Lambda Theta Alpha

Lambda Theta Alpha is a National Pan-Hellenic Council-affiliated sorority that was founded in 1975 at Kean University by Latina women, including Elizabeth Lockhart, Cynthia Santiago, Linda La Rosa, and Maria Canino. The sorority's founding was influenced by the Chicano Movement and the Latino student movement, which aimed to promote Latin American culture and address social issues affecting Hispanic communities, such as those faced by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Lambda Theta Alpha's establishment was also inspired by the feminist movement, led by women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, and the Civil Rights Movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

● History

The history of Lambda Theta Alpha is closely tied to the experiences of Latina women in the United States, who faced challenges such as discrimination, inequality, and stereotyping, as highlighted by Sonia Sotomayor and Dolores Huerta. The sorority's early years were marked by efforts to promote Latin American culture and address social issues, such as poverty, education, and healthcare, which were also addressed by organizations like the National Council of La Raza and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Lambda Theta Alpha's founding mothers were influenced by the Chicana feminism movement, which emphasized the importance of empowerment and self-determination for Latina women, as seen in the work of Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa. The sorority's history is also connected to the broader context of social justice movements, including the American Indian Movement, led by Russell Means and Dennis Banks, and the Asian American movement, led by Yuri Kochiyama and Grace Lee Boggs.

● Organization

Lambda Theta Alpha is a national sorority with chapters at over 100 universities and colleges across the United States, including University of California, Berkeley, University of Texas at Austin, and New York University. The sorority is governed by a national board of directors, which includes alumnae and undergraduate members, and is advised by organizations like the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Lambda Theta Alpha is also a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, which include other organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Sigma Lambda Beta. The sorority's organizational structure is similar to that of other Greek letter organizations, such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Omega Psi Phi, which were founded by African American students, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall.

● Chapters

Lambda Theta Alpha has over 200 chapters across the United States, including alpha chapters at Kean University and Montclair State University, as well as beta chapters at Rutgers University and University of Michigan. The sorority's chapters are organized into regions, which include the Northeast Region, Southeast Region, Midwest Region, and West Coast Region, and are advised by organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Council of La Raza. Each chapter is led by a chapter president and a executive board, which includes members like vice president, secretary, and treasurer, and is supported by alumnae chapters, such as the New York City Alumnae Chapter and the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter, which include members like Sonia Sotomayor and Dolores Huerta. The sorority's chapters also participate in community service projects, such as volunteering at food banks, hospitals, and non-profit organizations, like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, and are inspired by the work of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.

● Philanthropy

Lambda Theta Alpha's philanthropy focuses on empowering Latina women and girls through education, health, and economic development, as highlighted by organizations like the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. The sorority supports organizations like the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which are also supported by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin. Lambda Theta Alpha also participates in national campaigns, such as the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign and the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, which are also supported by organizations like the Susan G. Komen foundation and the American Diabetes Association. The sorority's philanthropic efforts are inspired by the work of social justice activists, such as Malala Yousafzai and Angela Davis, and are connected to the broader context of global health initiatives, including the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

● Notable_members

Lambda Theta Alpha has a number of notable members, including Sonia Sotomayor, Dolores Huerta, and Gloria Anzaldúa, who are also connected to organizations like the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Other notable members include actresses like America Ferrera and Eva Longoria, musicians like Shakira and Ricky Martin, and politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who are also inspired by the work of social justice activists, such as Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr.. The sorority's notable members are also connected to the broader context of social justice movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, led by Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall, and the feminist movement, led by Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.

● Symbolism

Lambda Theta Alpha's symbolism includes the Greek letters Lambda, Theta, and Alpha, which represent the sorority's values of leadership, sisterhood, and academic excellence, as highlighted by organizations like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations. The sorority's colors are burgundy and silver, which represent passion and strength, and are inspired by the work of social justice activists, such as Malala Yousafzai and Angela Davis. Lambda Theta Alpha's mascot is the lioness, which represents courage and femininity, and is connected to the broader context of feminist symbolism, including the work of Gloria Anzaldúa and Cherríe Moraga. The sorority's symbolism is also reflected in its creed, which emphasizes the importance of sisterhood, service, and empowerment, and is inspired by the work of social justice organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Organization for Women.