Shafer Leadership Academy

Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth—a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of opportunity for all.

As the Presenting Sponsor of the 7th Annual Muncie Juneteenth Celebration, Shafer Leadership Academy is proud to support this community event and the leaders who make it possible.

We invite you to join us tomorrow, June 20, from 1:00–7:00 p.m. at McCulloch Park for a day of celebration, learning, entertainment, fellowship, and community connection.

This free event is open to everyone and features live music, youth performances, food, games, health and wellness resources, cultural exhibits, tournaments, vendors, and much more.

Happy Juneteenth, and we hope to see you tomorrow as our community comes together to celebrate.

The 7th Annual Juneteenth Muncie Celebration is this Saturday, June 20th 1-7 p.m. at McCulloch Park.

All are invited & welcome and Legacy Life Security will be on duty!!

The opening ceremony begins at 1 p.m.

We will have:
Community Tables
$$ Vendors
MLKDT's "Journey to Freedom" Exhibit
Free Food (2-5 p.m. or while supplies last)
Inflatables
Game Truck (2-5 p.m.)
Kids Train
Kids Coloring Contest (pick up supplies from Juneteenth tent)
Kids Bracelet Bar
Kids Paint & Play
Celebration in Praise-Gospel Hour (2 p.m. Main stage)
Health & Wellness Village presented by IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
Delaware County Championship Wrestling (Bell time 2p.m. small basketball courts)
Eye Candy- African Fashion Show (3:30 p.m. Main stage)
Chess Tournament (3:30 p.m. pre-registration at the Juneteenth Main Tent)
UNO Tournament (3:30 p.m. pre-registration at the Juneteenth Main Tent)
We Got Next- Youth stage performances (4p.m. Main stage)
Co****le Tournament (4 p.m. pre-registration at the Juneteenth Main Tent)
Free Throw/Three Point Tournament (sign up at the Juneteenth Main Tent)
Battle of the 765- Basketball Tournament (4 p.m. large basketball courts)
"Learn That Line Dance" (5 p.m. Main stage)
History Walk
Black History Trivia w/prizes (opening ceremony Main stage)
We Got Next- Youth stage performances (4p.m. Main stage)
Mental Health Matters (opening ceremony)
Live Music, Stage Performances (Spoken Word, Dancing, Singing & more)
DJ Steven McDonald
Doc and the Little Chicago Band (6p.m. Main Stage)
Community Awards, Giveaways & so much more!

See you on Saturday!
** If a time is not indicated, this event runs throughout the entire event.

We excited about our partnership with Huntington County!

Their nonprofit leaders are doing big things.

We're excited about this partnership!

We're bringing the ConnectHER Series back this June, and we're kicking it off with one of the most requested topics in leadership development.

Join us on Monday, June 15 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the Tipton County Foundation for Women Who Lead: Difficult Conversations and Boundaries.

This interactive workshop is facilitated by Tisha Gierhart, Chief Facilitation Officer at Shafer Leadership Academy, and is designed for women leaders who want to navigate tough conversations with confidence, set healthy professional boundaries, and lead with clarity without sacrificing authenticity or relationships.

Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and practical exercises, you will walk away with a real framework you can put to use immediately.

Registration is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Space is limited, so grab your spot early.

Register at the link in the comments below!

Shafer Leadership Academy has launched AI Leadership Lab: Real Conversations about AI, a new free monthly virtual conversation series designed to help professionals better understand and navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

The series creates space for practical, people-centered conversations about AI adoption, ethics, workplace impact, and emerging tools — without requiring a technical background.

Upcoming sessions include:

• June 2 — From Curiosity to Implementation: Leading Adoption, Workflows, and What’s Next
• July 7 — Responsible AI for Leaders: Exploring AI Ethics
• August 4 — AI in Work & Life: Everyday Uses That Make Work Easier

The series will be co-facilitated by Brad Beumer, Director of Innovation at First Merchants Bank, and Eilis Wasserman, Program Director at Shafer Leadership Academy.

Registration is free and open to the public.

Read the full news release:

Shafer Leadership Academy Launches “AI Leadership Lab” Conversation Series - Shafer Leadership Academy Free monthly virtual gatherings will help leaders explore practical uses, ethics, and adoption of artificial intelligence MUNCIE, IN —Shafer Leadership Academy is launching AI Leadership Lab: Real Conversations about AI, a new monthly virtual conversation series designed to help professionals bett...

Congratulations to our previous colleague and forever friend Tedd Ward!

Grant County Economic Growth Council names new leader - Inside INdiana Business A former Ball State University administrator and membership director of the Shafer Leadership Academy in Muncie has been named the next executive director of the Grant County Economic Growth Council.

We’re honored to be featured in BizVoice Magazine discussing the importance of building leaders from within and why investing in people matters now more than ever.

Every day, we have the privilege of working alongside organizations and individuals who are committed to growth, connection, and creating stronger teams. Thank you to our partners, members, clients, and community for allowing us to be part of that journey.

We invite you to read the article and learn more about the impact leadership development can have across Indiana and beyond.

WANTED: EMERGING LEADERS! Developing the next generation of leaders is an exciting challenge. Success often includes an emphasis on readiness/preparedness, sustainability and partnerships.

Our BizVoice® spoke to leaders from Abundant Empowerment, BHI Senior Living, First Merchants, Shafer Leadership Academy and Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce for insights.

Read:https://www.bizvoicemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BuildingLeadersFromWIthin.pdf

Yesterday we kicked off the first session in a new quarterly leadership development series with the team at Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union

We spent the day focused on leadership, communication, workplace culture, and the everyday behaviors that shape strong teams and organizations.

One of the things we appreciate most about long-term leadership development partnerships is that real growth happens over time. The best conversations build on each other, trust develops, and leaders gain space to reflect, practice, and grow together.

Grateful to the Solidarity team for their engagement, energy, and willingness to invest in their people. Looking forward to the conversations ahead over the next year.

Work and life don’t stay in separate lanes for very long.

Whether you’re navigating parenting, caregiving, partnership, or simply trying to create more alignment at home, this Lunch & Learn is designed to help leaders build healthier communication, shared vision, and stronger family connection.

Join us for:

Family Leadership: Harmonizing Home & Worklife Goals
🗓 Tuesday, May 19
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Innovation Connector | Muncie, Indiana

Dr. John Anderson will guide participants through practical strategies for improving communication, aligning priorities, and creating a stronger sense of purpose within the people who matter most.

Families come in many forms, but every family benefits from intentional leadership.

Lunch included.

Register here: https://shaferleadershipacademy.wufoo.com/forms/z1k2x1mk0g1x6zm/