REAL Leadership Experience
The REAL Leadership Experience (RLE) is a retreat-style leadership event developed for emerging leaders ready to take the next step in their leadership journeys. REAL Leadership Experience is a place for collegians in their first and second year of membership to shine, dream big, take chances, examine their innermost selves and learn the principles of REAL Leadership they can apply in their chapters, careers and communities. This leadership event will give members the skills and confidence they need to tackle leadership positions and challenges they never dreamed possible.
REAL Leadership Experience will take place June 18-21, 2026, at Gamma Phi Beta’s Lambda Chapter facility in Seattle, Washington.
This event gives emerging leaders the skills and confidence they need to tackle future leadership roles and challenges they never dreamed possible.
Testimonials
Lindsay Scarola (Coastal Carolina)
"Through large group sessions and small group debriefs, sisters had the opportunity to learn how to lead with confidence and compassion while making lifelong connections with sisters and alumni. RLE helped me see what kind of leader I really am. The sessions pushed me to reflect, step out of my comfort zone, and think about how I can use my strengths to impact the Zeta Zeta chapter. RLE inspired me and brought me closer to Gamma Phi in ways I could never have imagined"
Penelope Mead (Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
"Going to RLE was one of the most rewarding and eye opening things I have ever done both as a sister and as a young leader! I learned so much about our sorority’s other chapters, unique leadership skills, and new information about myself that I would’ve never known without this experience! I also gained many life long friendships! I cannot wait to see where the future takes me and my sisters who went through the real leadership experience!"
Halie Herm (California State-San Marcos)
"To be one of the 37 woman to receive this incredible opportunity is something that I am truly, eternally grateful for. From staying up late and bonding with sisters from all over the nation to learning and getting advice from some extraordinary alumnae, RLE exceeded my expectations far more than I could have ever imagined. The memories and lessons that RLE has offered me are ones that will last a lifetime and I will forever hold this experience so near and dear to my heart. I couldn’t be more proud to be apart of such a strong sisterhood here in Gamma Phi Beta."
Megan Klose (Kentucky)
“My experience at RLE was truly unforgettable and such a powerful example of Gamma Phi Beta’s value of learning. Surrounded by sisters and alumnae, I was constantly inspired to grow, not just as a leader, but as a person. From small group discussions to building friendships with sisters from all across North America, I learned the importance of being vulnerable, listening with empathy, and leading with authenticity. I am so thankful to be part of a sisterhood that cares so deeply about helping each of us grow."
PARTICIPANT RECOMMENDATION FORM
Do you know an emerging chapter leader who is a strong fit for RLE? Or are you a first- or second-year collegiate member who has not held an executive council officer role who is interested in developing your leadership skills? Fill out a participant recommendation form to share information about RLE with members of your chapter or to gain additional information for yourself about RLE programming.
Recommendations are accepted on a rolling basis. Recommendations submitted after February 12 will be considered for the next academic year.
Recommended individuals must still participate in the application process in its entirety to participate in RLE.
RLE 2026 Facilitators
Leslie Hyun Kim
Leslie Hyun Kim (California-Berkeley) was initiated at the Eta Chapter. She is currently serving as the regional team leader for West 1 and a member of the Loyalty Grant Subcommittee. She is a wellness professional and life coach, residing in San Francisco. A long-time Girls on the Run (GOTR) coach, she’s currently a member of the associate board for GOTR Bay Area. When she’s not working, you’ll find her volunteering with the San Francisco’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA) animal assisted therapy program and participating in various dog sports with her Italian greyhound, Luna. Leslie is looking forward to REAL Leadership Experience and the opportunity to empower our emerging collegiate leaders with the tools they need to lead with passion, authenticity and integrity.
Harper Matthews
Harper Matthews (Pepperdine) was initiated at the Zeta Theta Chapter. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's degree in education.
After a decade in higher education, she transitioned into talent acquisition, combining her passions for student identity development and recruitment. She began as a university recruiter at McKinsey & Company and now serves as the head of university relations and events at Capital One.
Outside of work, she is an active member of the National Urban League, the education and recruitment co-advisor for the Eta Nu chapter at James Madison and a proud dog mom to a corgi poo named Kenzo. Harper is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, and that passion is what makes her especially excited to serve as a large group facilitator at REAL Leadership Experience.
Destiny Childress Oyster
Destiny Oyster (Jacksonville) was initiated at the Epsilon Zeta Chapter. She currently serves as a chapter advisor. She works in operations with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, specializing in emergency management and supporting the safe operation of four airports. Outside of work, she enjoys trips to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, solving escape rooms and spending time with her small dog Orville, named after the Wright Brothers. She is most excited to facilitate at REAL Leadership Experience because she loves connecting with new sisters and helping younger sisters grow into confident, capable leaders who make an impact beyond their chapter.
Jenna Heath
Jenna Heath (San Diego State) was initiated at the Beta Lambda Chapter. She currently serves as the director of student and community engagement at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research focuses on career and leadership development. She is a certified career coach and a certified executive coach. When she’s not teaching, coaching or volunteering with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, she enjoys attending concerts, staying active and finding creative ways to bring leadership concepts to life. She is excited to connect with emerging leaders and is looking forward to learning and growing together through REAL Leadership Experience.
Rebekah Mena
Rebekah Mena (Florida Institute of Technology) was initiated at the Delta Sigma Chapter. She serves as the chief of staff to the assistant city administrator for government operations in the executive office of Mayor Muriel Bowser in Washington, D.C. Outside of work, she teaches a crisis communications course at a community college, loudly cheers on the Philadelphia Eagles and enjoys traveling. Her goal is to visit all 50 states by the time she turns 50, and so far, she has visited 33.
Krista Schroth
Krista Schroth (Florida State) was initiated at the Beta Mu Chapter. She works as a certified training consultant with the Practice Growth Institute, leading dynamic trainings across the country. In her free time, Krista enjoys hiking, crafting, gardening, antiquing and fostering rescue animals. She’s most excited about facilitating at REAL Leadership Experience because she thrives on helping others step into their leadership potential and leave feeling energized and ready to make an impact.
Lana Floer
Lana Floer (Michigan State) was initiated at the Beta Delta Chapter. She currently serves as the chapter’s chapter advisor. Professionally, she works in supply chain management for ABB, a global industrial technology company. Outside of work, she enjoys at-home projects, cake decorating and spending time with her Aussie mix, Kappy. She participated in the REAL Leadership Experience as a collegian and is excited to return as a facilitator to support and collaborate with emerging leaders.
Gamma Phi Beta leadership, education and philanthropic programming is funded in part by the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Foundation and the many generous donors that allow the Sorority to create this programming.