About Our Co-Facilitators:

Dr. John Anderson is an educator, mentor, and thought leader with over 30 years of experience and impact, working with people from all walks of life. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Anderson has taught in higher education for the last 16 years. His educational path in higher education has meant that he has studied at every level and has completed 8 programs of study. He holds an Ed.D. in Adult, Higher, and Community Education from Ball State University.

As a sociologist, Anderson consults with organizations, government officials, and individuals on cultural and social strategy matters. He has received several teaching, mentoring, and leadership awards. His recent work as the inaugural director for the Michelle and Jim Ryan Family Scholars and Navigators program in Ball State University’s Teachers College earned him the Dean’s Citation Award for “Outstanding Leadership”. As a mentor to undergraduate students, he’s had the opportunity to train them in advanced social research methods and travel with them to present their research at the National Council for Black Studies. Anderson’s recent mentoring work in Muncie, Indiana, has also extended to work with Muncie Community Schools as the Northside Middle School basketball coach for the last three seasons.

Mitch Isaacs is a leadership educator, mentor, and nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations grow. Since 2015, he has served as Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy, where he leads the organization in its mission to provide inclusive leadership development across East Central Indiana.

A graduate of Ball State University, Isaacs holds a master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University. He previously spent a decade working in higher education, including five years as Director of the Excellence in Leadership program and Coordinator of the Leadership Studies Minor at Ball State.

Isaacs is deeply involved in the Muncie, Indiana community. He currently serves as chair of the Muncie Action Plan and has held leadership roles with the Indiana Leadership Association, Motivate Our Minds, and other local organizations. A committed mentor and advocate for youth development, he has also served as a Project Leadership mentor and Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County. Isaacs is a dedicated father to two teenage sons and is known for his thoughtful, empathetic approach to leadership and service.