga practitioner and a 500-hour yoga teacher. She is always continuing to learn and grow in health and wellness and works with private yoga clients and building her business Nurturing Rose Yoga. She helps to guide individuals find the right tools to work through everyday stress and anxiety. With working in the safety and health field, Nichole continues to apply yoga techniques and principles to work through everyday stress and stress at work.
Nichole is currently living in Union City, IN with her family and loves to spend time with them and be out in nature.
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
In-Person 3 Hour Session You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being at the top!” It can be argued that being stuck in the middle is even
You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being at the top!” It can be argued that being stuck in the middle is even more difficult. Often persons step into middle-management roles only to quickly realize they are in a very sticky situation. If middle-managers are not diligent about their path, they can find themselves being pulled under by forces they don’t even recognize until it is too late.
This engaging interactive session explores the challenges faced by those entering and those continuing to serve in middle management roles.
This program is ideal for: new managers, middle-managers, and those who lead them.
Ted Ward, the founder of Achieve Onward, has more than 25 years of organizational leadership experience, often serving in a middle-management role as a change agent with groups and organizations needing to pivot toward new strategies and practices.
Having a lifelong spirit of entrepreneurship, Ted has enjoyed numerous ventures in roles requiring a healthy understanding of customer service and leadership. He also enjoyed some time performing with ComedySportz Indianapolis – where he discovered many of the teambuilding, leadership, and professional development practices/philosophies he had been using all along, are parallel to many key attributes of Improv comedy (e.g. “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”) as well. Ted continues to borrow from these key attributes in his ongoing work in helping individuals, teams, and organizations to improve and succeed.
Ted has served with numerous not-for-profit organizations, is a former Chief Probation Officer and President of the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana, and he currently serves in a dual role as administrator and faculty at Ball State University. His personal mission statement reads: “I intend to encourage, inspire, and support growth and development among the people I influence.”
(Tuesday) 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
june
Sponsored by: We will diver deeper into the core issues in the food industry, while reviewing
Sponsored by:
We will diver deeper into the core issues in the food industry, while reviewing what we have learned in the past. Learning how to attract new talent to the industry, looking for types of people to attract, and how to retain them.
This program is ideal for: food professionals, people interested in the industry, and people who work adjacent to it.
Kyle Reninger is from Clearwater, FL and attended the University of South Florida. He and his partner, Amanda, moved to Muncie, where Amanda attended Ball State University for her Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma. They found great community and connections in Muncie, and decided to continue their life here. They purchased a house on here, where they have met more of the great people of Muncie.
(Tuesday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Most people spend a good part of their day communicating with others. Generally, motivation is dependent on communication. We are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. Together we discuss four levels
Most people spend a good part of their day communicating with others. Generally, motivation is dependent on communication. We are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. Together we discuss four levels of listening and how listening impacts motivation.
This program is ideal for: anyone interested in improving their listening skills
Tisha Gierhart was hired as Shafer Leadership Academy’s first Program Director in January 2014. She is primarily responsible for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented by Shafer Leadership Academy. In this role, she focuses on building collaborative relationships with Shafer Leadership Academy’s participants and partners. (read more)
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Coffee Talks / Early Risers are free for SLA Members, $25 non-members, $15 non-profits
Lunch & Learns are free for SLA Members, $40 non-members, $30 non-profits
Workshops are free for SLA Members, $150 for non-members, $100 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 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.
I still remember activities that we participated in and utilize the lessons I took away from the program years later.
Confident leaders and engaged board members make our community strong. That’s why it made sense to partner with Shafer Leadership Academy.
Work with a Shafer Leadership Advisor to build a custom program to fit your needs.
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.