National History
As the Latino migration to the United States increased, so did the emergence of independent Latina women who were eager to be at the forefront of a new educational, political and social consciousness. College and university enrollment mirrored this influx. 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. In 1975, Kean University introduced bilingual and Latino/Caribbean studies. Although this enabled the educational advancement of the Latina woman, still missing was the support needed to bridge the equality gap. It was during this time that 17 women convened to discuss the formation of a sorority for Latina women.
Soon thanks to the tremendous strides made by our 17 Founding Mothers, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. would grow to become the FIRST Latin sorority to cater towards the needs of Latinas in the nation. But that was not enough, these 17 Founding Mothers wanted to create a sisterhood that would serve as a support system for one another through the empowerment and education of the Latina women and in March of 1979 Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. became incorporated as an academic sorority.
Since its birth, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. has set the pace for the empowerment of the "Universal Woman" in colleges and universities across the nation. We believe it is our duty as leaders of today and tomorrow to facilitate the growth and success of both Latina and non-Latina students on every level, including undergraduate, graduate and professional. We pride ourselves on being "Latin by Tradition, NOT by Definition".
Now over 40 years later, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is still growing with over 150 chapters nationwide. LTA continues to contribute to the advancement of the Latinx community, and to the community at large, through social and educational programming. LTA has also paved the way for many other Latina organizations and until this day has continued its purpose and mission.
LTA takes immense pride in being the first and largest Latin sorority to exist in the nation. Nonetheless, we do not rest idly on our past accomplishments, but thrive day after day by being ground-breaking, innovating, originating Lambda Ladies.
Today we maintain very close ties to our Founding Mothers. Without their strength, courage, womanly intuition and knowledge, we would not exist. Our Founding Mothers are all of our mothers, for they are the voice and struggle within us and around us all. For their never-ending support and love, we pay them great homage.