REAL Leadership Retreat
The REAL Leadership Retreat (RLR) is a virtual leadership retreat for newly elected collegiate chapter executive council officers. Gamma Phi Beta is dedicated to equipping collegiate leaders with the skills to be effective leaders in their chapters and beyond. The REAL Leadership Retreat helps newly elected executive council members understand their personal communication style, navigate team norms and become positive role models in their chapter.
REAL Leadership Retreat 2026 dates:
- January 10, 9 am-12 pm MT
- January 10, 1-4 pm MT
- January 11, 9 am-12 pm MT
- January 11, 1-4 pm MT
- January 24, 9 am-12 pm MT
- January 24, 1-4 pm MT
- January 25, 9 am-12 pm MT
- January 25, 1-4 pm MT
- January 31, 9am-12 pm MT
- January 31, 1-4 pm MT
- February 1, 9am-12 pm MT
- February 1, 1-4 pm MT
Newly elected AVPs should complete the following registration form at least one week prior to their desired RLR date.
What Past Participants Say
“I really enjoyed the way that this retreat was run! I felt very confident in the conversations I was able to have with my council, and I appreciated the guidance provided by this training.”
“The retreat had a lot of great information to know as an incoming officer. It really helped me realize the resources to utilize when in leadership within your chapter.”
“I think creating our goals as an [executive council] created a huge sense of connection and trust between us after this retreat. The biggest take away for me is learning to be strong as an [executive council].”
“I liked being able to see how different executive teams operate and learn from them and maybe even implement things that work for them.”
“Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to explain real leadership to us!! It means the world to have strong women as mentors and guides in my personal and professional life!”
REAL Leadership Retreat 2026 Facilitators
Laura Ashlock
Laura Ashlock (she/her) is a member of Gamma Phi Beta and was initiated at Zeta Theta (Pepperdine). She’s in the final year of her Ph.D. program in psychology, studying leadership and group dynamics. Fun fact: Her career path was greatly inspired by the wonderful leaders and mentorship she experienced as a collegiate member of Gamma Phi Beta! When she’s not studying or teaching, Laura enjoys playing the cello and going to concerts. Laura is looking forward to connecting with many of Gamma Phi’s emerging leaders and can’t wait for everyone to learn from each other through RLR!
Laura is facilitating the mornings of Saturday, January 10 and Saturday, January 31.
Chris Brooks
Chris Brooks (he/him) is a member of Sigma Chi and currently oversees Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where he also serves as a deputy title IX coordinator. Before joining UNM, Chris spent nearly a decade working in headquarters roles across the fraternity/sorority life field. Outside of work, he’s an avid Bravo TV fan, a proud dog dad to Stella and an uncle who lives for his nieces’ happiness. He credits many of his life lessons to “The Golden Girls” and enjoys sharing that same warmth and humor with student leaders to help make a positive difference in their lives.
Chris is facilitating the afternoons of Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 25.
Alanna Hill
Alanna Hill (she/her) is a proud member of Sigma Kappa and currently serves as the assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. In her role, she advises the Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic and Multicultural Greek councils and leads initiatives that promote leadership development, diversity education and values-based community engagement. When she’s not on campus, Alanna loves to craft and relax with her husband, Travis, and their two tortie cats, Winnie and Sarah. She’s especially excited to facilitate RLR because she loves empowering students to embrace their values, build confidence and lead with purpose.
Alanna is facilitating the morning of Saturday, January 10 and the afternoon of Sunday, February 1.
Tara Leigh Sands
Dr. Tara Leigh Sands (she/her) is a member of Gamma Phi Beta and an alumna initiate of Epsilon Tau (Rochester). Tara Leigh recently received her Doctor of Education at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. She works as the assistant director of advising, transfer and Rowan relations at Rowan College at Burlington County, located in Mount Laurel in New Jersey. When she isn't working or volunteering with Gamma Phi Beta, she can be found dancing ballet or tap, kayaking or sailing or reading a book (currently living in Romansty). Tara Leigh is excited to facilitate at RLR because she loves supporting leaders in developing skills and being prepared for the year.
Tara Leigh is facilitating the morning of Sunday, January 11 and morning of Saturday, January 31.
Mandy Lautzenheiser
Mandy Lautzenheiser (she/her) is a member of Chi Omega and attended Kent State University for undergrad and the University of Toledo for graduate school. Professionally, she works as a property manager for Alpha Delta Pi at the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, Mandy is an advisor for her Fraternity’s chapter at the University of South Carolina and member of the Junior League. She’s honored to be facilitating for RLR because she enjoys creating spaces for sorority women to challenge themselves to not only be the best version of themselves but to make their chapters the best they can be for all members.
Mandy is facilitating the afternoon of Saturday, January 24 and the morning of Sunday, February 1.
Leslie Hyun Kim
Leslie Hyun Kim (California-Berkeley) is currently serving as the regional team leader for West 1 and 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 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 SFSPCA’s animal assisted therapy program and participating in various dog sports with her Italian greyhound, Luna. Leslie is looking forward to RLR and the opportunity to empower our emerging collegiate leaders with the tools they need to lead and inspire their chapters with passion, authenticity and integrity.
Leslie is facilitating the mornings of Saturday, January 10 and Saturday, January 31.
Christina Lawler
Christina Lawler (she/her) is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and currently lives in Washington, D.C. She works as a program coordinator in graduate medical education and undergraduate medical education at Children’s National Hospital. Christina is excited to be a facilitator for Gamma Phi and serve and connect with more Panhellenic sisters. She’s particularly looking forward to the RLR, where she hopes to help newly elected council members understand the impact of their roles, discover their "why" and gain enthusiasm for their new chapter leadership positions.
Christina is facilitating the mornings of Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, February 1.
Rebekah Mena
Rebekah Mena (she/her) is a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta and was initiated at Delta Sigma (Florida Institute of Technology). She serves as the chief of staff to the assistant city administrator for government operations in the executive office of Mayor Muriel Bowser in D.C. Outside of work, Rebekah 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 she just crossed off state #32! She’s excited to facilitated RLR because she remembers how nerve-racking it can feel to become a new leader and hopes to make the introduction and onboarding process fun, smooth and empowering for our next generation of sisters.
Rebekah is facilitating the afternoons of Sunday, January 11 and Sunday, February 1.
Demetria Smith
Dr. Demetria Smith (she/her) is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and currently serves as the assistant director of the sorority's northeastern region. She was inducted into the Eta Mu chapter at East Carolina University. Demetria is a higher education professional, specializing in fraternity and sorority life. She enjoys crafting, baking and spending time with her fiancé and fur babies. She is most excited about getting to know the new leaders of Gamma Phi Beta chapters and creating memories with them that will last a lifetime!
Demetria is facilitating the morning of Sunday, January 11 and the afternoon of Sunday, January 25.
Larissa Rutz
Larissa Rutz (she/her) is a member of Alpha Phi. Professionally, she works as the academic coordinator for the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming, where she is an academic and career advisor and recruiter for the college. Outside of work, Larissa is either working on her master’s degree in higher education administration, reading, hiking, hunting or fishing. Larissa volunteers for her local chapter as their recruitment advisor and absolutely loves giving back to the Greek community whenever she is able to!
Larissa is facilitating the afternoon of Sunday, January 11 and the morning of Sunday, January 25.
Courtney Desouza
Courtney DeSouza (she/her) is a proud member Gamma Phi Beta initiated at Epsilon Zeta (Jacksonville) and currently serves as president of the chapter’s house corporation board. She works as a clinical transformation specialist at Ascension St. Vincent’s and is also the founder and chief executive officer of Florida Impact, Rhythm & Events. Courtney’s commitment to service extends into the community as a member of the Kinslee Strong Board of Directors and the second vice president of the GFWC Welaka Women’s Club. She’s most excited to facilitate at RLR because she loves helping women lead with confidence, connect deeply with one another and step boldly into their next chapter.
Courtney is facilitating the morning of Saturday, January 24 and the afternoon of Saturday, January 31.
Kelsey Wohlford
Kelsey Wohlford (she/her) is a member of Gamma Phi Beta and was initiated at Zeta Zeta (Coastal Carolina). Professionally, she is the assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys traveling to visit friends and family or explore a new city. She’s particularly excited to return as an RLR facilitator because she loves seeing leadership teams collaborate creatively and strategically, and she values the chance to learn what other Gamma Phi teams are doing across the nation.
Kelsey is facilitating the afternoons of Saturday, January 24 and Saturday, January 31.
Preparing for the REAL Leadership Retreat (RLR)
All newly elected executive council officers and chapter advisor(s) are expected to participate in RLR from one location on one device. To support this learning, officers should uphold the following engagement expectations. If your executive council can’t join from the same location, please email fidelity@gammaphibeta.org.
- All members of the executive council should join from one device.
- Make sure the chapter advisor is in attendance in person.
- Each individual should also bring a preferred device to access their Officer Transition Guide. It is expected that each executive council officer follows along and takes their own notes throughout the retreat.
- Administrative vice presidents: Consider reserving a room in your chapter facility or a campus building and providing snacks and refreshments to elevate the in-person retreat experience.
Follow the below speaking order to ensure each member of your executive council serves as a spokesperson during large group conversations. Note: The sharing order follows the content provided in the RLR section of your Officer Transition Guide.
Community Expectations: Administrative vice president (AVP)
- Characteristics of Effective Teams: Education vice president (EVP)
- Team Personalities: Financial Vice Presidents (EVP)
- Executive Council Responsibilities: Membership vice president (MVP)
- Initiating Difficult Conversations: Panhellenic affairs vice president (PAVP)
- REAL Leaders: Public relations vice president (PRVP)
- Executive Council Goals and Vision: Chapter President
- Takeaways from RLR: All
Technology tips:
- Test device sound to ensure that all participants can hear.
- Ensure that all eight participants (seven executive council members and chapter advisor) are visible in the device’s camera.
- Have a backup device ready in case of technical difficulties.
- Assign one person as the “tech liaison” to manage the virtual connection (muting, camera adjustments and troubleshooting).
- This tech liaison should also monitor the chat for questions or input from virtual participants.
- Keep charging cables and extension cords nearby to prevent battery issues.
RLR Frequently Asked Questions
The AVP is responsible for registering all retreat participants. To do this, the AVP should complete the following:
- Work with her chapter’s executive council officers and chapter advisor to identify one retreat date all participants can attend.
- Gather registration information from attendees. This includes participants’ first name, last name, preferred email address and preferred phone number.
- Hint: You can also find this information in Beta Base!
- Use the compiled participant information in step two to register for RLR. Registration must be completed one week prior to the desired RLR date. After the AVP has submitted the registration form, your chapter’s required attendees will be registered for the identified retreat date in Zoom and receive confirmation via email. This process may take up to seven business days.
- Connect with your chapter’s retreat participants the Monday prior to your scheduled retreat date to confirm that all participants have access to the retreat Zoom link, have downloaded their Officer Transition Guide and have begun and/or completed the required Fidelity online lesson for their position.
Any questions about RLR registration should be directed to your chapter advisor.
Administrative vice presidents are required to register their chapter at least one week prior to their desired retreat date. Therefore, all registrations should be completed no later than January 20, 2025. Administrative vice presidents who do not register their chapter at least one week prior to their desired retreat date are not guaranteed attendance at that retreat and may be required to both find an alternate retreat date and re-register. Advance registration recommended as retreat dates fill up quickly.
Chapters should not change RLR registration dates after their registration form has been submitted. REAL Leadership Retreat date changes will be accepted on a case-by-case basis only. As such, it is imperative that the AVP thoroughly discusses RLR date availability with newly elected executive council officers before completing the retreat registration form.
Each executive council member has a specific role to play, and this retreat is tailor-made for each role. For this reason, no substitutions will be accepted.
Attendance at RLR is required for every executive council. If a chapter’s executive council fails to attend RLR, they may be responsible for covering the cost of an in-person facilitator to visit their chapter.
Following the completion of RLR, the chapter president is responsible for uploading the chapter goals to Beta Base. The executive council should plan to meet with their chapter’s collegiate chapter supervisor (CCS) to receive feedback regarding their chapter vision and chapter goals. Once the executive council has received feedback, the chapter president should submit their final chapter goals in Beta Base by February 15.
For questions regarding registration or availability, contact your chapter advisor. Questions not answered by your chapter advisor can be directed to fidelity@gammaphibeta.org.
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.