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Our National History

   Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized at Kean University as the First Latina Sorority founded in the United States. Seventeen Founding Mothers wanted a forum to actively integrate the Latina community into the social, political and community service arena that other students had been involved with. The desire to progress as individuals, the need for a support system, the dedication to their community, and the aspiration for the advancement of the Latina woman marked the beginning of Lambda Theta Alpha. It allowed the independent Latina woman of a new era to have a sense of belonging and consequently 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.

 

   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 educational, political and social consciousness. In the early 1970'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.

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​   Now, over 41 years 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, ethnicity, 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 LTA began. 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.

Founding Mothers

Our Founding Mothers

Ileana Almaguer
Cecilia Alvarez
Carmen Baez
Karen Capra
Doris Cruz
Arlene Fernandez
Eneida Figueroa
Maria Gautier
Teresa Gonzalez
Thomasa Gonzalez
Diana Ibarria
Lillian Marrero - Lambda Angel
Ofelia Oviedo
Linda Perez
Aurora "Dory" Rodriguez
Maria del Carmen Vega
Marilyn Wyatt

Their legacy of Unity, Love, and Respect has been carried by multiple generations of sisters over the past 41 years. Our Founding Mothers remain active with Lambda Theta Alpha. They participate in National, Area, and Chapter events, thus proving that Lambda Theta Alpha is indeed a sisterhood for life.

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