Master Academy for Civic & Public Affairs

Thrive: Mastering Mental Wellness & Stress Resilience

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

In this dynamic, 2-hour session, participants will gain practical tools to enhance mental well-being and build resilience in the face of stress. The course explores evidence-based strategies for managing workplace pressures, cultivating emotional intelligence, and fostering a balanced, productive mindset. By focusing on proactive wellness practices and stress management techniques, attendees will learn how to thrive in demanding environments, improve decision-making, and maintain long-term personal and professional well-being.

Instructor: Jessica Maes, Program Coordinator, Schreiber Institute for Women's Leadership, UW-Green Bay.

Session 1: Choose One

1-4 p.m.

Ethics & Leadership

We all have a responsibility to model ethical behavior and create a culture of integrity within the organization. In this course, participants will explore different ethical frameworks, learn how to make ethical decisions, and develop strategies for embedding ethics into the organizational culture. They will also gain an understanding of how to navigate ethical dilemmas and create an ethical decision-making framework for their teams.

Instructor: Joan Groessl, Ph.D., Professional & Director, Social Work Professional Programs, UW-Green Bay

The Multi-Gen Municipality

Today's local government offices work at the crossroads of multiple generations. Each generation has distinct values, communication styles and expectations. Engaging effectively requires insight and adaptability. This interactive three-hour session will explore how intergenerational dynamics impact your work, from collaborating with colleagues to engaging with residents and elected officials.

Instructor: Chris Ledvina, Ph.D., Business Development Specialist, Continuing Education & Workforce Training, UW-Green Bay

Beware of the Bad Guys: Fraud & the Dark Web

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dive into the shadowy world of cybercrime in this eye-opening session. Learn how fraudsters operate on the dark web, exploiting vulnerabilities and targeting unsuspecting victims. We'll explore real-life case studies, uncover the latest tactics used by cybercriminals and provide practical tips to protect yourself and your organization. Equip yourself with the knowledge to stay one step ahead of the bad guys and safeguard your digital life. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the dark web and fortify your defenses? Join us and stay safe in the digital age.

Instructor: Kasia Harvell, AVP Compliance Officer; and David Pilot, Vice President, Fraud Intelligence, US Bank

Session 2: Choose One

1-4 p.m.

Accessibility in Public Space & Digital Resources

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement, it is a cornerstone of creating equitable, inclusive communities where all residents can thrive. Municipal clerks and treasurers play a pivotal role in ensuring public spaces, documents and digital resources are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Gain a clear understanding of accessibility standards, including ADA requirements for public spaces and digital resources.

Instructor: Lynn Hardginski, Business Services Consultant, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Crisis Ready: Emergency Management Essentials

This course will cover essential federal resources and tools, focusing on their application during crises. Participants will learn how to connect and integrate these federal resources with local state systems to enhance emergency response efforts. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of how to effectively manage and coordinate resources during an emergency, ensuring a more efficient response.

Instructor: Pat Fahey, Deputy Public Assistance Officer, Wisconsin Emergency Management

Keeping Your Sanity on the Frontlines

1-4 p.m.

In this interactive session, participants will learn processes and tools for de-escalating intense situations for a positive result. We’ll examine the unique challenges of being in a public-facing role in today’s world and practice techniques to communicate with a variety of audiences. In the final part of this session, participants will compare and discuss methods to improve personal well-being at work.

Instructor: Lydia Guell, Program Specialist, Continuing Education and Workforce Training, UW-Green Bay