2026: APRIL 24-MAY 1 & OCTOBER 17-24
About
A Leadership Immersion Like No Other
- Unstructured flow of learning and sharing (zero lectures!)
- Delightful, healthy meals
- Community of Care & Connection
- Critical Thinking Exercises
- Healing Sessions
- Local Activities and Excursions including yoga
- Self-Discovery
- Men speaking to and with Men
Our Location!
Race Realities™ is designed to spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and present a clear understanding of the individual and organizational challenges of racial healing and collaborative decision-making in the academic, business, or non-profit setting. What better location to host us than a world-class healing sanctuary? Spread across 14 acres, The Goddess Garden offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to discover, including Caribbean-inspired bungalows, three group spaces, an open-air restaurant, spa, a five-minute walk from a serene and private beach, exotic gardens, and much more.
“Lifting and liberating the soul and spirit.”
Race Realities™ now in Costa Rica! Leaders will enjoy the beauty and peace of nature while engaging with those who choose to further develop and expand their practice. Adding the fourth pillar of healing to the RR model, participants will learn and share in a supportive brave space close to the ocean. We offer a trusted sounding board for feedback and spiritual fortification. The structure is "men speaking to men." in small group settings. We believe wellness is more than being free from illness: it is a process of continual change and growth. While we lead and guide others, it is critical to exercise self-care and reflection. Content includes communication, mental wealth, relationships, self-love, and trust. Limited spots available to ensure cohort participation and brotherhood establishment. Join us!
Gift or give yourself an amazing experience.
Two sessions available:
April 24- May 1, 2026 and October 17-24, 2026
Course Overview
Description
Learning Outcomes
This course, which is shared during Race Realities Costa, introduces a leadership model and historical context to the examination of
structural racism in the United States. The Problem-Based Learning course will provide an
overview and deeper examination of race, racism, and culture concepts in the United States with
three modules: Awarenes
This course, which is shared during Race Realities Costa, introduces a leadership model and historical context to the examination of
structural racism in the United States. The Problem-Based Learning course will provide an
overview and deeper examination of race, racism, and culture concepts in the United States with
three modules: Awareness, Understanding, and Application.
An experience in the #1 ranked travel destination, Costa Rica, allows us to add the fourth pillar of Healing. Inspiration engagement with fun!
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1. Become inquisitive or increase their own curiosity levels about race and racism.
2. Increase one’s own motivation and knowledge of the history and impact of USA racial matters that affect student wellness outcomes.
3. Inquire about the specific data (disaggregated by race) for each learner’s current work to assist in organizational su
1. Become inquisitive or increase their own curiosity levels about race and racism.
2. Increase one’s own motivation and knowledge of the history and impact of USA racial matters that affect student wellness outcomes.
3. Inquire about the specific data (disaggregated by race) for each learner’s current work to assist in organizational success.
4. Gain additional respect and understanding of an individual’s social identification and culture.
5. Improve problem solving abilities.
6. Have better knowledge sharing in challenging situations.
7. Request additional activities to further critical thinking regarding awareness, understanding, and application.
Requirements
Prerequisites: None
The course requires the completion of three modules or units: Awareness, Understanding, and Application. After more than five years of course delivery, we feel confident that each and every attendee will receive valuable tools and information to apply to his life.
At the conclusion of the course, learners will have the o
Prerequisites: None
The course requires the completion of three modules or units: Awareness, Understanding, and Application. After more than five years of course delivery, we feel confident that each and every attendee will receive valuable tools and information to apply to his life.
At the conclusion of the course, learners will have the option to complete a course evaluation to share feedback and ideas.
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
As an International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
accredited provider and designer of the Race Realities™ curriculum, one can be
assured that the offering has been “pressure tested" through a rigorous application process.
After a learner completes and submits the course evaluation, they will be notified of CEU el
As an International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
accredited provider and designer of the Race Realities™ curriculum, one can be
assured that the offering has been “pressure tested" through a rigorous application process.
After a learner completes and submits the course evaluation, they will be notified of CEU eligibility within one week of the conclusion of your training.
Each learner will receive an email from a company email account to the learner’s registration email with instructions to claim the CEU certificate.
This course offers a minimum of .6 CEUs.
Time waits for no one...
Directors and Session Facilitators
Mathew Jeanius, MS LMFT
Jeanius is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist focused on mental health for individuals, couples, and families based in Atlanta. In his private practice, Beach Stone Counseling, Jeanius enjoys providing guidance for Black males and people battling substance abuse. Jeanius launched initiatives such as the Fatherhood Speaker series, which showcased the stories of successful Black fathers. As a public speaker, he inspires others to value their family life and relationships. His life’s work is to advocate for those who suffer from mental health issues by bring awareness to this very impactful stressor on living a holistic life. Jeanius' clients include business, sports, and entertainment professionals. @matjeanius
Sonny Kelly, PhD
Dr. Kelly is a master of storytelling, acting, theater arts, poetry, spoken word, group facilitation, interpersonal communication, performance studies, training and teaching. His popular one-man, interactive play, "The Talk," seeks to change minds and create a more equitable community. He wrote the production after giving his 7-year-old son a version of “the talk” — a conversation African-American parents often have with their children about how to act in encounters with the police. Kelly plays more than 20 different characters, including his mom and dad, his sons, and well-known figures like Barack Obama and James Baldwin. Dr. Kelly is committed to a just society and the empowerment of Black men. Visit https://www.legacyheirsproductions.com
Shawn Pressley
Shawn Pressley, a popular national speaker and racial equity educator, represents the power of transformation. A project and logistics manager for a major shipping corporation, he now speaks purpose and resilience to those seemingly locked in a cycle of mind games and manipulation. After serving 19 years of a nearly 27-year prison sentence, Shawn emerged not defeated but determined to rewrite his story and guide others to do the same. His message is one of vision and vulnerability to bridge community conflict centered around mental health, race, and trauma. @322stillstanding_themovement
Tito Mullins
Tito, a native bilingual Costa Rican, has provided locals, tourists, and expats with unparalleled informative tours on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica for more than two decades. An ecotourism graduate of the University of Costa Rica and director of Eco-Cultural experience for Race Realities Costa, Tito is an entrepreneur who seeks to make the world a better place with his cool vibe, detailed insights, and nature excursions. You will never forget a Tito tour!
@tito_cahuita
Race Realities™
The Race Realities™ presentation introduces a leadership 3-step model and historical context to the examination of structural racism in the United States. This session (provided to all retreat registrants) is an overview and deeper examination of race, racism, and culture concepts in the United States. In addition, the importance of language and communication will be addressed to foster understanding and belonging in families and organizations. It is designed to spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and present a clear understanding of the individual and organizational challenges of racial healing and collaborative decision-making. Proven success has sparked the imagination to now host retreats in Costa Rica to ADD the important pillar of healing to the model. Onward!
"When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it." W. Clement Stone
Commissioner of Joy
Deborah Stroman, PhD CLU Race Realities™ Founder
Stroman is an enthusiastic entrepreneur and educator at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia. She is a national speaker committed to real talk and strategies that engender intention, change, and innovation. Her instructional focus and experience lie in the leadership domains of Equity, Entrepreneurship, and Sport Business. Her company provides consulting services for organizations (profit and nonprofit) purposed to drive institutional and community change. Dr. Stroman’s doctoral studies in Leadership and Organizational Behavior are blended with her own personal activism, business and academic experiences to generate results. Services include keynote presentations, workshops, strategic and tactical planning, organizational audits, facilitation, listening sessions, and communications strategy.
Ambassadors
Ryan Clark
One of the brightest and passionate sports analysts, Ryan Clark, believes in the power of men to change the world. A 13-year NFL safety and Super Bowl champion, Clark promotes men's holistic wellness and in particular, sickle cell awareness, research, and treatment. In 2021, Clark launched “The Pivot Podcast” with former NFL players, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. @realrclark
Erroll Reese
As a business leader and sports broadcaster, Erroll is a gem in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill region. He brings people together ranging from CEOs to youth. A Hall of Fame college football inductee (Alabama A&M University), he enjoys service work and building The Sports Shop radio into a multi-media powerhouse. @theerrollreese
Jonathan Shepherd, M.D.
Dr. Shepherd is an award-winning psychiatrist, motivational speaker, and Chief Clinical Officer for the Department of Behavioral Health in Washington, D.C., where he oversees the city’s behavioral health system for children, adults, and families. Named a “Top Doctor” in psychiatry, he is recognized for his compassionate care and commitment to access, prevention, and recovery in mental health. @jshep2471
Nicho Stevens
From student intern to director of marketing for Dr. Stroman's Center of Sport Business, Nicho has been a key leader for the execution of impactful events for the past several years. His expertise in media, music, and technology, ensures an incredible participant experience. @saint_nich
Our Approach
We repeat what we don't repair.
Give the gift that will change someone's life.
Give yourself the experience.
Journey to Inner Peace: A Visual Tour of Race Realities Costa
“If you want to fly, you’ve got to give up the thing that weighs you down.” — T. Morrison
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
A Glimpse into an Experience for Men of Color Like No Other
Why gift a retreat?
A Message to Women
You know the man (spouse, partner or relative) in your life needs support. We all do. However, you can't lead or change him by yourself. Gift him a life-changing trip to reset and reimagine. Help him to discover his own greatness. Our team is ready for your King. Help start his journey towards acceptance and peace.