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.
February
Event Details
The Secret Sauce for Motivating Teams Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, February 26th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, February 27th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Let’s journey into the land
Event Details
The Secret Sauce for Motivating Teams
Virtual 2-Part Series
Session #1:
Wednesday, February 26th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, February 27th
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
- Develop robust self-awareness, heightened humility, and increased social awareness and empathy.
- Expand your confidence to handle any team drama like a pro—or at least not make it worse.
- Cultivate a new appreciation for humanity’s quirks (and your own patience).
- 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.
Time
February 26, 2025 2:00 pm - February 27, 2025 3:30 pm
March
Event Details
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!
Event Details
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
- Know how to modify their Quick Access Toolbar
- Learn tips to make formatting easier
- Understand the difference between line and paragraph spacing and how to set each
- Fix common issues with Bullets & Numbering
- 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.
.
Time
March 6, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
2025tue11mar10:00 amtue11:00 amExploring Career Possibilities After 5010:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Details
Led by: Dr. Joe Misiewicz As we age, how we can find fulfillment as our priorities and life circumstances change? During this session, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of
Event Details
Led by: Dr. Joe Misiewicz
As we age, how we can find fulfillment as our priorities and life circumstances change?
During this session, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of ageism in the world of work and how we can define what works means for us!
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 hybrid and will be offered in-person or virtually.
Time
March 11, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Eastern Indiana Works
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
- Be able to distinguish between what is meant by “calling in” versus “calling out” in the DEIAB context.
- Recognize the dynamics that impact decisions around “calling in” versus “calling out.”
- Identify times and topics that might influence our personal decision to “call in” versus “call out.”
- 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.
Time
March 11, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
- Uncover Your Negotiation Style: Gain insights into different negotiation and conflict styles through real-world scenarios to understand how you can best approach negotiations.
- Set Clear Objectives with Confidence: Learn how to clarify your priorities and define specific goals that align with your vision for successful outcomes.
- Harness the Power of Persuasion: Discover the “What’s In It For Me” (WIIFM) concept to effectively influence and persuade others.
- Build Consensus and Create Value: Develop practical communication techniques that foster relationships and create value during negotiations.
- 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
Time
March 19, 2025 2:00 pm - March 20, 2025 3:30 pm
Event Details
Led by: Todd Muhlenkamp “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”–Ralph Waldo
Event Details
Led by: Todd Muhlenkamp
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Discover how to build grit and resilience in this empowering workshop. Learn practical strategies to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
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 hybrid and will be offered in-person or virtually.
Time
March 25, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Eastern Indiana Works
2025tue25mar12:00 pmtue1:00 pmOff the Shelf- Crucial Conversations12:00 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:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High
by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler
discussion facilitated by: Charlotte Adams
Time
March 25, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
♦ In-Person Programs | more about in-person
♦ Virtual Programs | more about virtual
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
February
Event Details
The Secret Sauce for Motivating Teams Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, February 26th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, February 27th 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Let’s journey into the land
Event Details
The Secret Sauce for Motivating Teams
Virtual 2-Part Series
Session #1:
Wednesday, February 26th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, February 27th
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
- Develop robust self-awareness, heightened humility, and increased social awareness and empathy.
- Expand your confidence to handle any team drama like a pro—or at least not make it worse.
- Cultivate a new appreciation for humanity’s quirks (and your own patience).
- 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.
Time
February 26, 2025 2:00 pm - February 27, 2025 3:30 pm
March
Event Details
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!
Event Details
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
- Know how to modify their Quick Access Toolbar
- Learn tips to make formatting easier
- Understand the difference between line and paragraph spacing and how to set each
- Fix common issues with Bullets & Numbering
- 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.
.
Time
March 6, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
- Be able to distinguish between what is meant by “calling in” versus “calling out” in the DEIAB context.
- Recognize the dynamics that impact decisions around “calling in” versus “calling out.”
- Identify times and topics that might influence our personal decision to “call in” versus “call out.”
- 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.
Time
March 11, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
- Uncover Your Negotiation Style: Gain insights into different negotiation and conflict styles through real-world scenarios to understand how you can best approach negotiations.
- Set Clear Objectives with Confidence: Learn how to clarify your priorities and define specific goals that align with your vision for successful outcomes.
- Harness the Power of Persuasion: Discover the “What’s In It For Me” (WIIFM) concept to effectively influence and persuade others.
- Build Consensus and Create Value: Develop practical communication techniques that foster relationships and create value during negotiations.
- 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
Time
March 19, 2025 2:00 pm - March 20, 2025 3:30 pm
2025tue25mar12:00 pmtue1:00 pmOff the Shelf- Crucial Conversations12:00 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:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High
by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler
discussion facilitated by: Charlotte Adams
Time
March 25, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Skill Development Programs
March
2025tue11mar10:00 amtue11:00 amExploring Career Possibilities After 5010:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Details
Led by: Dr. Joe Misiewicz As we age, how we can find fulfillment as our priorities and life circumstances change? During this session, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of
Event Details
Led by: Dr. Joe Misiewicz
As we age, how we can find fulfillment as our priorities and life circumstances change?
During this session, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of ageism in the world of work and how we can define what works means for us!
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 hybrid and will be offered in-person or virtually.
Time
March 11, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Eastern Indiana Works
Event Details
Led by: Todd Muhlenkamp “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”–Ralph Waldo
Event Details
Led by: Todd Muhlenkamp
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Discover how to build grit and resilience in this empowering workshop. Learn practical strategies to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
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 hybrid and will be offered in-person or virtually.
Time
March 25, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Eastern Indiana Works
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.