2017 - 2018 LTA Annual Report

respect

LAMBDA THETA ALPHA

LATIN SORORITY, INCORPORATED

2017 – 2018

REPORT

04

Letter from Board of Directors

16

Strategic Plan Summary Overview

05

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

23

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

27

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

id aro pol

4

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

respect

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.

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

5

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

6

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

Milena Orozco

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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)

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

7

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.

8

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

9

Membership ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

10

L A M B DA

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

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

11

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

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

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:

SORORITY ,

INC.

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

13

LAMBDA ANGELS

We formally inducted two Lambda Angels into our Omega Chapter at this year’s National Convention:

Johanna Loa

iza, Alpha F

14

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

A'97

INC.

'13

on SP l i s p E a elt

mo, D

rdo Leydi Pe

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

15

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.

16

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

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.

SORORITY ,

INC.

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.

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

17

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.

18

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

NORTHEAST

37

SOUTHWEST

32

EAST CENTRAL

29

NORTHWEST

26

NORTH CENTRAL

36

SOUTHEAST

SORORITY ,

INC.

25

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%

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

19

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.

20

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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.

2 0 1 7 -2 0 1 8

ANNUAL

REPORT

21

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.

22

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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 sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

REPORT

23

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.

24

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

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 sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

25

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

26

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

Aleyda Cantu-Olivarez, Beta Eta Chapter

SORORITY ,

INC.

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

27

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

28

Principles Award

L A M B DA

T HE T A

ALPHA

LATI N

SORORITY ,

INC.

POLITICAL ACTIVISM

The National Political Education Initiative Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to develop and promote the sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Embrace Your Voice.â&#x20AC;? 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.

30

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

31

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