Lambda Theta Alpha


Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-based sorority, established in 1975 at Kean University by seventeen women of Latin, Caribbean, and European descent as a support system for women in higher education. According to their website, Lambda Theta Alpha states that its focus would be to "actively integrate itself into the social, political and community service arena that other students had been involved with."
The sorority was a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, and won recognition as Sorority of the Year from 2000-2001, 2002-2003, 2003–2004, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2012–2013 and 2013- 2014.

History

Seventeen women came together to form the sorority and are recognized as the 17 Founding Mothers. According to their website, they are recognized as the first Latina sorority in the United States. Lambda Theta Alpha partakes in traditions such as having hand signs and calls, as well as saluting and strolling; but not stepping, out of respect to the "Divine Nine" or the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Saluting demonstrates unity and respect, while strolling demonstrates unity and pride. All these traditions are extremely respected and held dearly by the organization.

Founding Mothers

Ileana AlmaguerCecilia Alvarez
Carmen BaezKaren Capra
Doris CruzArlene Fernandez
Eneida FigueroaMaria Gautier
Teresa GonzalezDra. Thomasa Gonzalez
Diana IbarriaLillian Marrero
Ofelia OviedoLinda Perez
Aurora "Dory" RodriguezMaria del Carmen Vega
Marilyn Wyatt

National philanthropy

Lambda Theta Alpha members serve thousands of hours each year to a variety of philanthropic causes and needs. In the effort to create a more united and bigger impact nationally, Lambda Theta Alpha selected a national philanthropy. In January 2010, LTA became an official collegiate partner to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, becoming the first individual Latino Greek organization to commit fully to the hospital's efforts. With this partnership, LTA provides resources of community service and activism and more importantly, another direct link to the Hispanic community for St. Jude. LTA has pledged to raise awareness about childhood cancer and St. Jude in the Latin community, as well as fundraisers for the hospital through a variety of events and programs.

Chapters


DesignationCity
Alpha AlphaMontclair, New Jersey
Alpha BetaHartford, Connecticut
Alpha GammaAustin, Texas
Alpha DeltaSilver Spring, Maryland
Alpha EpsilonNew York, New York
Alpha ZetaFort Lauderdale, Florida
Alpha EtaLos Angeles, California
Alpha ThetaSeattle, Washington
Alpha IotaNashville, Tennessee
Alpha KappaMadison, Wisconsin
Alpha LambdaChicago, Illinois
Alpha MuDetroit, Washington
Alpha NuPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Alpha XiAlexandria, Virginia
Alpha OmicronPhoenix, Arizona
Alpha PiBoston, Massachusetts
Alpha RhoRaleigh, North Carolina
Alpha SigmaAtlanta, Georgia
Alpha TauAlbuquerque, New Mexico
Alpha UpsilonOrlando, Florida
Alpha PhiDallas, Texas
Alpha ChiSan Francisco, California
Alpha PsiDenver,Colorado
Alpha OmegaPaterson, New Jersey
Alpha Alpha AlphaHouston, Texas
Alpha Alpha BetaSan Diego, California
Alpha Alpha GammaAtlantic City, New Jersey
Alpha Alpha DeltaCharlotte, North Carolina