respect
LAMBDA T H E T A A L P H A LATIN SORORITY, INCORPORATED
REPORT
2018 – 2019
04 Letter from Board of Directors
05 Our Purpose
06 Leadership & Structure Board of Directors National Committees Internal Structure
10 Membership Active Membership Alumnae Membership Lifetime Membership Undergraduate Membership Membership Growth Lambda Angels
16 Strategic Plan Update Overview Objectives Membership Feedback and Involvement
20 Leadership Development Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Leadership Summit Lambda Lady Pursuit of Excellence Program National Leadership Development & Standards
23 Partnerships Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
24 Elections & Appointments National Elections
25 National Events & Initiatives National Convention Political Activism Sexual Assault Awareness Month Hazing Prevention Professional & Personal Development Webinar Series Public Relations
31 Membership Appendix Administrative Records and Technology Finances Orientation Recruitment & Retention Risk Management National Constitution
Dear Sisters, We are excited to share our highlights and updates from the 2018-2019 sorority year. The annual report serves as a reflection on the work we have done throughout the year, including membership statistics, strategic initiatives and milestones. We encourage sisters to use this as a resource to help inspire ways that we can all continue the progress and growth of our sisterhood. We hope that as you review this report, you will be able to identify the impact that each member can make within our sisterhood. Maintaining our position as a premier organization requires commitment from each individual sister. We are proud of our united efforts in creating the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan: A Vision of Unity, Rooted in Sisterhood, and we are excited to work together to accomplish our objectives and goals. As we transition to the next sorority year, we look forward to continuing to create a membership experience that exemplifies our principles while empowering sisters at all levels of participation to fulfill their lifelong commitment to the sisterhood. with Unity, Love, and Respect,
Board of Directors 2 0 18 -2 0 1 9
Our 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.
respect
Leadership & Structure 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.
2 0 1 8 -2 0 1 9 B oa r d o f D i r e c t ors
6
2018-2019 Adv isors
Elisa Oliver National President
Aleyda Cantu-Olivarez Director, Risk Management
Alexis Richbourg Vice President, Internal Affairs
Lisandra Sanchez Director, Alumnae Affairs
Jennifer Rincones Vice President, External Affairs
Julia Maestas Director, Undergraduate Affairs
Eva Alvarenga Vice President, Administration
Veronica Herrera Director, Orientation
Michelle Grossman Vice President, Finance
Wendy Castro Director, Recruitment & Retention
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
During this term we had five National Advisors: Ofelia Oviedo, Founding Mother Iris Rodriguez Merlix Reynolds Jennifer Benitez Alcaraz Yvonne Garcia Thomas
NATIONAL COMMITTEES & ASSISTANTS 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.
17 National Committees 24 Assistants 143 Total Sisters
7
8
Constitution & Standing Rules Committee
Gender Identity Special Committee
7
8
Convention Committee
Philanthropy Committee
15
10
Political Education Initiative
Public Relations Committee
5
6
Elections Committee
Finance Committee
7
7
Judicial Committee
8
Risk Management Committee
6
Hazing Prevention Task Force
Leadership Development & Standards Committee
History Committee
Alumnae Affairs Special Committee
6 8
Orientation Committee
19
8 5
Recruitment & Retention Committee
Expansion Committee 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
7
INTERNAL STRUCTURE
7 total regions
27 total areas 5 Area Board members per area
4 Regional Board members per region
174 chapters 146 Undergraduate 28 Alumnae Welcome & Welcome back! Xi Chapter Iona College, Fall 2018 Delta Chi Chapter California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, Spring 2019 Eta Gamma Chapter Univ. of California, San Diego, Spring 2019
8
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
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
SISTER SIDEBAR
e. e. rodriguez
Zion in El Salvador Published in Grub Street Literary Magazine Vol. 68 at Towson University instagram.com/e.e.rodriguez • emelyerodriguez.com
Abuelita wraps me up in tamalitos, so warm, But she cools me down with Fresa Tropical, ah Canciones de mariachi cry in the background, and we
sister spotlight
Dance like we’re wearing clothes made of cucarachas Executing imprecise movements like forced twitches Fixating, fixating, fixating, on las guitarras Gently strummed, unlike the singers’ vocal chords Harsh, hoarse, heartfelt vibrations that tingle my eardrum I’ve never seen tears fall in tune to a beat like this before Just watch my mother’s head sway back and forth Knowingly imitating the tapping of the performers’ feet Like her body embodies the songs of melancholic mariachi Musical notes invading her bloodstream, her lagrimas shine Nosotros – felices en nuestras vidas sencillas Oblivious to our nearing flight departure Persistently ignoring the dates on the calendar Questioning what life could have felt like before this Repressing the thoughts of once existing outside of this Sin mi país bellísimo, sin mi país, sin mi This is my people’s holy land, but it doesn’t feel mine Unfathomable experience of being both free and shackled Vulnerable with no country, vulnerable within it Withholding parts of my soul, trapped in two places Xenophobes in two nations targeting parts of me, I’m just Yearning for my country to be mine.
Emely Rodriguez Delta Psi Chapter Fall 2015 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
9
Membership
10
F A 18
S P 19
808
833
Undergraduate
569
730
Alumnae
211
227
At-Large
206
210
Lifetime
10
10
BOD
1804
2010
Total
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
“ for the rest of our days...
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
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 your leadership skills, serving your community through philanthropy or social justice projects and enhancing undergraduate programs through your professional and personal experience. This year we are proud to have had 569 active alumnae members in the Fall semester and 730 in the Spring semester. The table below highlights the variation in our alumnae membership throughout the past 5 years:
'13-'14 FALL
SPRING
'14-'15
'15-'16
'16-'17
'17-'18
'18-'19
528 475 7 1 1 7 4 2 8 2 9 569 492 813 7 4 2 8 6 9 6 9 7 730
We have seen some fluctuations in the number of sisters serving in leadership positions, with significant increases in the year from the year prior.
The table below shows the breakdown of historical and current alumnae chapter membership.
A lumna e Chap te rs
FA18
SP19
Alpha Alpha - New Brunswick, NJ
34
35
Alpha Beta - Hartford, CT
20
27
Alpha Chi - San Francisco, CA
36
55
Alpha Delta - Silver Spring, MD
25
62
Alpha Epsilon - New York, NY
24
36
Alpha Eta - Los Angeles, CA
62
88
Alpha Gamma - Austin, TX
11
19
Alpha Iota - Nashville, TN
17
15
Alpha Kappa - Madison, WI
6
9
Alpha Lambda - Chicago, IL
52
64
Alpha Mu - Detroit, MI
9
18
Alpha Nu - Philadelphia, PA
14
28
Alpha Omega - Paterson, NJ
15
12
Alpha Omicron - Phoenix, AZ
12
10
Alpha Phi - Dallas, TX
29
21
Alpha Pi - Boston, MA
5
5
Alpha Psi - Denver, CO
7
6
Alpha Rho - Raleigh, NC
17
23
Alpha Sigma - Atlanta, GA
28
29
Alpha Tau - Albuquerque, NM
0
0
Alpha Theta - Seattle, WA
20
21
Alpha Xi - Alexandria, VA
14
30
Alpha Zeta - Fort Lauderdale, FL
39
40
Alpha Alpha Alpha - Houston, TX
22
19
Alpha Alpha Beta - San Diego, CA
32
32
Alpha Alpha Delta - Charlotte, NC
7
7
Alpha Alpha Gamma - Atlantic City, NJ
12
19
Gr a n d T o t a l
569
730
2018-2019 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 217 lifetime active members. The following members were granted lifetime active status during the sorority Year. The full list of Lifetime Active Members can be accessed on OrgSync.
Yvonne Medina Eta, Spring 1993
Stephanie Gonzalez Beta Alpha, Spring 2007
Elizabeth Lizama Upsilon, Spring 2004
Sandra McDonald Alpha Gamma, Spring 2007
Anabel Damacela Delta, Fall 1999
Sylvia Ibarra Delta Nu, Spring 2008
Michelle Taylor Gamma Mu, Spring 2004
Michelle Losey Tau, Spring 2008
Sara Tibebu Gamma Mu, Spring 2004
Christin Pratt-Christensen Beta Mu, Spring 2008
Marjoris Fernandez Alpha Epsilon, Fall 2006
Angie Roque Delta Epsilon, Spring 2008
Leandra Gonzalez Beta Epsilon, Spring 2006
UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERSHIP This year we are proud to have had 846 active undergraduate members in the Fall semester and 851 in the Spring semester. The table below highlights the variation in our undergraduate active membership over the past five years: '13-'14
12
'14-'15
'15-'16
'16-'17
'17-'18
'18-'19
FALL
616 5 3 8 7 2 6 8 1 4 8 4 6 808
SPRING
628 7 3 7 7 7 5 9 0 4 8 5 1 833
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
ORIENTEES
NEW UNDERGRAD SISTERS
NEW ALUMNAE SISTERS
DISCONTINUED ORIENTEES
INITIATION RATE
E. Central
24
18
2
4
83%
N. Central
24
21
2
1
96%
Northeast
30
23
5
2
93%
Northwest
21
21
0
0
100%
S. Central
9
6
0
3
67%
Southeast
20
20
0
3
100%
Southwest
29
29
0
0
100%
Totals
157
1 36
9
10
94%
fall 2018
In Fall 2018, 44 chapters conducted orientation, which resulted in 147 new sisters initiated into our organization. The table below shows the breakdown of the number of Fall 2018 orientees by Region.
ORIENTEES
NEW UNDERGRAD SISTERS
NEW ALUMNAE SISTERS
DISCONTINUED ORIENTEES
INITIATION RATE
E. Central
59
46
9
4
93%
N. Central
71
67
0
4
94%
Northeast
54
33
13
6
89%
Northwest
88
80
5
3
93%
S. Central
34
32
2
0
100%
Southeast
41
34
0
7
83%
Southwest
73
62
6
5
93%
Totals
420
3 54
35
29
93%
spring 2019
In Spring 2019, 91 chapters conducted orientation, which resulted in 389 new sisters initiated into our organization. The table below shows the breakdown of the number of Spring 2019 orientees by Region.
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
13
LAMBDA ANGELS We formally inducted one Lambda Angel into our Omega Chapter at this year’s National Convention:
Ω
Mojarro
CortesMayra Alejandra
Mayra Alejandra Cortes- Mojarro Epsilon Epsilon Spring 2015
“
You never quit and poured your heart into every single thing you set your mind to. Thank you for always looking out for us, reminding us to work hard and to be confident in everything we do.
“
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LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
OMEGA CHAPTER
Lourdes Cortes Omicron Chapter
Founding Sister Luanda Elizabeth Cavaco Beta Alpha Chapter
Honorary Sister & Chapter Advisor, Dr. Sylvia Feliciano Zeta Chapter
Patricia Vasquez Beta Phi Chapter
Honorary Sister Emilia Herrera (Heredia) Eta Chapter Honorary Sister Melanie Rosado Psi Chapter Founding Sister Alyssa Estevez Gamma Epsilon Chapter Evie Burgos Hernandez Zeta Chapter Founding Mother Lillian Marrero Alpha Chapter Benny Esmeralda Abreu Beta Theta Chapter Founding Sister Paulina Annette Garcia Beta Xi Chapter
Mercedes Fabor Mu Chapter Stephanie Irene Murrel Gamma Chapter Theresa Nerney Gamma Chapter Merlin Bello Xi Chapter Senobia Ortega Beta Nu Chapter Johanna “Jo-Jo� Loaiza Alpha Chapter Leydi Perdomo Delta Epsilon Chapter Mayra Alejandra Cortes-Mojarro Epsilon Epsilon Chapter
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Strategic Plan Update OVERVIEW Roo t ed i n O u r P u r p ose 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.
Pi l la r s
V a lue T hre a ds Membership Experience
This set of values will be incorporated throughout the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan. The Board of Directors believes in these guiding values and we plan to keep them at the core of the work that we do for our sisterhood.
Leadership Development
Operational Sustainability
Fiscal Health
Branding and Partnerships
16
United Sisterhood National Accountability Inclusion at all Levels Trust Through Transparency Your Vision, Your Impact
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
OBJECTIVES Mem b e r sh i p E x p e r i e n c e Creating a membership experience that exemplifies our principles while empowering sisters at all levels of participation to fulfill their lifelong commitment to the sisterhood.
1
Increase educational and mentorship opportunities to create a seamless transition between all membership stages.
2
Address alumnae challenges by sustaining an alumnae structure that is built to recruit and retain professional women.
3
Provide incentives to sisters that show appreciation and recognition for their commitment and work, while promoting already existing opportunities.
L e a d e r sh i p D e v e l o p m e n t Inspiring, unifying and creating a path for empowered leaders and providing the necessary tools that will ignite passion for our sisterhood and the community.
1
Provide resources and incentives for leaders to be successful in their role and promote bonding, collaboration, retention and an interactive work culture.
2
Review organizational structure to identify opportunities to improve workflow and accountability of Leadership Team members.
3
Improve officer training structure, content, accessibility and overall onboarding process.
O pe r a t i on a l S u sta i n a bi l i ty Enhancing the membership experience through optimization of resources, innovation and communication.
1
Streamline paperwork, policies and procedures to ensure clear alignment with sorority needs as well as organized archives.
2
Refine officer transition process to ensure position familiarity and stability across all levels of leadership.
3
Enhance use of technology to improve reach and accessibility of information for membership.
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
17
OBJECTIVES (CONT’D) Fi s c a l H e a l th Uniting to ensure a healthy and secure financial future for our Sisterhood.
1
Elevate membership accountability in the sorority’s financial health by increasing awareness of information and educational opportunities.
2
Enhance operations by identifying new opportunities to increase revenue as well as creating defined spend plans and targeted savings plans.
3
Create sustainable processes that will ensure internal and external (IRS) fiscal compliance and federal protection of sorority funds.
Br an d in g a n d P a r tn e rs hi p s Aiming to be recognized as the premier organization that empowers members to serve our communities.
1
18
Expand our organizational visibility by elevating the sorority’s brand.
2
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
Strengthen and establish strategic partnerships on all sorority levels (chapter, area, regional and national).
3
Mobilize civic engagement by increasing opportunities for philanthropic and political initiatives.
MEMBERSHIP FEEDBACK AND INVOLVEMENT In August of 2018, a Strategic Plan Task Force was created to lead the development of a plan for what the next four years should look like for our Sisterhood. This task force consisted of members of the Board of Directors, National Advisors, Leadership Team, alumnae and undergraduate members. The task force was led by Chair, Jenny Batista (Alpha Chapter, First Line).
For the first time in our history, a strategic plan was approved by a vote from our Voting Delegates. The Voting Delegates voted unanimously in favor of the plan proposed by the Strategic Plan Task Force.
The Strategic Plan Task Force sought a number of opportunities to hear from the membership on what opportunities and challenges we face as a sisterhood. Each region hosted an open forum and engaged in discussions to raise membership awareness about the Strategic Plan. Also, a Survey was disseminated to the membership to ensure all of our members had a voice in the final objectives of the plan -
674
members participated in this survey.
teps: S t x e N
on will i t a z i n a the org term goals to f o l e v . Each le g- and short he plan t f o n s o s l create e to the succe ut contrib
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
19
Leadership Development ASSOC. OF FRATERNITY/SORORITY ADVISORS In December 2018, the National President, Director of Risk Management, Director of Undergraduate Affairs and Director of Recruitment and Retention attended the Association of Fraternal Advisors (AFA) Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. The meeting is a time to network and learn from collegiate partners from over 120 institutions we have active relationships with and grow new ones. Lambda Theta Alpha prides itself on connecting on ways we can collaborate to further support our undergraduate chapters and strengthen opportunities for our undergraduates. Lambda Theta Alpha looks forward to our continued partnership with AFA as we work to empower our students as future leaders and professionals.
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT The 2019 Leadership Summit took place in Denver, Colorado on June 27- 28, 2019. This two day event was held exclusively for national and regional leaders only. During the Leadership Summit, Regional Officers received position specific training as well as had time to plan and set goals for the Sorority year that aligned with the 20182022 Strategic Plan: A Vision of Unity, Rooted in Sisterhood. National and Regional leaders bonded to foster strong working relationships. In 2019 Regional officers hosted Regional Leadership Conferences across the country. Area leaders had the opportunity to share best practices, bond and be trained by Regional Leaders.
20
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
The Lambda Lady Pursuit of Excellence Program (PEP) was established in response to the changing culture on several university campuses across the nation as requirements for Greek lettered organizations progressed in order to foster a more positive image of the Greek Community.
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;
OF
EXCELLENCE PROGRAM 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:
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.
V
LAMBDA LADY PURSUIT
2018-2019 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 Sorority year, we are proud to have 38 chapters classified as Chapters of Excellence and 18 as Chapters of Achievement. The figure below shows the breakdown of chapter performance.
Chapters of Excellence EC
Pi, Upsilon, Beta Kappa, Delta Pi, Delta Psi, Epsilon Theta, Zeta Alpha, Zeta Pi
NC
Beta Omicron, Beta Psi, Gamma Mu, Delta Nu, Zeta Lambda, Zeta Tau, Zeta Upsilon, Zeta Phi, Epsilon Pi
NW
Beta Xi, Delta Theta, Epsilon Upsilon
SC
Beta Eta, Beta Mu, Gamma Rho, Gamma xi
SE
Beta Gamma, Gamma Gamma, Gamma Delta, Gamma Nu, Delta Beta, Epsilon Alpha, Zeta Omicron
SW
Beta Delta, Gamma Zeta, Gamma Psi, Delta Rho, Delta Phi, Gamma Upsilon
Status Le ve ls Percentage of overall points received determines the chapter's status level.
88%+
Level of Excellence
78-87%+ Level of Achievement
68-77%+ Level of Promise
60-67%+ Probationary Chapter
<60%+ Underperforming (Not in Good Standing)
NAT’L LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & STANDARDS The Committee welcomed 6 undergraduates and 17 alumnae members into their Lambda Ladies as Empowered Advocates for Diversity (LLEAD) Program. Additionally, the Committee focused on framework modifications, with a performance improvement approach, to PEP. In addition,
22
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
Collegiate Chat webinars were implemented that provided leadership and undergraduate discussion and learning about topics regarding the university/college, alumna advisorship, stress & anxiety and feedback from undergraduates on their overall experience.
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 $26,384 surpassing our $25,000 annual goal. The partnership between the sorority and the foundation will continue to ensure its mission to advance communities.
L T A F 2018 A N N U A L R E P O R T
$26,384 raised
2019
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. The graphic below shows the amounts raised for St. Jude since our partnership began.
2011
2012
$17,671
$21,716
2014
2015
$51,260 2017
$68,943
$87,345
2013
$30,691 2016
$72,336
2018
$57,412
$53,010 raised
2019
23
Elections & Appointments NATIONAL ELECTIONS P ar t i ci pa t i o n Under oversight from the National Elections Committee, the sorority completed the 2019 National elections. The total number of eligible sisters who voted was 665, 42% of active sisters. This was a 1% increase from 2018 turnout. Thirty-four percent of lifetime members cast a ballot, which was a decrease of 15% in 2018.
42%
active sisters
34%
lifetime members
Ele c t i o ns R e su l ts Below is a list of the newly-elected 2019-2021 Board of Directors:
Alexis Richbourg Vice President Internal Affairs
Michelle Grossman Vice President, Finance
Aleyda Cantu-Olivarez Director, Risk Management
Lisandra Sanchez Director, Alumnae Affairs
Wendy Castro Director, Recruitment & Retention
24
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
National Events & Initiatives NATIONAL CONVENTION Over vi e w In June 2019, nearly 500 sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha convened at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center 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
2018 (MIAMI, FL)
2019 (DENVER, CO)
% CHANGE
New Sisters
217
195
-10%
Undergraduates
148
267
80%
Alumnae
53
100
89%
Inactive Sisters
26
18
-31%
VIP
31
39
26%
Leadership
122
28*
-77%
Grand Total
597
452
-24%
SIST
PAS ERHOOD SPO RT
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
25
Over vi e w 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
Amy Vicente, Delta Beta Chapter
Political Activist Sister of the Year
Philanthropic Chapter of the Year
Maria Del Rosario Palacios, Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter
Beta Omega Chapter, Wayne State University
Undergraduate Sister of the Year
Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter, Atlanta, Georgia
Jasmine Jimenez, Delta Beta Chapter
New Sister of the Year
Bianca Avila, Zeta Chi Chapter
Alumna Sister of the Year
Dejah McCoy, Beta Theta Chapter
Campus Leader of the Year
Michaella Tancayo, Zeta Chi Chapter
Rising Professional of the Year
Cindy Ezcurra, Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter
Professional of the Year
Brittani Carter, Delta Beta Chapter
Lourdes Cortes Scholarship for Academic Excellence Alma Sida, Gamma Mu Chapter
Universal Mother Award Liz Lizama, Upsilon Chapter
26
Principles Award
Lilyette Tagala, Beta Kappa Chapter
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
Political Activist Chapter of the Year Undergraduate Chapter of the Year
Delta Rho Chapter, University of California – Los Angeles
New Chapter of the Year
Eta Alpha Chapter, University of Northern Iowa
Area of the Year Michigan Area One
Outstanding Service to St. Jude Award Gamma Nu Chapter, Emory University
Region of the Year Southeast Region
Greek Advisor of the Year Award
Tenea Lowery, University of Tenessee, Knoxville
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. Please see Appendix A for a list of all committee members.
The Political Education Initiative (PEI) Committee hosted the sorority’s 3rd Annual Lambda Hill Days program. The two-day advocacy program took place February 27-28, 2019 in Washington D.C. and served as a direct opportunity for our members to meet with elected officials and advocate for positive changes in our communities. As a result of a poll conducted with members earlier this year, the core focus of this year’s event was immigration. In response to a proclaimed national emergency at our southern border and months of attacks to our immigrant communities, the two-day advocacy initiative came at a critical time. Sorority members In preparation for Lambda Hill Days, participating sorority members received legislative updates regarding immigration and best practices on lobbying from FWD.us, UnidosUS and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute DC Alumnae Chapter (CHCI). The 20 participants met with over 35 congressional offices to push for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, DREAMers, TPS holders and asylum seekers; humane regulations at our borders; and zero funding for any wall propositions. They shared personal experiences and stories from their respective communities in hopes of igniting change and making immigration reform a priority for the 116th Congress. With this annual event, the Political Education Initiative Committee hopes to serve as a voice for the Latino community and demonstrate the immense power that lies within our sorority.
“immense power”
L ambda Hi l l Da y s
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
27
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, “I Ask”. The campaign called on new partners and community members to champion the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and a necessary part of everyday interactions and 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 Hazi n g Pr e v e n tion T a sk F or c e 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.
N at i o na l Ha z i n g P r e v e n tion W e e k This year, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) was officially observed September 24 – 28, 2018 and we encouraged all semester chapters to host NHPW activities during that week. For quarter school chapters, utilized any week that they decided was best for them. All chapters organized activities and events around a national awareness week to bring attention to the problem of hazing. The ultimate goal is to prevent hazing through strong educational efforts, diligent policy development and reinforcement, and comprehensive planning.
28
LAMBDA THETA ALPHA LATIN SORORITY, INC.
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES
The Professional and Personal Development Webinar Series was originally established as the Alumnae Webinar Series in 2016. This year the series was held over a course of four months. We hosted webinars on self care, professional presence and the graduate school application process. Our presenters were a combination of sisters and outside volunteers. This was the first year where we featured outside presenters for the Professional and Personal Development Webinar series. The webinars are made available for viewing to our members using Go to Webinar.
PUBLIC RELATIONS Social M e d i a Our social media presence has continued to grow throughout the sorority year. Our most common hashtags used are:
#LTA 1 9 7 5
#L T A L e a de r s hip
9% increase
@LTA1975 5% increase
#LTAs A r o u n d T he Wor l d
#LTA T h r o w b ac k
8,322 followers
3,930 followers
#LTA L e t t e r s D ay
#LTA A l u m n ae
@LTA_1975
# L T A L ov e s StJu de
Facebook.com/LambdaLadies
7,325 likes 1% increase
# Un iv e r s a l Woman @LTA1975
1,926 followers 56% increase
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
29
respect
This report is for external use. Additional annual data is available to members via our Membership Appendix. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Š 2020
Design by RĂŠgine Daniels Carreras Beta Kappa Chapter, Fall 2013 www.reginedaniels.com