Upcoming Events
Supporting the Front Line: Leadership Practices for Stronger Teams (1)Date and time is TBDLansing Center, Lansing, MI
Supporting the Front Line: Leadership Practices for Stronger TeamsTue, Feb 03Kalahari Convention Center
Supporting the Front Line: Leadership Practices for Stronger TeamsFri, Jan 30Hyatt Regency Chicago
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Supporting the Front Line | Leadership Practices for Stronger Teams
Front-line staff are the heart of our parks, programs, and community services. They are the first point of connection and the people who keep spaces welcoming, safe, and meaningful. Yet too often, they are stretched thin, overlooked, or expected to carry more than is sustainable.
Supporting the Front Line is a leadership-focused session that explores how leaders at all levels can better support staff well-being while strengthening trust, communication, and team culture. This session centers real experiences and practical strategies that leaders can apply immediately.
What This Session Covers
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Building psychological safety and trust within teams
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Recognizing early signs of burnout before turnover occurs
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Supporting front-line staff across roles, seasons, and schedules
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Creating inclusive team cultures where all voices are valued
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Practical tools leaders can use right away
Format & Details
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Length: 60–75 minutes
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Available in person or virtual
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Designed for supervisors, managers, coordinators, and organizational leaders
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Adaptable for conferences, staff trainings, and professional development sessions
Participants leave with actionable steps to support their teams more intentionally and create environments where staff feel supported, respected, and able to thrive.
About Empowering Communities
Empowering Communities was created from both passion and purpose. After years of working in community programming, I saw firsthand what happens when people don’t feel valued or supported. I experienced it myself as well.
Leaving a toxic workplace became a turning point. It clarified that inclusion is not something to talk about, but something that must be built intentionally through leadership, design, and care.
Empowering Communities supports organizations and individuals in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. Through inclusive event and program design, leadership development, day-of coordination, personal growth work, and creative cultural resources, we help turn good intentions into real action and lasting impact.
This work is rooted in listening, lived experience, and sustainable practice. The focus is not perfection, but building environments where people can thrive without burning out.
About Sam Jenkins
I’m Sam Jenkins, founder of Empowering Communities.
My work is shaped by over a decade of experience in community programming, inclusive event design, and leadership development. I began my career in hands-on roles supporting programs and events from the ground up, which gave me a deep respect for the behind-the-scenes work and the people who make meaningful experiences possible.
Over time, I led large-scale community events, cultural programming, and staff initiatives designed to serve diverse audiences. This work included award-winning programming, such as leading Black History Month initiatives that earned the MParks Innovative Programming Award. These experiences reinforced my belief that thoughtful, inclusive design strengthens connection and creates lasting impact.
My approach to leadership is also shaped by lived experience. Navigating burnout and ultimately leaving a toxic workplace reshaped how I think about leadership, inclusion, and care. That experience continues to inform how I support leaders, teams, and communities today.
I played hockey for over 20 years, an experience that taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Being part of a team helped shape how I collaborate with others, support shared goals, and lead with both accountability and care.
In addition to this work, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Diversity Education Center, representing Region 5: Southeast Michigan. In this role, I support statewide efforts focused on education, equity, and community engagement while staying grounded in local impact.
Through Empowering Communities, I partner with organizations and individuals who want to lead more intentionally, design experiences with care, and create spaces where people feel truly supported.
Clients
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Inclusive Event & Program Design
Inclusive experiences don’t happen by accident. They are built with intention, care, and an understanding of the people being served.
Empowering Communities partners with organizations to design events and programs that reflect their communities and foster meaningful connection. From cultural celebrations to community-focused initiatives, we help turn ideas into thoughtful experiences that feel welcoming, engaging, and aligned with purpose.
What We Do
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Community-centered event and program planning
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Inclusive cultural and educational programming
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Experience design rooted in belonging and access
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Custom creative elements and visuals to support storytelling
Leadership Development & Speaking
Leadership shapes culture every day, whether intentionally or not. Our leadership work supports those responsible for guiding teams, especially in people-centered and community-facing environments.
Through workshops and speaking engagements, we combine lived experience, storytelling, and practical tools to help leaders build trust, address burnout, and create psychologically safe, inclusive teams.
What We Do
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Leadership workshops and conference sessions
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Frontline staff support and burnout prevention
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Inclusive leadership and psychological safety
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Culture-building and trust development
Day-of Event Coordination
Strong coordination allows people to stay present. We provide day-of support so events can run smoothly without pulling focus away from connection and experience.
Empowering Communities serves as a calm, reliable presence on-site, managing logistics and communication so organizers can focus on their guests and community.
What We Do
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Run-of-show and timeline management
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Vendor, performer, and volunteer coordination
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On-site problem solving and logistics support
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Event flow and guest experience oversight
Personal Growth & Empowerment
Personal growth is foundational to meaningful leadership and connection. Our empowerment-focused workshops create space for reflection, self-awareness, and confidence-building.
These experiences are designed to support individuals in reconnecting with their voice, strengths, and purpose in ways that feel sustainable and affirming.
What We Do
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Personal growth and empowerment workshops
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Reflection-based and interactive experiences
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Identity, confidence, and self-awareness exploration
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Custom sessions for organizations and community groups
Creative Cultural Resources
Meaningful cultural engagement goes beyond surface-level celebration. We create tools and resources that support learning, reflection, and intentional connection through culture and history.
Many of these offerings are available through our shop, while others are developed through custom collaboration with organizations and community partners.
What We Do
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Cultural guides and toolkits
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Digital downloads and printable resources
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Educational and reflection-based materials
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Custom creative elements, including visuals and props for events, performances, and learning spaces
Insights
Our Vision
At Empowering Communities, we support organizations in creating inclusive spaces that foster personal and professional growth and meaningful connection. Our work centers listening, valuing, and uplifting individuals and teams so every voice is heard. Rooted in real experience and sustainable practice, we strengthen communities and support change that truly lasts.
