Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Voices of a Rising Region: How Strategic PR Shapes Southern Virginia’s Future
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA, 24504, United States
Southern Virginia is experiencing a defining moment—one shaped by long‑term investment, collaborative leadership and strategic storytelling that has helped redefine the region’s economic identity. This spring luncheon program brings communications and public relations professionals together to examine how intentional PR and community relations have supported this transformation and positioned the region for continued growth.
Held April 9 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, the program will feature a multi‑presenter format highlighting three stakeholders whose organizations have played distinct yet interconnected roles in Southern Virginia’s resurgence. While the chapter traditionally meets in the Roanoke area, this session intentionally convenes in Southern Virginia to reflect the momentum, innovation and economic development taking place across the region.
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Wonder Community - Intro to Excel 4.10.26
2026-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA, 24504, United States
Welcome to the world of Microsoft Excel. In this foundation course, we will make organizing data, completing basic calculations, creating charts and graphs, and other workplace functions simple with Microsoft Excel. If you have never worked with Excel, this course will open your eyes to the possibilities. With an understanding of basic formulas, spreadsheets can help you track your day-to-day business.
Wonder Member Cost: $45
Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $40
Non-Wonder Member Cost: $50
Non-Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $45
Student (K-12, College) $35
For payment options such as pay by check or cash at the workshop, please contact Brian Stanley at 434.766.6745.
Minimum enrollment: 6 | Maximum enrollment: 11
Instructor Ron Shaffer, Senior Lecturer for the University of North Carolina Greensboro – Bryan School of Business and Economics
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Wonder Community - Intermediate Excel 4.10.26
2026-04-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA, 24504, United States
Come learn advanced function formulas, how to track inventory, and how to pull information from client lists. Track spending, calculate interest rates and more. Set up checking account ledgers and create budgets. If you have a lot of information and need help pulling out the information you need, this course is for you.
Wonder Member Cost: $45
Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $40
Non-Wonder Member Cost: $50
Non-Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $45
Student (K-12, College) $35
For payment options such as pay by check or cash at the workshop, please contact Brian Stanley at 434.766.6745.
Minimum enrollment: 6 | Maximum enrollment: 11
Instructor Ron Shaffer, Senior Lecturer for the University of North Carolina Greensboro – Bryan School of Business and Economics
REGISTER

Wonder Community - International Rhythms
2026-04-23 17:30 - 18:30 | New College Institute, 119 Fayette Street, Martinsville, 24112, United States
This high-energy, international dance workshop is led by Ismael Cano alongside featured instructors Chante Elam and Safiya Hunter. Together, they guide participants through fun, easy-to-follow choreography inspired by rhythms from around the world. The workshop focuses on joyful movement, cultural diversity, and community connection, creating an inclusive environment where participants can move, sweat, and celebrate international dance—no prior experience required.
Meet the Instructors
Ismael Cano
With over 15 years of experience, Ismael Cano is an international rhythms dance instructor known for his energetic, diverse, and engaging teaching style. He teaches at the YMCA in Martinsville, Virginia, has led workshops across North Carolina and Georgia, and has taught internationally in Mexico and Brazil. He also runs a growing YouTube channel, “Ismael Dancing,” dedicated to dance and global rhythms.
Chante Elam
Chante Elam is a dynamic dancer and lead student instructor who brings confidence, power, and joy to every class. Frequently featured on Ismael’s YouTube channel, Chante is known for her strong presence, high energy, and ability to motivate participants of all levels. She also serves as the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Career Services Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
Safiya Hunter
Safiya Hunter is a passionate dancer and lead student instructor recognized for her vibrant style, musicality, and welcoming energy. A regular collaborator on Ismael’s YouTube channel, Safiya helps create an inclusive, fun environment that encourages everyone to move freely and confidently.

Ismael’s “Why” Statement
I do this work because dance is a universal language that brings people together, builds confidence, and creates joy. Movement has the power to connect cultures, break barriers, and help people feel comfortable expressing themselves. Teaching international rhythms allows me to share global traditions while creating an energetic, welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can feel inspired, empowered, and part of a community.
Minimum enrollment: 15 | Maximum enrollment: 25
Member Cost $10 | Non-Member Cost $20 | Student Cost $5
Registration closes on April 21st at noon.
Partnership with New College Institute’s (NCI) Learning is ForEver (LIFE) Program.
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Wonder Community - Intro to Canva 4.30.26
2026-04-30 09:00 | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA, 24504, United States
Come learn how to use Canva, an online design tool, in an introductory class at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Canva can be used to design and create:

Flyers
Business Cards
Presentations
Social Media Graphics
Logos

Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and layouts to design, share, and print flyers, business cards, presentations, cover photos, and more! This class is for beginners.
Wonder Member Cost: $45
Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $40
Non-Wonder Member Cost: $50
Non-Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $45
Student (K-12, College) $35
For payment options such as pay by check or cash at the workshop, please contact Brian Stanley at 434.766.6745.
Minimum enrollment: 6 | Maximum enrollment: 11
Instructor Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Coordinator II at IALR.
REGISTER

Southern Virginia Procurement and Business Resource Summit
2026-04-30 09:00 - 14:00 | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA, 24504, United States
Small business owners, we invite you to attend the Southern Virginia Business and Procurement Experience on April 30. This event is designed to help you strengthen your business, build new connections, and access valuable resources!
Here’s what you can expect:

Learn how to obtain contracts with large industries and municipalities
Discover local business support resources, including marketing and financial tools
Speak directly with professionals and vendors
Network with peers and government entities
Enter into a drawing for $1,000 grant grand prize

Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Questions? Contact Samantha Bagbey, Project Manager: samantha.bagbey@discoverdanville.com or 434.793.1753
Register
