National History

What began as an idea of an organization, became a reality as our seventeen founding mothers established a sisterhood that would cater to the needs of Latinas and the universal woman. In December 1975, Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized at Kean University in Union, New Jersey as the First Latina Sorority founded in the United States. 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, at Kean University, Women of Latin descent were now able to embark in Higher Education even if English was not their native language. Although this opportunity 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, political and 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.

Our 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. Lambda Theta Alpha 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.

Unity, Love, and Respect

Principles:

ΛΘΑ

Symbols

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National Website

Crest

Colors:

Burgundy & Gray

La Concha

La Palma

La Luna

Purpose

The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on unity, love, and respect. We strive to develop strong leaders who will then provide and practice political, social and cultural activities. We promote unity through charitable and educational programs and seek to maintain a higher standard of learning and serve as a voice for all women. We invite all women to learn more about us and reach out to any sister to learn more!

Goals

Scholarly excellence, empowerment of Latinas and the universal woman, cultural and political awareness, and community activism.

Chapter History

On March 15th, 2012, the Alpha Xi Alumnae Chapter was chartered by 21 sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. After hard work and dedication from sisters of various chapters from across the nation, Alpha Xi was formed and established as Virginia's first alumnae chapter.

Since then, we continue to build upon our solid foundation and grow as a chapter as we provide for our community and sisterhood. In the Fall of 2012, our chapter was truly blessed with 7 new sisters as our chapter's first line -- these wonderful women led by example as professional alumnae women and they encompass what it means to be a Universal Woman. After two years, our chapter was honored to have 6 new fierce women added to our chapter in Spring 2015. As Spring 2016 came, it was destined fate to introduce 4 new hermanas to the sisterhood. They always rise to the top to support each other and the chapter. In the Spring of 2017, 3 strong women joined us and can best be described as las fuerzas valientes, in English: the brave forces. As the years go by, our chapter continues to grow. Despite any obstacles faced, our sisterhood grew in Spring 2018 with 2 dedicated ladies as they proved to be la dinastia de resistencia, which translated means: the dynasty of resistance. Another year came by and in Spring 2019 the legacy continued with 4 new and wise women like la mano de atena or the hand of Athena, holding victory. Then just like the calm before the storm in Spring 2020, 2 triumphant ladies came out on top as el triunfo de la isla -the triumph of the island as the world changed forever. We are so proud of these ladies the go the extra mile to support the vision and goals of Alpha Xi Alumnae Chapter.

Our chapter is dedicated to the mission of Lambda Theta Alpha, as we provide a sisterhood based on unity, love, and respect. As an alumnae chapter we are unique, as we strive to continue to foster professional networking and personal relationships, not solely for already established sisters but also for women whom have attained their baccalaureate degrees and want to be involved within a professional and charitable Greek organization.

If you are interested in learning more or joining our organization, let us know on the Interested page.