News & Events - Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

Ileana Almaguer, Founding Mother
Alpha Chapter, 1975
Kean University, NJ

I was part of a special group of women brought together by the grace of god. During the mid 1970's, social and economic tensions were dividing the country. Shortly after the civil rights movement, opportunities for access to higher education were offered through educational programs, and many first time generation students were able to attend college. Upon entering Kean College (now University), I along with other magnificent women decided to join a woman's group. Many of us were never exposed to the traditional structure of African American Greek fraternities and sororities. We were really impressed with their history, legacy, and sense of family and community. After a short period of time we decided to form Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc. Although many of the Founding Mothers were of Latina descent, we also had sisters from mixed ethnic backgrounds and still today open our doors to all that believe in our mission.

LTA has enriched my life in many ways. Just to be witness to what we started and where we are is amazing. The best is yet to come and invested in our future. To see so many young women enter our sisterhood, graduate, become leaders, during and after the sorority is a compliment to the vision that the Founding Mothers had. We believed in Leadership Through Academics and LTA has been that avenue for thousands of sisters since 1975. Today, LTA continues to enrich my life as I still maintain close ties with the young sisters who carry this organization forward. It is an honor and a privilege to be welcomed, respected and accepted by this amazing sisterhood as it continues to grow today.

The best part about being with LTA is holding the honor and title of Founding Mother and knowing that hundreds of sisters nationwide carry our principles, creed and believe in this sisterhood. LTA has been a surrogate family for many and has been instrumental in giving young women the strength and independence to live their lives freely. It is a blessing to know that we have sisters nationwide that feel the same passion and commitment to the sisterhood. The bond is undeniable as seen through our lines of communication, award winning chapters, and successful affiliations in our communities.

To all my strong independent sisters, I encourage you to move forward in your lives as leaders that you are, protect our foundation and constitution. In doing so, you will not only honor the Founding Mothers, but the way it was, the way it is and the way that it was meant to be. With the utmost, Unity, Love and Respect, your National Proud Founding Mother, Ileana Digna Cacique Almaguer.

Melissa Avalos
Beta Nu Chapter, Spring 2001
University of Texas - Arlington, TX

To speak about our Sisterhood is not an easy task. The bond for each other that is shown spans the most mundane activities of the everyday to life-altering events. We share many of our best and sometimes unhappy moments with one another, which is met with unmovable support, love, and pride. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. has been the best part of my college experience, and the best part is to know that it does not end there.

My Sisterhood promotes unity of women all shapes, sizes, character, and background- knowing that this is not a problem, but our greatest asset.
My Sisterhood is one that brings constant encouragement.
My Sisterhood has Unity, Love, and Respect-Three words I never would have believed went together, but now make more sense than ever.
My Sisterhood has goals that strive higher and higher.
My Sisterhood allows me to feel at home when I travel to be with sisters I have never met before.
My Sisterhood wants me to succeed academically and personally.
And most of all, MY Sisterhood will always be one of integrity, esteem, and strength because of the Ladies that seek these values.

Raquel Casarez
Beta Omicron Chapter, Spring 2000
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

As I sit here on this snowy January day, my mind takes me back to a very familiar time right before I entered this beautiful sisterhood.

I entered my college career without ever thinking of joining a sorority. . There were Latino organizations that I was involved in and I had already met many great friends. But I soon found out that there was something missing and I wanted more. I was searching for something different, something that no one else had to offer. As I begin my search I stumbled upon Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Immediately I was impressed especially since it is the first Latin sorority in the nation. Lambda Theta Alpha had everything I was looking for. It was evident that this was a true sisterhood.

I begin visiting the Webpage daily and soon afterwards begin speaking with some of the sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha. Without ever meeting me or even knowing who I am they opened up their heart to me and became friends. Their words of encouragement and the way I was welcomed is something I'll never forget. Why Lambda Theta Alpha? One may ask. Simple…because there is nothing better out there. Lambda Theta Alpha has shaped me into the woman I am today. I have grown as a sister, leader, role model and friend. The friendships that I have gained across this nation are truly amazing. Lambda Theta Alpha is a lifelong sisterhood and offers a bond that is indescribable. There is no way to describe how one feels when you meet someone for the first time and it seems like you've known them your entire lives. And it's all because we share a unique bond with each other across this nation. The principles of unity, love, and respect encompass all my beliefs. Lambda Theta Alpha also strives towards academic excellence, community involvement and the empowerment of women of all ethnicities. There is nothing more beautiful when you can achieve all this while gaining a sisterhood for life.

I graduated from college in 2000 and still remain active as a sister. As I reach my 2-year anniversary I think back of my college career and realize this must have been one of my greatest accomplishments. Founding a chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. gave so much to my life and now I part of an amazing history not only for Lambda Theta Alpha but also for my university. Having our 17 founding mothers still involved in our journey is also something very special and unique. We share the same dreams and goals with each other and it's evident in all the sorority's accomplishments and expansion around the country.

What I like best about being a sister is that you always have someone to support you no matter how near or far. Going to college over a thousand miles away from home- these ladies became and will always remain my family. I have laughed and cried with many and have made a million lifetime memories. Lambda Theta Alpha has also helped me to appreciate a love for all cultures and to embrace all small things in life that we usually take for granted. Being able to work with the community and touch another life is a reward you carry with you for a lifetime.

I couldn't imagine my life without Lambda Theta Alpha nor my sisters across this nation! For myself and hundreds of others, Lambda Theta Alpha is the only way...since 1975 we've paved the way!

Rosemarie Rocha
Beta Sigma Chapter, Fall 2000
University of Miami, FL

I wanted to be a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. the first time I fully researched Latina Sororities. There were so many things that appealed to me. It was an established organization that possessed history, it was the first Latina Sorority established in the nation, it was academically incorporated, and its principles of Unity, Love, and Respect, were simple, yet profound. Most importantly the Sisterhood appealed to me. The Lovely Ladies of LTA were very classy, professional, loving, and exuded confidence and pride in themselves, and in the sisterhood that bonded them for life. Honestly, for me there was no other organization for me, but LTA.

Today happily and whole-heartedly I express that Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. has truly enriched my life. As a sister, I gained an avenue to fulfill my duties to the community at large while building bonds with sisters from all walks of life. I have learned life skills that have helped me utilize my time effectively, manage the relationships I build socially and professionally, how to build on my weaknesses and capitalize on my strengths, and how to be a good sister...to listen effectively, sacrifice, love, and honor myself and other women.

The thing I love the most about Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., is that the Sisterhood is real and we have pledged ourselves to it for life. Things are not always perfect and sisters are not always perfect, but we love each other nonetheless. Sisters will always be there to help you in your time of need. When I moved to Los Angeles from Miami, I felt like a fish out of water, but sisters helped me feel at home, network to find a job, and find my niche. I know that no matter where I go, there will be a sister there for me, whether near or far. Without a doubt, LTA doesn't fake it, Lambda Ladies are for life.

Thais Rodriguez
Chi Chapter, Fall 2000
University of Florida, FL

Why LTA?
I am very proud to be a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., which was established in 1975 as the FIRST Latin Sorority in the nation. It has paved the way ever since for multicultural leadership and sisterhood. Its principles of Unity, Love, and Respect and its symbolic colors of Burgundy and Grey enticed me to learn more about the organization. As I did so, I realized the true sisterhood among the Lovely Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha was something that I was missing in my life. At that point, I knew it was time to become a dedicated sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

How has LTA enriched your life?
Where do I begin? Lambda Theta Alpha helped me grow into the leader and friend that I am today. From the moment I became a Sister, my life changed. I created lifelong bonds with my wonderful line sisters, other sisters in my chapter, and even sisters at additional chapters. I learned how to balance everything in my life, from school to work to sorority business to sorority sisterhood. Because of LTA, I have met so many individuals, both LTA and non-LTA, and I have experienced unforgettable adventures. I traveled to Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and more. I never felt away from home, because my sisters were everywhere.

What do you like best about being an LTA?
The principles of Lambda Theta Alpha express the best part about being a sister…Unity, Love, and Respect. The Unity and Love I feel from my sisters and from other Multicultural Greeks have opened my eyes to the new family I have. The Respect I receive as being a member of the FIRST Latin Sorority in the Nation gives me a certain pride that has impacted my self-confidence and my self-image in powerful ways. Lambda Theta Alpha is the path to discover others and myself. The memories I have established since I became an LTA will give me a lifetime of stories and happiness.

Alexandria M. Rosales
Beta Delta Chapter, Spring 1998
California State University - Long Beach, CA

In the Fall of 1997, I was introduced to the idea of taking part in the establishment of a Latina Sorority at California State University, Long Beach. After some thought, I began to delve further into what Lambda Theta Alpha was about and how my campus and I would benefit from its presence at the university and in my life. I met many Ladies who were also looking into LTA and together we worked diligently with the National Board of Directors to create Beta Delta Chapter, the first point of expansion in the west coast. Although I hold all organizations in very high regard, it should be known that I never considered any other organization. At the time of the founding of Beta Delta I was in my junior year of my educational process and already twenty-one years of age. Although I am a social being by nature, my priorities were that of strengthening my resume and enhancing my networking opportunities. I was already in the process of looking into graduate schools and was involved in academic programs and professional development in an effort to launch my career. My time was limited and I needed to make strategic choices so as to find the best match for my needs. LTA offered a Sisterhood that encompassed support, friendship, love, and networking. LTA provided opportunities for community service and educational and professional development. LTA was not just an organization; rather it was a family and a business. I wanted to be part of that family! In spring of 1998, Beta Delta Chapter at CSU, Long Beach was established by eleven founding Sisters. By the time I graduated with my undergraduate degree, my involvement in LTA had prepared me for just about anything that might have come my way; personally and professionally. I chose Lambda Theta Alpha because I believed it to be the FIRST and the FINEST. As I approach my fourth year of Sisterhood I am even more confident of my decision. The unsurpassed qualities of Lambda Theta Alpha shine across the nation each and every day and I continue to reap the benefits of my organization daily.

Being a Lambda Lady is engrained in every aspect of my life. Although it would be quite simple to create list of the benefits of LTA, there are three major gains resulting from my membership. LTA introduced me to some of the closest friends ever encountered. These friends have shared in the many positive and negative experiences that life presented over the past four years. These Ladies demonstrated what friendship and Sisterhood is truly about as they supported me through my father's terminal illness and passing, my academic endeavors and achievements in undergraduate and graduate school, as well the basic ups and downs of living. My best friend is a Sister. I live with my best friend and another Sister. A day does not pass that I do not speak with a Sister of LTA. I have met wonderful Ladies from across the nation that I would otherwise have never met. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for the family that LTA has provided me with. Secondly, LTA has significantly enhanced my academic and professional experiences. As a new student affairs professional, my involvement in LTA has created opportunities to live first-hand the experiences, information, and theories discussed in my courses and texts. Additionally, LTA provided a network to meet fellow student affairs professionals within the minority Greek system. Finally, my membership in LTA was a turning point in my life. Along with the help of other academic programs, LTA exposed me to a world outside of any experiences I had previously known having lived in a traditional family in a small urban city. Since the Spring of 1998 I have traveled to various states within the nation, particularly to the east coast. I have met many people of various ethnic backgrounds and learned a great deal about my own cultural history and traditions. Lambda Theta Alpha helped to show me that the sky is the limit…and has supported me throughout my ongoing journey.

In conclusion, the greatest gift that LTA has provided is the knowledge that no matter where life takes me, I am always confident that I will have a Sister there to share in my experiences…for the rest of my life.

Stefanie Savino
Tau Chapter, Fall 2000
Monmouth University, NJ

I became an interest for LTA the minute I saw the letters. It grew to become an infatuation and a passion that has lived inside of me for the past two years. I decided to join Lambda Theta Alpha for a variety of reasons. When I started my college career at Monmouth University I did not feel at home or very comfortable. I came from a high school where the majority was black and Latino and Monmouth was predominately white. Even though I am white I did not feel comfortable there and felt that I needed something, and that something was Lambda Theta Alpha. I became apart of the interest group and then began my journey in the Fall 2000 semester.

Everyone always asks me, you're not of Latin decent, why did you choose to be in a Latina sorority? LTA is so much more than a Latina sorority, it is a family of diverse women that strives for academic excellence and wants to give back to the community. That is what I was looking for; a group of women that strived for excellence within themselves and the community that really made a difference and made being Greek stand for something, rather than being another stereotype. I loved the bond that I had with the ladies at my chapter and I felt that being an LTA would benefit me and teach me about myself and that is why I became a LTA.

LTA has taught me so much information. Not only have I had the opportunity to learn more about the Latin culture, but also African American culture, Chinese culture, and the list goes on and on. Yet, I taught my sisters about my culture, and what it means to be Italian/Irish. On the other hand I have learned many valuable life lessons. I learned how to be honest within yourself and others. To push myself to limits at my weakest point. To let other people in and that it's ok to have them close to me because they are truly there and will always be there. I also learned how to give of myself and not expect to get anything in return, but to have that feeling of doing something amazing. I have had the opportunity to go to conferences where I learned about the importance of being a Greek and what true sisterhood/brotherhood is. In addition I learned that basics such as time management, how to cope under stressful situations, and study skills. I feel prepared for the real world because of LTA and I feel very fortunate to be apart of the first Latin sorority in the world because I feel that we hold our principles of unity, love, and respect to the fullest and I love everyday that I get to spend time with my sisters.

Words cannot express how much I love being a Lambda Lady. I have been able to travel along the East Coast to Maryland, Virginia, and Connecticut and I have met the most outstanding women in the whole world. It is an honor to wear the burgundy and gray letters and represent this wonderful organization. I am a very simple person so the thing that I enjoy the most about LTA is the sisterhood. It is as real as you can get. No matter the ups or the downs I have sisters all of the country that are there for me when I need them. It has been a blessing to meet our Founding Mothers, how many other sorority members can say that they met their Founding Mothers? Not that many. I have grown and learned so much about myself by being a LTA and I take each day at a time and learn more and more. It's in my heart and that's what being a LTA means to me.