LTA is the only way, Since '75 we paved the way...
...The year 1975 saw the birth of what started as a vision - an idea of an organization, a sisterhood that would cater to the needs of Latinas and the universal woman. Thanks to the tremendous strides made by our seventeen founding mothers, this dream was realized, and took form as the entity. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, the first Latina sorority in the nation.There were several causes leading to the realization that such an organization was necessary. Traditionally, the role of the Latina woman was that of maintaining the family institution and falling into the realm of the Machismo stigma. As the Latino migration to the United States increased, so did the emergence of independent Latina women, eager to be at the forefront of an era of a new educational, political and social consciousness. In the early 70's, colleges and universities experienced an influx of Latino enrollment. With this growth, the need for support groups and outreach programs were at an all time high, primarily for the low percentage of Latina women in higher education institutions.
In 1975, Kean University in Union, New Jersey introduced and began to implement bilingual studies, as well as a Latino and Caribbean studies department. Women of Latin descent were now able to embark in Higher Education even if English was not their native language. Although this enabled and facilitated the educational advancement of the Latina woman, a huge void was left to be filled - still missing was support and equality; a constant reminder to these women that they were still the minority, and that their struggle for equality on every level had just begun. It was at this university, in this historical time period, that a group of women convened to discuss the formation of a sorority for Latina women. Its focus would be to actively integrate itself into the social, politicaland community service arena that other students had been involved with. Together, as a united front they could compete, collaborate and assist with any student run programs, thus making their voices as loud and profound as the majority voice; their concerns equally as important.
Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized at Kean University as the First Latina Sorority founded in the United States. This organization was the first to recognize the need for a support system, thus creating one. The desire to progress, dedication to their community, and the aspiration for the advancement of the Latina women marked the beginning of Lambda Theta Alpha. It allowed the independent Latina woman of a new era to have a sense of belonging and with that, achieve her highest potential. It would define a new role for the Latina woman, one with education, goals and vision in hopes of great success.Now, several decades later, we have seen the outcome of such an organization. Lambda Theta Alpha has contributed to the advancement of all people by helping to produce educated women of many races, ethnicities, and creeds. These women are political leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, etc. LTA has also paved the way for many other Latina organizations, which would later pursue the empowering movement that we set the trend for. From 1975 to date, Lambda Theta Alpha has upheld its purpose and mission, each day realizing the Founder's dream - that it may serve as a quintessential trailblazer for all women.
Important Facts:
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Founded at Kean University, in NJ in December of 1975.
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Lambda Theta Alpha was the first sorority ever created to cater towards the needs of Latinas in the nation.
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The purpose of the organization is to create a support group for women in higher education and unite the community on campus.
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Lambda Theta Alpha was established as an academic sorority.
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Lambda Theta Alpha is not an exclusionary organization.
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Lambda Theta Alpha's National Philanthropy is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Lambda Theta Alpha has a unique call, a hand-sign, and performs traditional salutes, chants, and strolls (party walks).
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Lambda Theta Alpha is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).
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Lambda Theta Alpha is a fully insured organization which covers all of its chapters.
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Lambda Theta Alpha has established Alumnae Chapters.
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Lambda Theta Alpha has established chapters throughout Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Lambda Theta Alpha is proud to be recognized as the 2000-2001, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013 recipient of the Sorority of the Year award from NALFO.
Lambda Theta Alpha serves 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 of 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 our 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 fundraise for the hospital through a variety of events and programs.Past events have included: sporting tournaments, charity galas, informational meetings, and much more.Lambda Theta Alpha asks all to join in on the fight against childhood cancer. Your donations will make a difference in the lives of many children and their families.Amount raised in 2013: $30,691.02!
A Sisterhood based on...Unity, Love, and Respect.
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
Epsilon Psi Undergraduate Chapter
"The Empresses of the State"
