$25 for Spokes Members/ $35 General Admission

Includes boxed lunch from Aloha Catering

Advance registration by July 30 required

This session is primarily intended for full-time, paid CEOs and Executive Directors of San Luis Obispo County nonprofits.

In addition to Spokes’ monthly ED/CEO Roundtables held on Zoom, we've introduced a new quarterly, in-person roundtable series designed to offer deeper connection, shared learning, and peer support. These sessions include lunch, a short facilitated program, and guided discussion.

August program details:

Nonprofit executive directors are constantly helping people move through change, from staff, board members and volunteers to clients, donors, and community partners. This roundtable will introduce practical tools from motivational interviewing, a proven approach to conversations that helps people explore their own motivation, reduce resistance, and identify next steps. Participants will consider how these techniques can support supervision, board leadership, team culture, client engagement, and collaboration.

As with all Spokes roundtables, this session is participant-driven and grounded in a shared Participation Agreement:

Values: Empathy and appreciation • Sharing and participation • Leadership and celebration
Expectations: Confidentiality • Respect and listening • Trust and accountability

Presenter: Larisa Traga, LCSW, CCDS, MAC

Larisa is a licensed clinical social worker, trainer, consultant, and educator specializing in motivational interviewing, leadership, and evidence-based communication practices. A member of the International Network of Trainers for Motivational Interviewing (MINT), Larisa works with organizations nationwide to help professionals strengthen communication, navigate challenging conversations, and inspire positive change. She has taught psychology and human services at Allan Hancock College since 2015 and brings extensive experience working with public agencies and community organizations. Larisa earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY Binghamton and her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.