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.

Learning Objectives

1. Think about ways that language affects our everyday life
2. Examine examples of language related to disability
3. Reframe preconceived notions about ability

This program is ideal for:  anyone

About Our Facilitator

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.

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 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.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn about why young professionals are job hopping in the first place and what they really need to be successful in the workplace
2. Identify main traits of the 5 working generations in the workplace today
3. Workshop challenges in your workplace today and find solutions to apply tomorrow
4. Identify new ways to build your college-to-talent pipeline
5. Create a roadmap for succession planning at your business and raising the next generation of 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.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Review how participants are currently spending their time. (Complete a time log prior to the session.)
2. Learn time management tools to prioritize, plan and protect your time.
3. Set personal and professional goals for next quarter/season.
4. Build a personal time management system that includes current commitments and future goals

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.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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, 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.

Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will understand the impact of our surroundings on the development of implicit biases.
2. Attendees will reflect on personally held biases and differentiate from core beliefs.
3. Attendees will understand the role of stories we tell ourselves when entering into conversations.

This program is ideal for:  all people looking to communicate in a stronger fashion.

About Our Facilitator

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

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will learn strategies to minimize defensiveness within conversations.
2. Attendees will reflect on the process for sharing all information from all parties within a conversation.
3. Attendees will apply strategies to practice facilitating unbiased conversations.

This program is ideal for: everyone

About Our Facilitator

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

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. Some events will be in-person and some will be virtual. Registration is required.

LEARN MORE »

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 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.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how emotional intelligence can help or hinder what we are trying to accomplish.
2. Examine the areas in which we lead to identifying stressors.
3. Practice techniques for managing your anxiety in specific situations.

This program is ideal for:  first time supervisors, early career professionals, and leaders at all stages.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Steps for preparing your presentation
2. Overcome stage fright – and use that energy for success
3. Develop a powerful presence
4. Visual aids that add vitality
5. Conclusions for a lasting impression

This program is ideal for: anyone

About Our Facilitator

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.

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:

• Keith Doudt
• Linzi Rodgers
• SteVen Knipp

Participant Takeaways

• An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a not-for-profit board member
• How to determine board opportunities that match interests, skills, & desired level of commitment
• Guidance on how to be an effective board member
• Insight on how to find potential board member opportunities
• Descriptions of board member opportunities currently available in the area

Who Should Attend?

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.

Tuition:

Thanks to our generous sponsors, All Aboard is available for free.

About Our Facilitator:

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe dementia and understand the most common types
2. State five key messages about dementia
3. Explain an approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia

This program is ideal for: anyone interested in making their community a more inclusive, age-friendly place to live.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Reflective space to think and discuss ideas related to their own leadership development.
2. Leadership strategies to try within their organization or with there team.
3. Renewed motivation to stay engage in their respective leadership role.

This program is ideal for: early-career professionals, current community leaders, executive directors, aspiring community leaders, department leaders, clergy/ministers.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Discover the power of the present moment.
2. Understand what mindfulness is all about and how it relates to meditation.
3. Learn a short mindfulness practice to be able to incorporate into everyday life.

This program is ideal for: anyone interested in increasing their mindfulness

About Our Facilitator

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.

In-Person 3 Hour Session

Learning Objectives

1. Explore and dissect their own personal and professional challenges of a management role
2. Recognize common issues to the role, and recognize they are not alone in the fight
3. Discover resources that can assist in their journey
4. Begin creating a clearer path to avoid the pitfalls of middle-management

This program is ideal for:  new managers, middle-managers, and those who lead them.

About Our Facilitator

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.”

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to attract new talent to the industry
2. Learn the types of people to attract
3. Learn how to retain them.

This program is ideal for: food professionals, people interested in the industry, and people who work adjacent to it.

About Our Facilitator

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.

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.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop the skill to listen to hear
2. Understand the connection between motivation and listening
3. Create a plan to apply listening, communicating, and understanding to your daily conversations

This program is ideal for: anyone interested in improving their listening skills

About Our Facilitator

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)