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.

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Vision Casting-Creating a Compelling Future

Are you being intentionally thoughtful about the direction your life or business is headed? This brilliance of your own mind will come alive in this workshop! Learn about the power of your subconscious, the neuroscience involved in crafting your future and how to use this to your advantage as you set goals. 

Learning Objectives

1.   Better understand the power of your subconscious brain
2.   Learn a necessary ingredient to transforming your life
3.  Leave with a compelling vision and path to your desired future

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

Halle Simpson is highly driven, a self-starter and her career path has been pretty non-traditional. She sold knives in college, has a Biology degree from Indiana University (that she’s never used), and for over a decade she drove a pink Cadillac. In that role her responsibilities included: recruiting talent, training hundreds of sales professionals, speaking to the masses and coaching high performers through the challenges of leadership.

Now a globally recognized Professional Certified Coach and Author of the Know Thyself Journal, Halle helps small business owners and leaders find respite from a hustle and grind mindset to consciously curate a business and life filled with joy, peace, balance and growth.
In her down time, she enjoys daily journaling, yoga, massages and watching cooking shows. She resides in Traverse City, Michigan with her Boston Terrier, Marco (named after Marco Andretti) and attends the Indy 500 each year.

Facing Fear

Be empowered to face fear in pursuit of your own definition of success in an authentic and unapologetic way. Sara will share four facing fear tips you can apply to various areas of your life to overcome whatever may be holding you back.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn to prioritize your happiness and how to do so regardless of your personal commitments and professional duties.
2. Reframe your mindset from the old adage, when one door closes, another opens to the new adage, when one door closes, knock on the next. This new adage is the catalyst to make life-altering change.
3. Lean into feeling the fear and doing it any way, taking actionable steps instead of running from fear.
4. Ignite your strengths and feel empowered to do more of what makes you awesome.

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

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Sara McInerney Hauck is on a mission to encourage others to face fear while living an authentically unapologetic life. She’s a two-time TEDx speaker, self-published author and previous podcast host. Sara works as a communications consultant living in Indianapolis with her husband and dog and is a Ball State University graduate.

Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1:
Tuesday, December 17
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

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

In this two-part interactive workshop, Megan Fuciarelli will lead participants through a comprehensive exploration of belonging within the context of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Belonging is foundational to building inclusive and empowered teams, organizations, and communities. Over two 90-minute sessions, participants will dive into the importance of creating environments where every individual is seen, heard, welcomed, and valued as an integral part of the collective. Each participant will leave with actionable insights that will help them foster meaningful, sustainable change.

Learning Objectives

Session 1: Understanding Belonging in JEDI
1. Understand the impact of belonging on engagement, collaboration, and organizational success.
2. Explore the connections between belonging, equity, and diversity, and how these factors shape inclusive cultures.
3. Identify common barriers to belonging and understand how systems of exclusion operate.

Session 2: Driving Belonging through Action
1. Learn and apply strategies to create environments where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
2. Discover tools to strengthen inclusive practices that honor and amplify diverse voices.
3. Engage in self-reflection to build empathy, trust, and understanding as part of a team or organization.
4. Develop a personalized plan to integrate belonging into your leadership, team management, or organizational culture.

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

Having (and Documenting!) Difficult Conversations

Every manager encounters challenging conversations—whether with subordinates, peers, or superiors. In this interactive seminar, participants will gain the essential skills to approach these conversations with confidence. Learn how to effectively prepare, navigate the dialogue, and, most importantly, document the outcome to ensure clarity and accountability. Leave equipped with practical tools and techniques to transform dreaded discussions into productive outcomes.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to strategically prepare for a difficult conversation so you can converse with confidence.
2. Learn how to communicate effectively with clear language, active listening, and emotional intelligence.
3. Recognize the value of documentation for clarity and accountability.
4. Understand how to document accurately by capturing key points, agreements, and next steps.

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

Lynne Richardson is a retired four-time business school dean (her first assignment was at Ball State in 2001-2007). She holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Alabama and has worked with numerous colleagues who had to be coached to both HAVE and DOCUMENT difficult conversations. While in Muncie, she was active in United Way and the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, and served on several nonprofit boards and as a Girl Scout Leader. Since retirement in June 2023 she’s been doing executive coaching for academics and accreditation consulting. 

Beyond the Surface: Leveraging Authentic Storytelling for Connection and Impact

VIrtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, January 22nd
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Thursday, January 23rd
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

In this interactive two-part virtual workshop, you will learn how to effectively share your unique story and make a lasting impression, regardless of your role or industry. As author Brené Brown reminds us, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” This workshop will empower you to share your unique voice and foster meaningful connections confidently. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional presence, strengthen your brand, or simply connect more meaningfully with those around you, this workshop will equip you with the tools to do so.

Learning Objectives

1. Discover the power of authentic storytelling and how it can help you advocate for yourself, build connections, and showcase your identity.
2. Explore practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, drawing inspiration from examples beyond social media.
3. Participate in interactive activities and breakout discussions to practice storytelling skills and receive personalized feedback.

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

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.

Taking a nod from author Anne Lamott’s story, and book by the same name, “Bird by Bird” is a reminder to break down our large to-do lists, our overwhelming projects, our yearly KPIs, and anything else that has us stuck. This workshop will discuss how we take our tasks, and our lives, one thing at a time.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will learn the meaning behind “bird by bird”
2. Participants will explore the things that have them overwhelmed, and therefore stuck.
3. Participants will learn strategies for breaking down their daily tasks “bird by bird”.

About Our Facilitator

Erika Petrelli Bayh stands at the helm of “The Extraordinary In You,” an organization that provides vibrant partnerships and facilitated experiences designed to ignite and unleash the extraordinary in individuals, teams, and projects. A master facilitator, inspirational coach, growth trainer, curriculum designer, and strategic partner with over thirty years of expertise in igniting the personal and professional growth in individuals and organizations, Erika recently left her decades-long stead with the NYC-based Leadership Program, where she was responsible for overseeing the programmatic growth of one of the city’s largest afterschool programs, designed ongoing professional development trainings for staff of the NYC DOE as well as educators around the country, and spearheaded the creation of leadership curricula honored by CASEL, OJJDP, SAMHSA, and more.

 Erika is also an adjunct professor, currently instructing students at Ball State University in Indiana on an undergraduate course she created, “An Introduction to Youth Work,” designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the diverse realm of youth work. She is the author of the interactive personal growth journal, “On Wings & Whimsy: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary,” as well as the deck of cards, “52 Ways to Connect,” designed for leaders to strengthen their team time. Both are available on Amazon.

The Secret Sauce for Motivating Teams

Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, February 19th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Thursday, February 20th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Let’s journey into the land of human behavior and team motivation, where we will unveil the Secret Sauce of exceptional leadership – a concoction of psychology, communication mastery, a sprinkle of humility and a dash of mindfulness to inspire teams to greatness. This workshop is less about buzzwords and more about digging into the quirks of human behavior and nuances of interpersonal communication – the building blocks of individual motivation and effectiveness.

Think of it as a mix of science, art, and group therapy, served with a side of humor. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be fortified with immediately applicable techniques to motivate even the most reluctant teammate.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop robust self-awareness, heightened humility, and increased social awareness and empathy.
2. Expand your confidence to handle any team drama like a pro—or at least not make it worse.
3. Cultivate a new appreciation for humanity’s quirks (and your own patience).
4. Foster your ability to sprinkle just the right amount of Secret Sauce to motivate your team to actually enjoy working together.

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

Emily Morash — A multi-disciplined, ever-curious professional, Emily cut her teeth in the nonprofit world, creating and launching organizations and strengthening existing operations.

With a robust sense of purpose and an irrepressible sense of humor, she embraced the vast nonprofit sector with grace and fervor.

After two successful decades in the nonprofit field, Emily shifted her focus to leadership and team development consulting, with a heavy focus on empathy and mindfulness, founding Hampton Morash, LLC, while also sharing her entrepreneurial and nonprofit management knowledge through teaching at the collegiate level.

Emily teaches graduate courses for Johnson and Wales University and is a lead instructor for the Accelerated Training Center for Workforce Development at Columbus State Community College. She has also instructed workforce development and leadership development classes for Community College of Rhode Island and Bryant University.

Emily received a double B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Tennessee and earned her M.S. in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.

She is a certified mediator, mindfulness and REBT coach, Everything DiSC® certified partner, Five Behaviors™ certified partner, and the creator of The Mindful Leader Practice™.

Sporting a robust portfolio, Emily is a professional facilitator, public speaker, and business consultant.

In-Person 3 Hour Session

Learning Objectives

1. 1. Deep Self-Understanding: Discover why certain tasks energize you while others drain you.
   2. Enhanced Team Dynamics: Learn to communicate better, avoid misunderstandings, and leverage the diverse strengths of your team members.
   3. Improved Productivity: Make strategic adjustments to roles and responsibilities to optimize performance and efficiency.
   4. Relief from Guilt and Misjudgments: Understand and accept struggles with specific types of work, leading to a more positive and supportive team environment.

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

Amy Neal is a catalyst for innovation that seeks to connect people with their purpose. After serving for more than 20 years as an educator and instructional coach, Amy expanded her impact by co-founding Aspen Root Collective and cultivating leadership across Northeast Indiana. An avid reader and podcast listener, Amy is always learning about a diverse area of topics and finding unlikely connections across a broad spectrum of sectors. As a certified CliftonStrengths and Working Genius Coach, Personal Development has been transformative in Amy’s career and life, and she is empowered to spark this progress in the life of others!

Microsoft Word: What You Don’t Know But Should

Format Painter, Quick Access toolbar, Paragraph Spacing. If any of those features are unfamiliar to you then you’ll want to attend this session! In addition to those topics, we cover tips and tricks for line spacing, alignment, bulleted & numbered lists, and my favorite keyboard shortcuts. If you’ve ever experienced headaches with how Word functions, chances are this session will be the remedy.

Learning Objectives

1. Know how to modify their Quick Access Toolbar
2. Learn tips to make formatting easier
3. Understand the difference between line and paragraph spacing and how to set each
4. Fix common issues with Bullets & Numbering
5. Be familiar with best practices in document creation

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $50 non-member. $30 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

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

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

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

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In-person Lunch & Learn

Individuals committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging often find themselves deciding between “calling someone in” versus “calling someone out.” This session will facilitate a dialogue about the most impactful and supportive use of these strategies within a variety of contexts. Attendees will leave the session with sample phrases and strategies that will help them navigate “calling” conversations.

Learning Objectives

1. Be able to distinguish between what is meant by “calling in” versus “calling out” in the DEIAB context.
2. Recognize the dynamics that impact decisions around “calling in” versus “calling out.”
3. Identify times and topics that might influence our personal decision to “call in” versus “call out.”
4. Practice using various phrases and strategies to help navigate conversations.

About Our Facilitator

Melinda Messineo, PhD is a professor of Sociology and the Distinguished Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement at Ball State University. She is a nationally recognized award winning teacher and workshop facilitator. Her research explores representations of individuals in the media and the impact that all media forms have on our understanding of people different from ourselves.

Are you ready to transform your negotiation game?

Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, March 19th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Thursday, March 20th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Negotiation doesn’t have to be a daunting task! This interactive and fun training session is designed to transform negotiation from a challenge into an opportunity. Get ready to discover and unleash your innate negotiation prowess, turning every interaction into a win-win scenario. Participants will leave this training equipped with practical tools, newfound confidence, and a personalized negotiation toolkit ready for immediate implementation in their professional lives.

Learning Objectives

1. Uncover Your Negotiation Style: Gain insights into different negotiation and conflict styles through real-world scenarios to understand how you can best approach negotiations.
2. Set Clear Objectives with Confidence: Learn how to clarify your priorities and define specific goals that align with your vision for successful outcomes.
3. Harness the Power of Persuasion: Discover the “What’s In It For Me” (WIIFM) concept to effectively influence and persuade others.
4. Build Consensus and Create Value: Develop practical communication techniques that foster relationships and create value during negotiations.
5. Navigate Pushback with Ease: Equip yourself with strategies to handle resistance and make informed trade-offs for win-win solutions.

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

Leah Stallone is an experienced Career Strategist, Leadership Coach, and Trainer with roots in Human Resources. 15+ years of talent management, professional development, and learning & development experience in industries such as litigation consulting, finance, technology, and healthcare influences her hands-on approach. Leah’s experience spans leading global learning & development practice at Charles River Associates to running performance management at William Blair & Company. She currently facilitates corporate training, runs a coaching practice, and teaches management at the University of Denver. As a lifelong “career junkie,” Leah uses an intuitive approach to build customized programs to educate clients on communications, performance management, and leadership. She prides herself in helping clients demystify the complicated. Leah shares the power of storytelling to help clients communicate their meaningful career moments. Professional certifications include BetterUp Coaching, ATD Facilitation, Purpose-driven Leader, and SPHR certification

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.

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