Join Shaya Collective for our Global Leadership Immersion: Guatemala
Culture, Community & Resilience. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people through an immersive experience that explores identity, resilience, community, and belonging along Guatemala's Caribbean coast. Rooted in centuries of history and cultural preservation, this journey invites participants to engage with one of Central America's most vibrant Afro-Indigenous communities while developing the skills needed to lead with empathy, curiosity, and global awareness.

The Garifuna people have preserved their unique language, traditions, music, cuisine, and spiritual practices despite generations of displacement and change. Their story offers powerful lessons about resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of community—lessons that continue to inspire leaders across cultures and generations.

Throughout this immersive experience, participants will engage with local families, community leaders, artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of Garifuna history and contemporary life. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, you'll explore how culture shapes identity, strengthens communities, and creates lasting connections across differences.

Participants will experience the beauty of Guatemala's Caribbean region through a scenic journey along the Rio Dulce, visits to Livingston, cultural workshops, and opportunities to learn directly from members of the Garifuna community. You'll prepare traditional Garifuna cuisine, experience the rhythms and storytelling of Garifuna drumming, explore local artisan traditions, and discover the natural beauty of the Siete Altares waterfalls.

This experience extends beyond cultural exploration. Through guided reflection, experiential learning, and community engagement, participants will strengthen cross-cultural communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, collaboration, and inclusive leadership while building authentic relationships that foster mutual understanding and respect.

Inspired by the belief that every person possesses inherent dignity and worth, Shaya Collective creates transformational learning experiences that cultivate humility, curiosity, empathy, and ethical leadership. Participants leave with a deeper appreciation for Garifuna culture, meaningful global relationships, renewed confidence in leading across cultures, and practical insights they can apply in their organizations, campuses, communities, and everyday lives.

During this immersion, participants will:

• Learn about the history, traditions, and resilience of the Garifuna people.

• Experience Garifuna music, drumming, storytelling, and cultural traditions.

• Prepare authentic Garifuna cuisine alongside local community members.

• Explore Livingston, the Rio Dulce, and the Siete Altares waterfalls while reflecting on the connections between culture, place, and identity.

• Engage with local leaders, artists, and community organizations through meaningful cultural exchange.

• Develop practical leadership skills in cross-cultural communication, collaboration, empathy, and global citizenship.