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. RLE 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.
June 18-21, 2026
Lambda Chapter (University of Washington) facility
Seattle, WA
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Candidates for this exciting program are Gamma Phi Betas in their first- or second-year of membership who have not held an executive council officer role. All Gamma Phi Betas interested in attending the Real Leadership Experience (RLE) must submit a complete application. The RLE application will be open from February 2 - March 2, 2026. Prior leadership experiences are not a requirement to be considered for RLE. Any member who has a commitment to Gamma Phi Beta and aspires to grow as a leader and as an individual is encouraged to apply.
All applicants will be contacted in April 2026. Invited applicants will then complete the event registration.
Tips Before Starting Your Application
- Review the application questions using the application screenshots below and gather all necessary information.
- Draft your essay responses and copy your answers into the application when you are ready to submit. The application does not allow you to save responses in the form.
- Talk to your chapter president about the funds your chapter has available for transportation to and from RLE. RLE program costs are covered by the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation.
This event gives emerging leaders the skills and confidence they need to tackle future leadership roles and challenges they never dreamed possible.
Interested in learning more about what RLE is about? Hear from past attendees and RLE facilitators by watching this video!
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.
Participant Recommendation Form
RLE Facilitators
Gamma Phi Beta is thrilled to offer the opportunity for alumnae to get involved with RLE through the RLE program facilitator roles. The RLE curriculum is delivered in large and small group settings via volunteer facilitators. Interested alumnae should apply during the open application period which runs February 23 to March 9. Additional information about the RLE facilitator roles, including the time commitment, preferred competencies and skills and more can be found at the following:
- Volunteer Job Descriptions. Look for the Program Facilitator – REAL Leadership Experience job description.
- Open Volunteer Positions. Look for the Program Facilitator – REAL Leadership Experience application.
If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities with RLE, please contact Education Manager, Melissa Scott.
FAQ
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.