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LAMBDA THETA ALPHA
LATIN SORORITY, INCORPORATED
2017 – 2018
REPORT
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Letter from Board of Directors
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Strategic Plan Summary Overview
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Our Purpose
06
Sorority Leadership & Structure
Goals & Progress Membership Feedback Implications
20
Association of Fraternity & Sorority Advisors
Board of Directors
Leadership Summit
National Committees
Lambda Lady Pursuit of Excellence Program
Internal Structure
10
National Leadership Development & Standards
Membership Alumnae Lifetime Active Members Undergraduate Membership Growth Lambda Angels
Leadership Development
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Partnerships Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation St Jude Children's Research Hospital
24
Administrative Records & Technology
26
Participation Election Results
OrgSync
Appointments
G-Suite
25
Finances Financial Statements
National Elections
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National Events & Initiatives National Convention National History Documentation Political Activism Public Relations Sexual Assault Awareness Month Hazing Prevention Gender Identity Professional & Personal Webinar Series
DEAR SISTERS, We are proud to provide you the annual installment of the sorority’s highlights and contributions. The annual report serves as a reflection on the sorority’s past work, including committee efforts, initiatives, and milestones. Through this reflection and with the support of each of our members, we can create opportunities that will help continue to propel the sorority forward. We hope that as you review this report, you will find a personal connection to your contribution as a member. Maintaining the sorority as one of the leading organizations requires commitment from each of us. We are excited to have witnessed the renewed commitment of many this past year and hope this continues into the next. With our principles at the forefront and the achievements of this year, we are confident that we will continue to improve every year. Thanks to the support of our Founding Mothers and Advisors, tireless efforts of our leaders and engaged membership, we are proud of our sisterhood and hopeful for the future. with Unity, Love, and Respect,
Board of Directors 2017-2018
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Purpose The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on unity, love and respect in an effort to foster the development of strong leaders who will then provide and practice political, social and cultural activities. It shall also be the purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha to promote unity through charitable and educational programs, maintain a higher standard of learning and serve as a voice for all students.
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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Sorority Leadership & Structure BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2017-2018 Board of Directors Lambda Theta Alpha is governed by a board of directors, which is comprised of 10 officers that are responsible for managing the affairs of the sorority between annual conventions. The Board oversees all sorority operations and is structured to ensure that all viewpoints are considered in decision-making. The Board is devoted to ensuring the sorority is positioned to be a viable organization long into the future while remaining true to our values and principles.
Alexis L. Richbourg
Laurie Ochoa National President
Director of Risk Management
Elisa A. Oliver
Lisandra Sanchez
Vice President of Internal Affairs
Director of Alumnae Affairs
Liz Lizama
Margarita Landeros
Vice President of External Affairs
Director of Undergraduate Affairs
Nathalie Canadas
Amethyst Thorman
Vice President of Administration
Director of Orientation
Michelle Grossman
Wendy Castro
Vice President of Finance
Director of Recruitment & Retention
2017-2018 Advisors During this term, the board had three National Advisors:
Founding Mother Dr. Thomasa Gonzalez
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Milena Orozco
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Merlix Reynolds
NATIONAL COMMITTEES & ASSISTANTS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Committees and Assistants are vital to the sorority’s progress as they help organize some of our most important work and carry out our goals and initiatives. Comprised of active sisters, committees also provide an opportunity for membership involvement. This year, we had a total of 17 National Committees comprised of 143 sisters, and 24 sisters served as Assistants to the Board of Directors.
National Constitution and Standing Rules Committee (5) National Gender Identity Special Committee (8) National Convention Committee (7) National Philanthropy Committee (8) National Political Education Initiative (15) National Public Relations Committee (10) National Elections Committee (5) National Finance Committee (6) National Judicial Committee (10) National Risk Management Committee (5) National Hazing Prevention Task Force (7) National Leadership Development & Standards Committee (6) National History Committee (9) National Alumnae Affairs Special Committee (10) National Orientation Committee (8) National Recruitment and Retention Committee (5) National Expansion Committee (19)
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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INTERNAL STRUCTURE
There are a total of
seven regions
During the 2017-2018 sorority year, we reached a total of 173 chapters.
with four Regional Board members in each region.
There are a total of
27 areas
48 Low Number Chapters
with five Area Board members in each area.
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22 Inactive Chapters
+2
We added two new Alumnae Chapters, bringing us to a total of
28 Alumnae Chapters.
Inactive Chapters Alpha Iota (Spring 2018) Alpha Psi (Spring 2018) Alpha Upsilon (Suspended)
New Chapters Alpha Alpha Gamma Atlantic City, New Jersey
+3
We added three new undergraduate chapters and reactivated one, bringing us to a total of
145 Undergraduate Chapters.
New Chapters Zeta Omega University of North Carolina at Greensboro Eta Alpha University of Northern Iowa Eta Beta The State University of New York College at Cortland
Re-established Chapters: Gamma Gamma The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Alpha Alpha Delta Charlotte, North Carolina
The number of schools in which the sorority has committed to open a chapter, otherwise known as Official Expansion Schools, and schools that are potential expansion and/or re-establishment locations. Official Expansion Group
Potential Expansion/ Re-establishment
Northeast
South Central
East Central
Northwest
Southeast
Southwest
North Central
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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Membership ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
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FALL 2017
SPRING 2018
Undergrad
846
851
Alumnae
829
697
At-large
192
205
Lifetime
166
184
BOD
10
10
Total
2,043
1,947
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ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP
Lambda Theta Alpha believes in a sisterhood that transcends every phase of life and strives to provide a place for post-baccalaureate women to continue embracing the life of the universal woman – family, career, community and academics. Alumnae membership offers an instant connection to lifelong friendships, professional development, networking and service opportunities. As an alumna, members receive the benefits of sisterhood while taking advantage of opportunities to continue developing leadership skills, serving the community through philanthropy or social justice projects and enhancing undergraduate programs through professional and personal experience. This year, we had 829 active alumnae members in the Fall semester and 697 in the Spring semester, a decrease of 16%. The table below highlights the variation in our alumnae membership throughout the past 5 years: '13-'14
'14-'15
'15-'16
'16-'17
'17-'18
FALL
528 475
711 742
829
SPRING
492 813
742 869
697
We have seen some fluctuations in the number of sister serving in leadership positions, with significant increases in the 2017-2018 year from the year prior. The table below highlights variation in our leadership throughout the past 5 years: '13-'14
'14-'15
'15-'16
'16-'17
'17-'18
FALL
132 171
152 139
192
SPRING
135 153
150 134
205
The figure below shows the breakdown active alumnae chapter membership.
Alumnae Chapters
FALL 2017
SPR 2018
Alpha Alpha - New Brunswick, NJ
70
35
Alpha Beta - Hartford, CT
24
19
Alpha Chi - San Francisco, CA
42
50
Alpha Delta - Silver Spring, MD
59
53
Alpha Epsilon - New York, NY
36
38
Alpha Eta - Los Angeles, CA
68
74
Alpha Gamma - Austin, TX
20
12
Alpha Iota - Nashville, TN
11
0
Alpha Kappa - Madison, WI
7
4
Alpha Lambda - Chicago, IL
71
44
Alpha Mu - Detroit, MI
13
10
Alpha Nu - Philadelphia, PA
24
18
Alpha Omega - Paterson, NJ
53
48
Alpha Omicron - Phoenix, AZ
18
17
Alpha Phi - Dallas, TX
50
24
Alpha Pi - Boston, MA
5
7
Alpha Psi - Denver, CO
7
0
Alpha Rho - Raleigh, NC
28
23
Alpha Sigma - Atlanta, GA
27
39
Alpha Tau - Albuquerque, NM
3
6
Alpha Theta - Seattle, WA
35
18
Alpha Xi - Alexandria, VA
17
46
Alpha Zeta - Fort Lauderdale, FL
41
38
Alpha Alpha Alpha - Houston, TX
17
14
Alpha Alpha Beta - San Diego, CA
31
35
Alpha Alpha Delta - Charlotte, NC
22
9
Alpha Alpha Gamma - Atlantic City, NJ
30
16
Grand Total
829
697
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Lifetime Active Membership is a special opportunity for members who have at least 10 years of membership to affirm their lifetime commitment to the sorority. The sorority currently has a total of 199 lifetime active members. The following members were granted lifetime active status during the 2017-2018 sorority year. The full list of Lifetime Active Members can be accessed on OrgSync.
Jenny Batista
Johanna Fulgencio-Prado
Linda Cervantes-Caicedo
Yvonne Miranda
Evelyn Sipiran
Migdalia Ibarrondo
Iris Rodriguez
Candice Torres
Dr. Marla Delgado-Guerrero
Yvonne Mateo Belmaachi
Pamela Martinez
Eileen Rodriguez
Lucia Ruales
Gloria Anglon
Melina Asencio-Thomas
Rosemarie Rocha
Yanira Guardado
Tamara Gonzales
Cleopatra Jones
Alamnia Rodriguez
Doribel Ramirez
Melanie Hinds
Linda Diaz
Ashley Morgan
Gaudy Rodriguez
Angela Pagรกn, Esq.
Stefanie Chavez
Erika Mercedes
Jennifer Velazquez
Julizza Reyes
Veronika Yarleque
Cecilia Suarez
Chelsea Napolitano
Sugeidy Lora-Morales
Sandra Gonzalez
Krystal Chan
Alpha, Fall 1979
Gamma, Fall 2004
Alpha, Fall 1979
Beta, Spring 2002
Nu, Fall 2005
Alpha, Fall 1979
Alpha Delta, Spring 2002
Beta Theta, Fall 2005
Alpha, Fall 1979
Beta Sigma, Fall 2000
Gamma Mu, Spring 2003
Beta Epsilon, Fall 2007
Kappa, Spring 2003
Alpha Delta, Fall 2007
Beta Sigma, Fall 2000
Alpha Delta, Spring 2003
Alpha, Fall 2007
Gamma, Fall 2000
Gamma Mu, Spring 2005
Gamma, Spring 1990
Gamma, Fall 2000
Mu, Spring 2006
Alpha Alpha, Spring 1993
Mu, Fall 2001
Gamma Xi, Spring 2006
Chi, Spring 1996
Gamma, Fall 2002
Delta Theta, Spring 2006
Gamma, Spring 1997
Beta, Fall 2004
Upsilon, Spring 2006
Beta Sigma, Spring 2001
Alpha, Fall 2004
Epsilon, Spring 2007
Mu, Spring 2001
Delta Rho, Spring 2008
Anna-Maria Heredia
Beta Upsilon, Spring 2001
UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERSHIP
'13-'14
'14-'15
'15-'16
'16-'17
'17-'18
FALL
616 538
726
814
846
SPRING
628 737
775
904
851
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This year, we are proud to have had 846 active undergraduate members in the Fall semester and 851 in the Spring semester. This table highlights the variation in our undergraduate active membership over the past five years:
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MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
Fall 2017
In Fall 2017, 55 chapters conducted orientation, which resulted in 193 new sisters initiated into our organization. The table below shows the breakdown of the number of Fall 2017 orientees by Region.
Region
ORIENTEES
NEW UNDERGRAD SISTERS
NEW ALUMNAE SISTERS
DISCONTINUED ORIENTEES
INITIATION RATE
E. Central
35
26
4
5
86%
N. Central
21
16
0
5
76%
S. Central
25
21
4
0
100%
Northeast
48
34
3
11
77%
Southeast
23
20
0
3
87%
Northwest
54
50
0
4
93%
Southwest
17
15
0
2
88%
Totals
223
182
11
30
87%
Spring 2018
In Spring 2018, 92 chapters conducted orientation, which resulted in 403 new sisters initiated into our organization. The table below shows the breakdown of the number of Spring 2018 orientees by Region.
Region
ORIENTEES
NEW UNDERGRAD SISTERS
NEW ALUMNAE SISTERS
DISCONTINUED ORIENTEES
INITIATION RATE
E. Central
71
56
7
8
89%
N. Central
80
70
6
4
95%
S. Central
30
28
0
2
93%
Northeast
76
66
7
3
96%
Southeast
68
58
9
1
99%
Northwest
45
39
5
1
98%
Southwest
54
45
7
2
96%
Totals
424
362
41
21
95%
2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
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LAMBDA ANGELS
We formally inducted two Lambda Angels into our Omega Chapter at this year’s National Convention:
Johanna Loa
iza, Alpha F
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'13
on SP l i s p E a elt
mo, D
rdo Leydi Pe
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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Strategic Plan Update OVERVIEW
In continuation of the sorority’s 2016-2018 Strategic Plan, the Board worked in alignment with our sorority's purpose, principles, and vision to accomplish its goals to strengthen the sorority culture through continuous evaluation.
The strategic plan is rooted in the sorority's purpose of providing a sisterhood based on Unity, Love and Respect; providing social and cultural activities, and carrying on charitable and educational programs; promoting leadership, maintaining high academic standards and serving as a voice for the Latino community. Now at its completion, along with providing the following summary, a thorough evaluation will be provided to the incoming Board of Directors to assist in future strategic planning.
GOALS & PROGRESS
Goal 1: Increase transparency Objective 1: Improve member understanding of decision-making. Objective 2: Increase member education and understanding of sorority policies and governing structure. Objective 3: Provide prompt updates of governing documents. Objective 4: Actively inform and empower the Leadership Team to communicate and apply policy changes.
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To increase member understanding of decision-making, the Board expanded its communication methods with the Leadership Team and the general membership. For example, we held special Leadership Team meetings to receive feedback on major decisions such as raising dues and fees. These meetings were followed up with membership presentations to provide details and answer questions. To inform the membership on sorority policies, regular engagements were held through 1:1 meetings, discussions to provide sisters the opportunity to become familiar with the policies and their purpose. In addition to informing members on the sorority's governing structure, specifically leadership positions, we continued the weekly communications preceding national elections, highlighting officer responsibilities and fun facts regarding structural changes over the years.
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Goal 2: Improve communication Objective 1: Improve communication processes amongst the Leadership Team. Objective 2: Ensure that members feel informed about sorority matters, including policy, programmatic, and/or structural changes. Objective 3: Establish consistent and strategic communications to members and partners about sorority updates. Objective 4: Increase celebratory communications that highlight member and chapter accomplishments.
Goal 3: Address sorority health Objective 1: Ensure that members are informed about shifts taking place to increase their positive engagement with the sorority. Objective 2: Reduce the number of LID Chapters. Objective 3: Increase professional development opportunities for members. Objective 4: Increase opportunities for membership feedback.
To improve communication processes among the Leadership Team, the Board provided monthly updates to Regional and Area officers to ensure that national sorority matters and efforts were communicated in a timely manner in addition to their physical attendance. In order for the general membership to feel more informed about the sorority, these emails were also used to provide updates to the general membership through email or at Area meetings. Further, the Leadership Team meeting minutes were consistently sent to the general membership within two weeks after a meeting along with regular updates after Board of Directors business retreats. Additionally, various platforms were used to honor members' accomplishments, such as the Unity, Love and Respect Testimonials that highlighted sisters and chapters who are living our principles and the continuation of the Alumnae Appreciation Month that featured alumnae contributions to the sisterhood. In addition to these efforts, we increased our efforts to highlight chapter events and accomplishments on the sorority's social media accounts and the sorority’s newsletter, “Moonlighting.”
To reduce the number of LID chapters, we focused efforts to further collaboration between recruitment and orientation leadership in developing recruitment and intake plans for low number and inactive chapters. For defunct chapters, we engaged area officers and respective schools to determine what, if any, steps can be taken towards re-establishment. To increase personal and professional development opportunities, we offered additional educational resources and strengthened existing initiatives, such as the Lambda Ladies as Empowered Advocates for Diversity (LLEAD) program and the Personal and Professional Development webinar series. Additionally, the Lambda Hill Days program offered another educational opportunity to encourage political activism within the sorority.
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ANNUAL
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MEMBERSHIP FEEDBACK
The majority of respondents were alumnae and active 80% and 81%, respectively.
The strongest representation received came from the Northeast, Southwest and Southeast regions.
Participation by Region Implications
58
We are hopeful in seeing the overall improvement of understanding and acceptance of the strategic plan and the Board’s efforts to act in the best interest of the sisterhood as noted with 49% of respondents agreeing that a strategic plan was essential for sorority planning. Although roughly 32% of members surveyed did not read the 2016-2018 strategic plan, 29% reported having knowledge of and reading the strategic plan, which raises our expectation for future engagement during the sorority’s next iteration of strategic planning. We look forward to continuing use of this information as a baseline for future planning.
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NORTHEAST
37
SOUTHWEST
32
EAST CENTRAL
29
NORTHWEST
26
NORTH CENTRAL
36
SOUTHEAST
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SOUTH CENTRAL
"I understand the leadership structure"
Spring 2018
UNDERSTAND VERY WELL
Spring 2017
UNDERSTAND WELL UNDERSTAND VAGUELY UNDERSTAND DO NOT UNDERSTAND 20
40
60
80
100
120
"When changes happen in the sorority, I understand the rationale" DISAGREE MODERATELY DISAGREE NEUTRAL MODERATELY AGREE AGREE 5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
20%
25%
30%
35%
"I feel connected to the sorority overall" DISAGREE MODERATELY DISAGREE NEUTRAL MODERATELY AGREE AGREE 10%
15%
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ANNUAL
REPORT
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Leadership Development ASSOCIATION OF FRATERNITY/SORORITY ADVISORS
We continued our annual membership with the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and selected the National President Laurie Ochoa, National Advisor Merlix Reynolds, Director of Undergraduate Affairs Maggie Landeros, Director of Risk Management Alexis Richbourg, and Director of Recruitment and Retention Wendy Castro to attend the Annual Business Meeting and Conference November 29 through December 2nd.
Sorority leaders present at this conference met with over 20 universities to discuss the current state of our chapters and expansion efforts. Attending this conference confirms that our sorority is seen as a reliable and advanced Latino Greek organization by universities and other Greek organizations. In order to maintain our reputation within the Greek community, we must continue to make every effort to stay educated on emerging topics and responsive to feedback from our university partners.
At this event, universities from across the nation send their Greek Life/Student Life staff to convene with the national leadership of most Greek organizations. The conference fosters productive discussions and collaborations between university and Greek organization staff and presents workshops and facilitates discussions on topics affecting Greek affairs.
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Board of Directors organized our annual Leadership Summit where members of the Leadership Team come together for subjectmatter training, general leadership development, collaboration, and bonding during our 2018 National Convention. This event is an integral part of our Leadership Team’s development and provides in-person collaboration between the various levels of our leadership within our organization.
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LAMBDA LADY PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
The Lambda Lady Pursuit of Excellence Program (PEP) was established in response to the changing culture on several university campuses across the nation. Requirements for Greek-lettered organizations progressed in order to foster a more positive image of the Greek Community. The purpose of the PEP is to enhance the overall undergraduate membership experience while ensuring that we are setting our chapters up for the best possible success on their respective campus. This program directly serves as a response to our mission. The program aims to:
Help undergraduate chapters achieve the minimum standards they should be meeting to be viable and successful members of the Greek community and their respective campus; Assist individual undergraduate chapters in identifying the specific areas that they may need assistance with; Recognize the talents and strengths of individual sisters and high performing undergraduate chapters; and Uphold the mission and exemplify the principles of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
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ANNUAL
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As a leading sorority, it is vital that we continue to model high standards as well as cultivate a positive and holistic experience for our undergraduate members. In the 2017-2018 sorority year, we are proud to have 56 chapters classified as Chapters of Excellence and 32 as Chapters of Achievement. The figure below shows the breakdown of chapter performance.
Status Levels Percentage of overall points received determines the chapter's status level.
88%+
Level of Excellence
78-87%+
2017-2018 PEP Performance Levels as Reported by Area Coordinators
Level of Achievement
68-77%+
7
3
4
60-67%+
NOT SUBMITTED
PROMISE
27
UNDERPERFORMING
ACHIEVEMENT
47
PROBATIONARY
EXCELLENCE
Level of Promise
Probationary Chapter
<60%+
12
Underperforming (Not in Good Standing)
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & STANDARDS
This year, eight members completed the Lambda Ladies as Empowered Advocates for Diversity (LLEAD) program. Additionally, the Committee conducted a survey of Area Coordinators to gather feedback on membership needs for professional and personal development to be able to create a workshop toolkit for leaders.
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Partnerships LAMBDA THETA ALPHA FOUNDATION
The sorority announced the official launch of the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation in August 2017. As a separate entity from the sorority, the foundation was created as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to respond to the growing need for additional financial support of educational programs, scholarships and humanitarian relief. This year, the sorority helped the foundation raise $19,156. The partnership between the sorority and the foundation will continue to ensure its mission to advance communities.
ST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL Since the sorority’s partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital began in 2010, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ending childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
2018
$57,412 2017
$68,943
The table below shows the amounts raised for St. Jude since our partnership began.
2016
$72,336
$407,355 total
2015
$87,345 2014
$51,260
2013
$30,691 2012
$21,716 2011
$17,671 2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
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Administrative Records & Technology 7,745 5,909 581 49
ORGSYNC
Lambda Theta Alpha uses an electronic network, filing and processing system called OrgSync to facilitate the communication and business functions of the sorority. The following are the statistical numbers of its use throughout the 20172018 sorority year:
GSUITE
In 2017, Lambda Theta Alpha switched its email communications to GSuite. With GSuite, we gain the benefits of 100% web-based messaging and collaboration tools. This email and calendar solution provide us with the same benefits as Gmail but with more customization and tech support. By acquiring this technology, it has allowed us to efficiently maintain sorority records and support officer transitions.
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Total people in LTA OrgSync Community Total sisters in LTA OrgSync Umbrella Sisters added in 2017-2018 Active portals
Finances Lambda Theta Alpha has been determined by the IRS to be a 501(c)(7) social club. Generally, social clubs are membership organizations primarily supported by dues, fees, charges or other funds paid by their members. During the 2017-2018 term, the sorority’s finance team focused on financial stability, education and IRS compliance. The sorority is also hereinafter referred to as the National Organization to distinguish from its subordinate constituencies for financial purposes.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of June 30, 2018, the sorority’s total cash balance was
$1,510,149 $275,462 Checking
$1,233,601 Savings
$1,086 PayPal
2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
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Elections & Appointments NATIONAL ELECTIONS
Participation Under oversight from the National Elections Committee, the sorority completed the 2018 national elections. The total number of eligible sisters who voted was 805, 40% of active sisters. This was a 1% decrease from 2017 turnout. Forty-nine percent of lifetime members cast a ballot, which was an increase from 35% in 2017.
Elections Results Below is a list of the newly-elected 2018-2020 Board of Directors:
National President
Director of Undergraduate Affairs
Elisa A. Oliver, Gamma Epsilon Chapter
Julia Maestas, Gamma Kappa Chapter
Vice President of Administration
Director of Orientation
Eva Alvarenga, Beta Gamma Chapter
Veronica Herrera, Beta Delta Chapter
Vice President of External Affairs Jennifer Rincones, Beta Omega Chapter
Appointments The national elections resulted in vacancies, which called on the Board of Directors to appoint for the following 2018-2019 sorority year.
Vice President of Internal Affairs
Director of Risk Management
Alexis L. Richbourg, Delta Beta Chapter
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Aleyda Cantu-Olivarez, Beta Eta Chapter
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National Events and Initiatives SIST
NATIONAL CONVENTION
PAS ERHOOD SPO RT
Overview In July 2018,
nearly 600 sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha convened at the Hyatt Regency Miami for its annual Leadership Summit and National Convention. The four days included sisterhood bonding, educational and motivational seminars, and celebrations that highlighted the sorority's accomplishments.
SISTER TYPE
2017 (ANAHEIM, CA)
2018 (MIAMI, FL)
New Sisters
245
217
Undergraduates
196
148
Alumnae
65
53
Inactive Sisters
22
26
VIP
34
31
Leadership
131
122
Grand Total
693
597
2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
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Awards & Recognition The awards ceremony at National Convention proceeded to recognize overachieving chapters and sisters who have exceeded all expectations through scholarship, service, political activism and sisterhood. The recipients of our 2018 National Awards are listed below:
Philanthropic Sister of the Year
Alumna Entrepreneur Award
Stephanie Carillo Higlesia, Epsilon Chi Chapter
Darling Jimenez, Alpha Rho Alumnae Chapter
Political Activist Sister of the Year
Jazzi-Blue Baker, Zeta Epsilon Chapter
Gabriela Batista-Vargas, Delta Beta Chapter
Philanthropic Chapter of the Year
Undergraduate Sister of the Year Rachel Mitchell, Zeta Epsilon Chapter
Delta Rho Chapter, University of California, Los Angeles
New Sister of the Year
Political Activist Chapter of the Year
Joami Arias, Epsilon Psi Chapter
Epsilon Omicron Chapter, Binghamton University
Alumna Sister of the Year
Undergraduate Chapter of the Year
RĂŠgine Daniels, Beta Kappa Chapter
Zeta Epsilon Chapter, Syracuse University
Campus Leader of the Year
New Chapter of the Year
Leticia Herrera Mendez, Gamma Sigma Chapter
Zeta Chi Chapter, University of Northern Colorado
Rising Professional of the Year
Area of the Year
Vanessa Gonzalez, Epsilon Chi Chapter
California Area Three
Professional of the Year
Outstanding Service to St. Jude Award
Carmen Moreno Rivera, Gamma Gamma Chapter
Zeta Kappa Chapter State University of New York – Plattsburgh
Lourdes Cortes Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Region of the Year
Universal Mother Award
Greek Advisor of the Year Award
Northeast Region
Jomarys Morales, Kappa Chapter
Eboni Turnbow, Wayne State University
Denise Vidot, Beta Sigma Chapter
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Principles Award
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POLITICAL ACTIVISM
The National Political Education Initiative Committee’s purpose is to develop and promote the sorority’s non-partisan political education efforts and incentivize sisters to participate in political activities. The committee develops relevant action plans, timelines, and supporting materials and resources that are dispersed to the membership.
Lambda Hill Days On Feb. 28 and March 1, the sorority hosted its second annual advocacy program on Capitol Hill called Lambda Hill Days. The two-day event provided an opportunity to for the 21 participants to meet with congressional offices and discuss issues related to immigration. While meeting with policymakers, members shared personal experiences and stories from their respective communities in hopes of igniting change and making reform a priority.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Social Media
@LTA_1975
Our social media presence has continued to grow throughout the 2017-2018 sorority year. Our most common hashtags used are:
37% increase from 2016-2017
7,658 followers
@LTA1975
3,885 followers #LTA1975
5% increase from 2016-2017
# L T A L e a de r s hip
# L T A L e t t er s Da y
Facebook.com/LambdaLadies
7,159 likes
# L T A s A r o u n dT he Wor l d # L T A A lu mn a e # L T A T h r o wba c k
4% increase from 2016-2017
# L T A L ov e s StJud e
@LTA1975
1,231 followers
# Univ e r s alWo man
41% increase from 2016-2017
2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
29
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
Lambda Theta Alpha once again partnered with Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. to launch a national campaign for sexual assault awareness during the month of April. Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the widespread impact sexual assault has to every person in our community. The theme of this year's Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign was “Embrace Your Voice.� The campaign called on new partners and community members to help expand sexual assault prevention efforts and ensure the next generation fosters attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect. Throughout the month of April, chapters were encouraged to co-host awareness events on campus. They were also encouraged to post pictures and messages via social media.
HAZING PREVENTION
Hazing Prevention Task Force A Hazing Prevention Task Force was established for the purpose of reviewing organizational practices and membership views on the topics of hazing, researching hazing prevention practices and to lead the development of a rehabilitation program for entities that are found responsible for violating sorority hazing policies.
National Hazing Prevention Week This year, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) was officially observed September 18-22, 2017. We encouraged all semester chapters to host NHPW activities during that week. For quarter schools, chapters organized events according to their institution's academic calendar. Activities focused on raising awareness of the issues around hazing. The goal of this annual initiative is to prevent hazing through strong educational efforts, diligent policy development and reinforcement, and comprehensive planning.
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L A M B DA
T HE T A
ALPHA
LATI N
SORORITY ,
INC.
GENDER IDENTITY
The Gender Identity Task Force was created in July 2016 in order to work with our membership to clarify our approach and policies related to transgender inclusion for our sorority. Universities are increasingly requesting such policies so that their students can make informed decisions while considering membership. In July 2017, the task force became the Gender Identity Special Committee. During the 2017-2018 term, the committee focused on outreach and education. Members of the committee presented at Area Meetings, Chapter Meetings and National Convention in order to educate our membership and raise awareness about gender identity and how it relates to our sorority. Social media was used to raise awareness during National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and Pride Month.
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES
The Professional and Personal Development Webinar Series was originally established as the Alumnae Webinar Series in 2016. In 2017, the series was revamped as the Professional and Personal Development Webinar Series to be inclusive of all sisters, both alumnae and undergraduates. The webinar series included workshops on a variety of topics such as first time home buying, LGBTQ+ terminology, mindfulness and self-care. Webinar registration showed a significant increase from last year.
2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2018 T H I S RE P O R T IS FO R EX T E R N A L US E . REPORT DESIGNED BY RÉGINE DANIELS BETA KAPPA, FALL 2013