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Shelley Klingerman

Shelley Klingerman is the founder of Stiletto Agency. She is an entrepreneur, author, marketing professional, film producer, and mother of three. She graduated from Indiana State University and lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.

During her research and two decades of working for a large global firm, Shelley began to understand the need to be vigilant and aware of her surroundings in everyday situations. This sparked a passion to help others learn what they should be aware of while living their day-to-day lives and how they can prepare and protect themselves.

Work and Recognition

Shelley’s children inspired her to make the documentary Terror in American Schools: Are Your Kids Safe? The film outlines threats and vulnerabilities to our schools and what can be done to increase security for the nation’s children.

She compiled her insights on self protection — which have been featured in The New York Times — into Vigilance: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Personal Safety, Self-Protection Measures, and Countermeasures.

In 2021, she graduated from the Tobias Leadership Fellowship program at Indiana University. In 2022, Shelley was certified as a Professional Performance Coach from Sourcepoint. She is also an alumnus of the FBI Citizens Academy.
Shelley’s work extends beyond coaching on personal safety to advising on professional success. She was a founding entrepreneur of NEXT Studios, a venture studio for entrepreneurs and corporate innovation. She also founded and served as executive director of Launch Terre Haute, a nonprofit business incubator that helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition.

Shelley of Stiletto Agency
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Joann Dowell

Joann “Jo” Dowell is one of Stiletto’s trainers. As a former FBI Special Agent for over 23 years, Jo’s subject matter expertise ranges from financial crimes to public corruption and civil rights. Certified in the FBI’s Presentation Skills Course, Jo is excited to come aboard and continue her work advocating for personal safety and accountability.

She holds a B.A. from Bellarmine University in Louisville and a J.D. from Indiana University in Indianapolis. However, her greatest accomplishment is being a mom of 4 and wife to her husband, Robert.

Hear What Our Valued Customers Say
About Stiletto Agency

"My decision to enlist the services of Shelley as a business coach and organizational specialist is the most productive step forward I have taken in the last 20 years. Her insight, analysis, and very direct communication approach yielded significant improvements in both work efficiency and quality of life...I HIGHLY recommend Shelley to any business owner or manager."

Jon Moore

"I definitely feel like I’ve applied a few tips since our meeting. I try to walk in the middle of parking aisles and I’ve stopped putting in headphones when I’m walking alone so that I look more alert and it’s given me some extra confidence!"

Sarah

"Thank you again for such a life-changing (and potentially life-saving) program. Whether I’m traveling or running errands, your lessons on situational awareness give me the confidence to single-handedly explore my community and the world."

Linda Margison

"Shelley was absolutely amazing! We were able to livestream the training for our employees across the country and received a lot of great feedback from everyone. Many of our employees were excited to get a copy of the book for their spouse, children or friends. A lot of great tips to help keep yourself safe whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. Thank you so much for an engaging and insightful training."

Alyson Hanson

"You hate to think that you could ever be a victim, but predators are always looking for opportunities and sizing you up. This book shares so many practical and easy ways to increase your awareness, advocate for yourself, and prepare to protect yourself in a strategic and effective way if and when you find yourself in a dangerous situation...Every woman should read this and put it into practice right now!"

Lisa Mitchell

"Vigilance is a 'must read' for every mom, daughter, grandmother, aunt, niece and book club junkie! A quick, easy read that will help anyone gain a warrior mindset and become more vigilant in our everyday lives. Thank you, Shelley, for providing so many sensible tips and tactics to easily help prepare for the worst and enjoy the rewards of being empowered to protect."

L. Danielson

"I can’t tell you the number of times your teachings have come up. Even packing for Costa Rica, I thought about what I was bringing and the attention I might bring to myself. A tip I shared with my husband was, acting like you know where you are going and not stopping to stare at your phone.

Lauren

"My family read this book for personal education on security matters. Although it may be aimed at women, the information contained in the book is applicable to everyone. It is a great tool for developing a personal security program because it is arranged in a text book-like format."

Dominic J. Arcuri

"I immediately identified myself as a victim of monkey mind !! I am definitely going to use Shelley's tips to improve everyday mindfulness. It's easy to become complacent with our routines which could distract attention from potential threats and risks. Shelley provides practical tips to share with family, friends, and colleagues! Thank you Shelley!!"

Fredia Haviland

"I have definitely used a lot of the tips provided in our training in my everyday life. I find myself being more aware of my surroundings (but not scared) which is a great feeling of empowerment! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with our group."

Haley