When resources are tight, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.
What Leaders Need, for directors, managers, and other leaders at adult literacy programs, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states.
Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training series.
QUICK LINKS FOR THIS WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:
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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT).
Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 AM.
Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.
This training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.
ABOUT THIS TOPIC
In today’s fast-moving business world, great leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about mastering communication and driving a clear, consistent marketing message. When leaders communicate with clarity and purpose, teams stay aligned, customers feel connected, and brands grow with intention instead of guesswork.
In this engaging session, we’ll explore the essential communication and marketing skills every leader needs to succeed. From defining a strong vision and shaping core messaging to telling powerful stories, showing up online with authenticity, and using data to guide decisions, this presentation breaks it all down into actionable strategies that leaders can implement immediately.
You’ll learn:
- How to simplify your brand message so your team (and customers) instantly “get it.”
- Why consistency in communication builds trust—and inconsistency destroys it.
- How leaders can leverage storytelling to inspire, influence, and build deeper relationships.
- What today’s digital landscape requires from leadership, even if marketing isn’t your job.
- The key metrics every leader should understand to make smarter, faster decisions.
- What your marketing team wishes you knew (but doesn’t always say out loud).
Perfect for business owners, executives, directors, and emerging leaders—this session will help you communicate with confidence, show up with purpose, and lead your brand forward with clarity.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
MEET THE PRESENTER
Presenter: Shelby McFarland
CEO | The Marketing Broker
Shelby McFarland is a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in the marketing industry. Starting her career at 18, Shelby quickly made a name for herself, building a diverse skill set that spans digital marketing, content strategy, social media management, SEO, and branding. In 2016, she founded her own agency, The Marketing Broker transforming it into a thriving business that serves both startups and Fortune 500 companies.
Recognized for her innovation, Shelby has spoken at industry conferences and received awards for her contributions. She is also a passionate advocate for empowering women in leadership and entrepreneurship, while balancing her role as a dedicated mother and community volunteer. With a keen eye for trends and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Shelby continues to redefine success in the marketing world.
HOST
Nancy Leonhardt
Executive Director
Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas
Nancy joined Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas in October 2013. She has served in numerous positions in the non-profit arena since 1992 in California, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. Nancy holds a BS in Urban and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University.
Nancy is a member of the Rotary Club of West Little Rock. She served Rotary District 6150 as District Governor in 2017-2018, and currently serves as Chair of the Basic Education and Literacy Rotarian Action Group (BELRAG) and the District Public Image Coordinator. She lives in Little Rock with her husband, Darrell, of 40 years, and has two adult children, Jason and Christy.
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM
Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!
Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
PD CERTIFICATES
Participants who complete the full session will receive 1.5 hours of PD credit.
Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:
- Be present for at least 90% of the session;
- Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.
Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!
DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS
Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer].
Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon.
SPECIAL THANKS
[presenter]
Shelby McFarland, The Marketing Broker
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
Page checked/updated: 12/18/25
