LTA IN NJ STATE HOUSE, NATIONAL LTA BOOK CLUB, NAAC’S ALUMNAE APPRECIATION MONTH & MORE -
from the DAA
As we close out 2024, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the remarkable year we ’ ve had in Alumnae Affairs. We’ve seen a notable increase in alumnae participation whether through active status, events, networking, mentorship, or recordbreaking enrollment in Lifetime Active Membership and it’s been inspiring to witness so many of you re-engage with our sisterhood in new and meaningful ways. Your involvement is a testament to the enduring strength of our community and the bonds we share.
This year also marked an exciting milestone for our Alumnae Affairs program: the introduction of our new vision statement. This vision is a commitment to not only preserve the legacy of our sisterhood but also to cultivate new opportunities for connection, growth, and support for all members. We are more than just a sorority we are a lifelong sisterhood, and our vision reflects that promise.
The alumnae survey conducted earlier this year confirmed that we have many strengths to be proud of as well as opportunities to improve the alumnae experience. The Alumnae Affairs team is committed to continuing the necessary work to elevate alumnae engagement.
As we move into 2025, I am excited about the momentum we ’ ve built together and the opportunities ahead. I hope this winter season brings you peace, joy, and moments of reflection, and that you continue to feel the strength of our sisterhood, no matter where life takes you.
JenniferAlcaraz DirectorofAlumnaeAffairs
alumnae@lambdaladyorg|wwwlambdaladyorg
ALUMNAE VISION STATEMENT
To maximize alumnae engagement by creating an environment where we inspire active sisterhood for a lifetime
Alumna members who received a Bachelor’s degree within 1 year of the dues deadline
Alumna members: Regional or Area Board member Assistant to Board of Directors National Committee / Task Force member
Any member with alumna status becomes active through the statewide alumnae association
Alumnae members become active through the Metropolitan area/city alumnae chapter
To be paid in full in one payment
Application can be completed at any point of the year
Alumnae Advisor to UG chapter FT active duty military member outside of U.S. OR no alumnae chapter within 2 hours
** Currently Piloting in New Jersey.
For additional details or to submit payment view the dues information website
The Alumnae As new additional avenue for members with alumna status of at least 5 years who reside in New Jersey to become active starting in the Spring of 2025.
The Puerto Rico Pilot is a new avenue for members located in Puerto Rico to become active with the group on the path to becoming an official chapter
National Convention 2025 National Convention 2025
Our theme, “Hoy, Mañana y Siempre...Our Legacy Continues”, was created by reflecting on our roots, our shared history, and our collective future. We are so excited to gather together at the Isla del Encanto while we celebrate an amazing milestone: 50 years of beautiful sisterhood.
Newest Alumnae Chapter Pilot
Newest Alumnae Chapter Pilot
Our newest alumnae chapter pilot is based in Puerto Rico. Throughout this year, the pilot will put on programming and create an alumnae community -- they will be supported by the Florida Area 2 (FLA2) leadership team in the Southeast region.
Milca Nazario [Velo]
Enid Olivieri
Monica Anadón Irizarry
Marta I. Carrión
(Lambda, Spring 1992) (Lambda, Spring 1992)
Dailyn Rivera Milanes
Suzette Roldán Medina
Teresa Vega Rivera
(Lambda, Spring 1992)
(Lambda, Spring 1992)
(Lambda, Spring 1992)
The initial Alumnae Chapter Pilot group consists of:
Yessenia Z. García
(Lambda, Fall 1993)
Magda A. Riega Echevarría, MD
(Alpha, Spring 1983) (Alpha, Spring 1990) (Upsilon, Spring 1995)
06 / 27 - 06 / 29
Live in Puerto Rico?
Connect with the group:
Inquiry Form
Learn more about this alumnae experience in our upcoming Alumnae Newsletter in March 2025
As Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated continues to grow and evolve, it becomes increasingly important to provide flexible and inclusive pathways for alumnae members to activate their membership. While alumnae chapters play a crucial ole in keeping our sisterhood connected and engaged, there are numerous members who, due to geographical, professional, and/or personal circumstances, are unable to participate in these traditional chapter structures.
Current Active Member Types provide a one size fits all membership activation via the Alumnae Chapter structure, however, our Alumnae base is not one size fits all. As the sorority’s alumnae membership continues to mature, the spaces we provide for them also need to grow and evolve.
Recognizing the diverse needs of our alumnae, the National Alumnae Affairs Committee (NAAC) proposed the development of an alternative route for membership activation, state Alumnae Associations. It is crucial to address the needs of members of all generations and life stages.
During the 2023 24 year the NAAC and DAA Team convened to develop
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION PILOT BROCHURE
58%
believe the current alumnae experience is undergraduate-centric
The team reviewed available data after an in-depth analysis of the results from the Alumnae Survey, specifically the “Ways to Be Active” as an alumnae member, that data reflected the following:
53% do not feel connected to their local alumnae chapter
39% of that being undergrad initiated.
Other themes & connections made on the Alumnae Survey:
Leadership focused on / Main focus is on supporting Undergraduate needs
Requirements/Events are Aligned to Undergraduate (Risk Management, Recruitment/Orientation, Sorority Semesters, etc)
41%
indicated they would benefit from different active options than what are currently offered.
Absence of Alumnae-Geared / No MultiGenerational Alumnae Programming
Experience Does Not Accommodate Alumnae Schedule
Experience Centered on Orientation Activities
The Alumnae Association Pilot (AAP) will run from Spring 2025 through the 2026-2027 sorority beginning with the state of New Jersey and expanding to additional states each semester.
If you are a New Jersey alumnae wishing to engage and participate in the pilot, please attend one of the information sessions we are hosting on December 28, 2024 or January 15, 2025.
REGISTER FOR AN ALUMNAE PILOT INFORMATIONAL
ALUMNAE
In the Fall of 2023, Interested Members (IM) at Louisiana State University (LSU) reached out to the South Central Regional Recruitment & Retention Supervisor, Emily Vasquez filled with excitement and determination to join LTA They wanted to establish a chapter on their campus One year later, the group ’ s energy and commitment was so contagious, the group grew and Emily knew she had to reapply as RRRS for the year to keep that momentum going Alongside the Regional Orientation Supervisor, Jazmin Duran, they wanted to ensure these Interested Members had the guidance and support they needed to begin orientation.
With the support from the Director of Recruitment & Retention (DRR), Expansion Committee, and Expansion Representative, Ashley Miles, Emily and Jazmin were able to build a good rapport with LSU's Greek Life Office to establish the Multicultural Greek Council, which LTA will be a part of The IM group underwent orientation in Fall 2024 to establish our Eta Iota Chapter Below are a few words from Emily and Jazmin about the process of helping the undergraduates establish Eta Iota Chapter
“We feel both honored and inspired to help these passionate students bring their vision of an LTA chapter to life for the LSU community. This journey has become more than just fulfilling our role it’s about building a lasting legacy together.”
What motivated you to step into your regional position and work on expansion efforts? What are your goals for expansion in the region?
“I’m serving my second term as ROS and I still feel like there’s work to be done within our region regarding orientation. My goal has been and continues to be to align our orientation practices within the region, in hopes that we can then align with other regions My goal for expansion is to BRING OUR CHAPTERS BACK! Reactivation is a huge focus of ours so we are hoping to reactivate some of our chapters in Spring 2025!”
Jazmin Duran, South Central Regional Orientation Supervisor
“I’m serving my third term as RRRS, and I’ve built incredible connections with interested members and alumnae reactivating chapters. Hearing the reasons why these students want to bring LTA to their campus, or how they’re seeking a welcoming community, truly inspires me Everything I do in my role is for them My goal is to reactivate a few chapters within the region and support LTA’s growth in Louisiana and the Austin/San Antonio area ”
Emily Vasquez, South Central Regional Recruitment & Retention Supervisor
As alumnae in leadership, we envision other alumnae supporting the Eta Iota Chawpter to grow by supporting them through the development of a solid chapter culture and identity creating an environment that empowers Eta Iota and the Louisiana community at large
The South Central Regional Board hopes that this new chapter will motivate local alumnae chapter in Louisiana to establish a new Alumnae community for alumnae engagement and involvement. In the long term, we also aim to expand our presence in Louisiana by establishing more chapters close to Eta Iota.
Congratulations to the Founding Sisters of the Eta Iota Chapter at Louisiana State University.
ALUMNAE CHAPTER
ALUMNAE
ALPHA BETA ALUMNAE CHAPTER
HARTFORD, CONNETICUT
What began as the dream of two determined post-baccalaureate women has grown into a legacy of empowerment, leadership, and community impact that continues to inspire the alumnae and collegiate chapters of Lambda Theta Alpha.
Alpha Beta Graduate Chapter was founded on November 6, 1999, by two trailblazing women, Rhea Chritian and Diane McNeil. With the guidance of Alumnae sisters, they established the first graduate chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha outside of New Jersey. Later, in 2002, Lambda Gamma Alumnae Chapter was established for CTA1.
In 2011, the unification of graduate and alumnae chapters brought these groups together under Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter, *The Eternal Connection*. Since then, the chapter has aimed to be a driving force in Lambda Theta Alpha, supporting its mission of community service, leadership, and sisterhood.
To mark this significant milestone, Alpha Beta celebrated in style with a Gala on Friday, November 8, 2024. Proceeds from ticket sales and raffle baskets supported the Luanda Cavaco Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the chapter’s beloved Lambda angel Established in 2023, this scholarship helps support future generations of Connecticut leaders and ensures that the legacy of service and academic excellence continues.
The Eternal Connection
Established November 6th, 1999
Pictured: Founding Alpha Beta Sisters, Rhea Chritian and Diane McNeil alongside Lisa Gerald (Kappa) and Linda Diaz (Alpha Alpha)
The celebration of 25 years of the Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter is not only a celebration of the past but a reaffirmation of its ongoing commitment to each other and to the mission of Lambda Theta Alpha. With six successful lines -- the latest line being Fall 2024, Alpha Beta continues to grow and inspire new generations of Lambda Theta Alpha sisters.
Looking to the Future
As Alpha Beta celebrates 25 years, they are not only looking back at their history but also looking forward to their future. Committed to continuing to evolve, they are building on the foundation laid by their founders and past members while embracing the opportunities of the next 25 years and beyond. Maintaining a strong connection with its founding and early lines has been essential to the Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter’ success. Through regular communication, virtual meetups, and participation in chapter events, they ensure that their members are actively engaged in the sorority’s progress.
Advice for Alumnae Chapters Reaching a Milestone Anniversary
To other alumnae chapters approaching milestone anniversaries, their advice is simple: stay connected to your roots, honor your history, and ti t lti t f isterhood across generations. Maintaining aising for scholarships, and celebrating ll h h b
ALU GE
Kicking off our “Road to 50 Years” with a Monumental Celebration at the New Jersey Statehouse —
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, we'll stand together in pride and unity as as Lambda Theta Alpha Sister and NJ Assemblywoman Carmen T Morales presents a special proclamation honoring Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc as the nation’s first Latin sorority and recognizing December as our founding month! Founding Mothers, First Line, Board of Directors, and Advisors will be on the proclamation floor, just before the voting session, and we expect to have a sea of burgundy in the gallery!
Learn more about this alumnae experience in our upcoming Alumnae Newsletter in March 2025
CarmenT.Morales
NJ Assemblywoman, LD-34
Nu Chapter Alumnae, Fall 1997
January 2025
In celebration of our upcoming 50 years of sisterhood, the National Alumnae Affairs Committee (NAAC) is excited to share our National Alumnae Appreciation Month initiative!
This year ’ s theme is Pour into Yourself: A Month of Collective SelfCare. Oftentimes, we spend most of our lives pouring into our families, communities, and careers The idea of “pouring into yourself” is meant to encourage self-care and prioritize well-being so that alumnae can continue to thrive in their personal and professional lives
The NAAC will release a toolkit in December 2024 to help chapters celebrate together for this initiative
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT NOMINATION FORM
Books are powerful gateways to empathy and shared experiences - which is one of the reasons so many have tried to limit access to them. It can also be an extremely rewarding experience to explore different book genres, bond with sisters, and carve out time for yourself.
LTA
The LTA Book Club will announce the chosen book of the month at the beginning of each month via email and social media. The Book Club is open to all members (active,inactive, undergraduate, alumnae, etc.). Zoom meetings will be on the 4th Monday of each month, except for those that fall on holidays.
During the book discussion we will begin discussing the author then the book. Everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to share what theyliked or disliked about it. Finishing the book is not a requirement. As individuals shares, conversation flows with questions and comments and occasionally our facilitator will have discussion questions to get the c i
ricia Toji Lopez is a passionate about lite ember of the NAAC ub facilitator since 2
with our Book Club and submit a suggestion for a group read:
TIME
Did you know that you can apply to be a lifetime member at any time of the year? You don’t have to wait for the dues window to take on this commitment.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Alumnae Newsletter.
Groups
Damaris Garcia Zeta Alpha Chapter, FA14
Cristina Springfield Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter, SP15