Sigma Lambda Gamma

Sigma Lambda Gamma is a multicultural sorority that was founded on April 9, 1990, at the University of Iowa by a group of women who were dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and community service. The sorority's founders were inspired by the principles of sisterhood, leadership, and academic excellence, which are also reflected in the values of other organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Sigma Lambda Gamma is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations and has been recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities for its commitment to promoting Hispanic culture and higher education. The sorority has also been involved in various community outreach programs, including partnerships with the American Red Cross and the United Way.

● History

The history of Sigma Lambda Gamma is closely tied to the experiences of its founders, who were Latinx women attending the University of Iowa in the late 1980s. These women, who were also involved in organizations such as the Mexican American Student Association and the Puerto Rican Student Association, recognized the need for a sorority that would promote cultural awareness and community service among Latinx women. The founders of Sigma Lambda Gamma were inspired by the principles of sisterhood and leadership that are also reflected in the values of other organizations such as the National Organization for Women and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The sorority's early years were marked by involvement in various campus events, including the University of Iowa's annual Latinx cultural festival, which is sponsored by the University of Iowa's Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Sigma Lambda Gamma has also been involved in national conferences, including the National Conference of Latino Leaders and the Hispanic Leadership Conference, which are sponsored by organizations such as the National Council of La Raza and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

● Organization

Sigma Lambda Gamma is a non-profit organization that is governed by a national board of directors, which includes representatives from the sorority's various regional conferences, such as the Midwest Regional Conference and the West Coast Regional Conference. The sorority is also divided into various committees, including the Membership Committee, the Philanthropy Committee, and the Public Relations Committee, which work together to promote the sorority's values and mission statement. Sigma Lambda Gamma is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference and has been recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference for its commitment to promoting fraternal values and community service. The sorority has also partnered with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to promote health awareness and fundraising.

● Membership

Membership in Sigma Lambda Gamma is open to women who attend accredited colleges and universities, such as the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin, and who are committed to promoting the sorority's values of sisterhood, leadership, and academic excellence. The sorority's membership process typically involves a series of informational sessions, interviews, and community service events, which are designed to introduce potential members to the sorority's values and mission statement. Sigma Lambda Gamma has a diverse membership that includes women from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including Latinx, African American, Asian American, and Native American women, who are also involved in organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association. The sorority has also been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for its commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity.

● Chapters

Sigma Lambda Gamma has chapters at over 100 colleges and universities across the United States, including the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Southern California. The sorority's chapters are organized into various regional conferences, such as the Northeast Regional Conference and the Southwest Regional Conference, which provide support and resources for the sorority's members. Sigma Lambda Gamma has also established alumni chapters in various cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which provide opportunities for alumni to stay involved in the sorority and to network with other professionals. The sorority has partnered with organizations such as the National Society of Hispanic Professionals and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to promote career development and professional networking.

● Philanthropy

Sigma Lambda Gamma is committed to promoting philanthropy and community service through its various charitable initiatives, including the Sigma Lambda Gamma Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to undergraduate and graduate students. The sorority has also partnered with organizations such as the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes to promote health awareness and fundraising. Sigma Lambda Gamma's members are involved in various volunteer activities, including tutoring, mentoring, and community outreach programs, which are sponsored by organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA. The sorority has also been recognized by the President's Volunteer Service Award for its commitment to promoting volunteerism and community service.

● Notable_alumnae

Sigma Lambda Gamma has a number of notable alumnae, including politicians, business leaders, and community activists, such as Sonia Sotomayor, Nancy Pelosi, and Dolores Huerta, who have been involved in organizations such as the National Council of La Raza and the United Farm Workers. The sorority's alumnae have also been recognized for their achievements in various fields, including law, medicine, and education, and have been awarded honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Science. Sigma Lambda Gamma's alumnae are also involved in various professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association, and have been recognized by the Hispanic Business Magazine and the Latina Style Magazine for their achievements in their respective fields.