A
E
M N U A L
NEWSLETTER
Luna Cresciente: Phases of Sisterhood
Lifetime Active Membership
Strengthening Your LS Connection
House Market
Learn more on why LTA members should achieve Lifetime Active Membership
Find out how LTA alumnae members are strengthening their LS connection during the pandemic
Learn from LTA members how to navigate today's house market
CONTENTS
02 Welcome Note
04-05 Why Should You Become a Lifetime Active Member
14-15 Luna Cresciente: Phases through Sisterhood
Strengthening Your LS Connection
16 House Market: Ups and Downs
19-20 Alumnae Life: Members in Crime Field
26 Credits Page 1
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the different phases of la Luna... Our newsletter serves as a place to connect, share, and
Holiday Fun
Check out this nifty word search and crossword on page 15.
stay informed on all things alumnae. This edition is similar to the phases of la Luna. We have several articles regarding information on Lifetime
Alumnae Life: Mommy Edition
Working moms everywhere! How is it balancing being a mom, a sister, and professional? Check page 12-14 to learn more!
Alumnae Engagement Officers Do you know the role of an Alumnae Engagement Officer and how to become one? Find out more on page 23-26.
Active Membership, members' views on the current house market, tips on being a professional in the Crime field and an Alumnae member, and many more. Throughout this edition, you'll also find updates to keep you informed and Alumnae spotlights on our current Alumnae Engagement Officers. Each article will lead you through the phases of la Luna. Take a breath. Relax. And enjoy reading our latest edition! With Unity, Love and Respect,
Alumnae Newsletter Subcommittee National Alumnae Affairs Committee
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Fall 2020
Winter 2020
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Spring 2021
Summer 2021
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Why Should You Become A
By Stephanie Gutierrez- Munguia Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter FA16
What does it mean to become a Lifetime Active Member? As a Lambda Theta Alpha member, Lifetime Active Membership is a great achievement that can be achieved after 10 years of membership. However, many members don’t know that the Lifetime Active Membership application is open ALL YEAR ROUND! There are many benefits about being a Lifetime Active Member. Check out what these benefits are on page 20! Here are some members who have shared why they became Lifetime Active Members and what this achievement means to them.
Vanessa Madrazo Alpha Zeta Alumnae Chapter, SP09 Being Lifetime is awesome! I did it as soon as I met the requirements. It means I can give back to LTA and remain active without having to worry about requirements or dues. I highly encourage this to sisters as it keeps that Lambda glow going!
Maria Elena Ornelas Gamma Beta Chapter, SP05 Being a Lifetime Active Member has allowed me to focus more on the sisterhood aspect of the sorority. I have also used my status as a Lifetime Active Member to engage more as an area leader for the past handful of years. I put a bit of money aside each paycheck to help with the Lifetime Active Member dues, and I’d encourage anyone interested to do the same.
Linda Cervantes-Caicedo Beta Chapter, SP02 I love ignoring the dues reminder emails every semester! Haha, [joke aside], We say that LTA is a lifelong commitment and by becoming a lifetime active member, I am reaffirming my commitment and continuing to give back. #LeadByExample
Stephanie Santana Iota Chapter, SP09 Out of sight, out of mind. If you can do it through PayPal, do it! They give you a six month interest-free payment plan.
*These responses are derived from a Facebook post where alumnae members answered: "How is it being a Lifetime Active Member? Why should LTA members become Lifetime members, and what do you recommend for those who want to apply?"
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L I F E T I M E A C T I V E M E M B E R C O N T .
Candice Torres, initiated through Beta Theta Chapter, active through Alpha Upsilon Alumnae Chapter, #3, suggested sisters and siblings should create a savings for the membership, especially before a member’s 10th Lambdaversary. Candice Torres Beta Theta Chapter FA07
“I would recommend sisters think ahead two years of purchasing their lifetime membership so they can budget and save. It’s worth it, [especially] if you always want to be informed on sorority initiatives, plan to be on national committees to support, and don’t want to think of renewing each semester. It saves you time and it is budget-friendly!” - Candice Torres, Beta Theta Chapter, FA07
We invite all members to consider becoming a Lifetime Active Member when they can. If you are already a Lifetime Active Member, simply notify the nearest alumnae chapter of your intent to be active this semester. If you are thinking of applying for Lifetime Active Membership, applications are accepted all-year-round and can be submitted via the Lifetime Active Membership Form. Page 5
Growing Pains: ALUMNAE PERSPECTIVES ON CHANGE AND TRANSITION BY MARINA CORONA EPSILON CHAPTER SP18
Lights off, finally...sisterhood. Lights on, everyone cheers. Wiping away your tears (because who are we kidding, we all cried). It finally starts to set in. All your hard work and dedication have paid off--you are now a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. You look around and you see some members are older than you, some are younger.
But you know no matter how long it took you to get here, how many years have passed since those glorious college days, this is where you belong. You think back to your college graduation (maybe even your time in grad school) and the institution/s of which you've been an alumna for some time now as you look at your new community and celebrate your most recent graduation-you are now an alumna of Lambda Theta Alpha, too.
Gowns on, caps on. Tassels switching sides, caps off. Congrats, you're an alumna now! You can place that shiny new "Alma Mater" or "X University Alumni" sticker on your car now. Because it's true, you are no longer a college student. You are no longer an undergraduate member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Now, you are an alumnae of both.
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GROWING PAINS
To most, the term "alumna" indicates a female(-identifying) graduate from a college or university. A former member of that institution who has since received a diploma (or two or three) and went on to accomplish amazing feats. But to us, the members of ΛΘΑ, that term signifies so much more. Alumnae come in all forms--in the traditional sense, transitioning from undergraduate members to alumnae life, as well as becoming a new member after having already completed your college career.
“
I joined LTA because I loved the idea of becoming part of a sisterhood that acknowledged and celebrated diversity among its members. [But] I ultimately felt like LTA did not serve alumnae sisters as much as it did undergraduate...
When we recite our creed, we say we KEARA DOTSON believe in the progress and growth GAMMA GAMMA SP07 of Lambda Theta Alpha--but in order for this to be true, we must be open to feedback from our members about our weak spots and the ways they need us to progress and grow.
CHAPTER
”
We can all agree that each of us view alumnae life within ΛΘΑ differently, and that's not just 'okay', it's welcomed. If alumnae life was the exact same for everyone, well, let's just say we wouldn't be ΛΘΑ--"Individually unique, together complete." In a survey, members from across the country shared their perspectives on alumnae life at different levels. I am grateful to have gotten takes from members who went inactive for a number of years and are now active once more, to alumnae who have joined our organization more recently. While they all shared about the beauty of ΛΘΑ, many shared what they felt was missing to make this sisterhood a home for everyone.
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GROWING PAINS
There is no one right way to be an alumna--there's only your way. To some, that might mean continuous [at times intense] involvement (*cough cough* like a certain someone who took on a Chair position in her first full year as an active alumna), and to others, it could simply mean staying connected with Line Sisters or those in the organization they're closest to. To some, it could mean sitting in the passenger seat enjoying the view and observing and learning from afar, and still yet to others it could mean taking a step back and focusing on professions, families, and/or personal goals. I have no doubt that ΛΘΑ will continue to grow and prosper, and that our Lovely Lambda Ladies will create spaces in the organization and in their hearts that provide a home away from home for every member of ΛΘΑ. Q&A: KEARA DOTSON Gamma Gamma Chapter SP07
WHY DID YOU JOIN LTA? "I joined LTA because I loved the idea of becoming part of a sisterhood that acknowledged and celebrated diversity among its members. The sisters in my chapter were very welcoming and personable women, which is not what you typically experience at a southern PWI. I loved the idea of joining a life-long, growing sisterhood."
FOR HOW MANY YEARS WERE YOU INACTIVE? "11 years"
WHY WERE YOU INACTIVE ALL THOSE YEARS? "I ultimately felt like LTA did not serve alumnae sisters as much as it did undergraduate sisters. I served on the alumnae chapter executive board for one year after finishing my Bachelor's Degree and while working on my Master's Degree. During that year, I participated in orientation, Spring Conference planning, social event planning, community service planning, and I attended national convention. I enjoyed the experiences, but felt myself getting exhausted with balancing LTA and my graduate school responsibilities. I had also moved to a new state, and struggled with feeling 'accepted' by sisters in the area as I was not a part of their chapter or line(s). In 2010, I felt that I was not getting as much as a benefit from being active in LTA as I would have during undergrad. The sorority seemed to offer very little to alumnae, and I ultimately decided to go inactive to focus on graduate school."
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GROWING PAINS
Q&A: NATALIA FERNÁNDEZ Beta Mu Chapter SP05
WHY DID YOU JOIN LTA? "Because I wanted to be a part of a sisterhood; the sisters at my school welcomed and accepted me as an interest and showcased the principles of unity, love, and respect"
WHAT MAJOR CHANGES HAVE YOU NOTICED FROM THE TIME BEFORE BECOMING INACTIVE TO NOW? "Numerous changes to orientation process, participating in virtual orientation, campus group site, changes from alumnae/graduate chapter merge"
the
FOR HOW MANY YEARS WERE YOU INACTIVE? "5 years"
WHAT ADVICE/INSIGHT DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT MADE YOU INACTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE? "Reach out! Its ok to step back if you need to. There are ways to stay involved and connected even if you can't always pay dues or can't hold leadership positions. Just don't forget that sisterhood is for a lifetime and we are all sisters regardless of active/inactive status."
“
...don't forget that sisterhood is for a lifetime and we are all sisters regardless of active/inactive status. NATALIA FERNÁNDEZ BETA MU CHAPTER SP05
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GROWING PAINS
“
Don't beat yourself up. You have to take care of yourself first...
”
WENDY CASTILLO BETA THETA CHAPTER FA04
Q&A: WENDY CASTILLO Beta Theta Chapter FA04 WHY DID YOU JOIN LTA? "Sisterhood, community involvement, advancement for our communities, women empowerment"
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE ABOUT BEING AN ALUMNAE MEMBER? "I have more resources and a better grasp of "adulting" to help my younger sisters more easily."
FOR HOW MANY YEARS WERE YOU INACTIVE? "8-10 years"
WHAT ADVICE/INSIGHT DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT MADE YOU INACTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE? "Don't beat yourself up. You have to take care of yourself first and in due time you will be able to contribute more as you see fit. This will make you more productive. Sisterhood is forever." Continue reading at next page >
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GROWING PAINS
Q&A: ARIANA THALIA ROSA Beta Lambda Chapter SP20
WHY DID YOU JOIN LTA? ""Sisters showed up for me when no one else would, during a time I needed support. LTA has given me the confidence and love I only hope to give others."
WHY ARE YOU CURRENTLY ACTIVE? "I choose to give back to LTA what they gave to me. Assisting in showing that support and love to my chapter and being active through a committee gives me the opportunity to give back."
WHAT WAS CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR TRANSITION TO ALUMNAE LIFE? WHAT MADE/MAKES IT WORTH IT? "The fact that I had to accustom to not being able to help create legacies or foundations within my chapter was hard. I always choose to go above and beyond, so it has been difficult to do so as an alumnae. Choosing what kind of alumna sister I wanted to be, to still be active and showing my support, was tough. But because I chose to be different, and I chose to make a difference, I pushed through it. Seeing my Neos and other Undergraduate sisters, including my line sister, really work hard and give so much to LTA really makes it worth it. It makes the being a supportive sister and someone to lean on a lot easier, because of the love I’ve given them and the love they show me."
“
Sisters showed up for me when no one else would, during a time I needed support. ΛΘΑ has given me the confidence and love I only hope to give others. ARIANA THALIA ROSA BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER SP20
”
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By Katherine Smith Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter SP21
Since joining LTA, I have met very successful women in the workplace, members and moms alike. This article will feature online editorials, a member interview, and a few member blurbs. Working mothers make up a significant part of the labor force, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all employed women. There were around 23.5 million employed women with children under the age of 18 and nearly two-thirds worked full-time, year-round, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey (ACS)*. The most common industry group for working mothers was educational services, health care and social assistance; 40% of all employed mothers work in this group. *The Choices Working Mothers Make (census.gov) Continue reading at next page >
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ALUMNAE LIFE: WORKING MOMS
Women have been working outside the home since the first Homo sapiens wove a basket and went looking for berries, but the current model of women working for pay on a relatively equal playing field with men is still fairly new. It stands to reason that a family where mom works as much as dad requires dad to take on new responsibilities at home, and, indeed, research shows that's what's happening. Those shifting dynamics can sometimes add stress to a relationship, but they can also develop empathy between partners - each parent understands what the other one is going through, whether it's a battering day at the office or two straight hours of bouncing a screaming baby. I was fortunate enough to interview my chapter member, Sandra Hyder, on the topic of being a working mom and a member in LTA. Introduce yourself!
Has LTA helped you be a better mom? Has being a mom helped you to become a better sister? I always feel as if I could be a “better” mom. I find that I sometimes compare myself to other moms who are able to be with their kids full-time, and be really active as PTA members, classroom, moms, etc.
My name is Sandra Hyder. I became a sister through Alpha Gamma Graduate Chapter of Texas (now known as the Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter in Austin, TX) in the Spring of 2007. I’m #1 of 4 and am proud to say that 3 out of us 4 are Lifetime Active Members. Our line (Line 2) is special because we helped revive Alpha Gamma in Texas. Our Founding Sisters and Line one contributed a lot to our chapter in its inception, however, life and professional responsibilities demanded prioritization. After being defunct for 7 years, Line 2 was able to pick up the torch and continue to work for the progress and growth of LTA. Now, through the restructuring of our sisterhood, I’m so happy to know that Alpha Gamma is as strong as ever and has welcomed many sisters after us. If memory serves me correctly, every line after us has had at least one mom in the group!
However, I’ve learned that my journey as a mom is just that- my journey. That is something that LTA instills in us. This is our journey. Your journey to obtain sisterhood may vary from that of another sister, and that’s ok! Our ultimate goal is/was the same! We obtained membership into a sisterhood that is forever. Being a mom has helped me bond with other sisters who are moms. I’ve also had the privilege to encourage Interested Members who are thinking about joining our sisterhood. I feel as sharing my life with my kids shows that we can all be universal women and accomplish our goals regardless of any life changes or challenges that come our way.
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ALUMNAE LIFE: WORKING MOMS
Are you a stay at home mom or do you have a full-time job? What position do you hold? I actually have 6 jobs! I’m a full-time Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in a very busy Cardiovascular ICU. I am also an Adjunct Clinical Faculty for the nursing programs at the University of Texas - Houston, University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, University of Texas-Arlington, Texas Woman’s University, and San Jacinto Community College. How do you balance it all? I have to say it by the grace of God. I’m blessed with a very supportive family, a very supportive husband, and a gift for time management. My life revolves around calendars and checklists!
I had the chance to also ask some alumnae members, "How has LTA helped you when it comes to motherhood?" on Facebook. Here are some of their responses: mom and "LTA taught me to trust the process...becoming a rtant Thing learning was tough. I always recited, "The Most Impo my baby, and to Remember." It was no longer about me but us, me." Minna Carreon Beta Delta Chapter, SP09
"LTA has taught me the importance and value of having a strong, resilient, ambitious and yet nurturing, motherly figure. A strong and empowered mom leads to empowered children." Rosie Díaz Sigma Chapter, FA93 experiencing "Motherhood is such a rollercoaster. I can't imagine friends, who st close my ut witho ting the highs and lows of paren They listen, y. famil .our Tia's.. son's my are all my sisters. They are a sister was it fact, In ent. judgm ut support, and advise witho single a As ant! pregn was I out who I called first when I found has an son my know to heart my s mom to an only child, it warm able be s alway will he that m extended family and support syste me." to en happ ever ing to count on should anyth Alexandria Rosales Beta Delta Chapter, SP98
"Parenting is a role that puts you in such a vulnerable place where you can constantly question yourself. As a mom, sisterhood has given me a village and support system that steps in and provides in multiple ways...a safe space to vent, sharing fears and worries, celebrating milestones and growth, an example from those who have dealt with similar concerns, honest feedback. Sisters fill my cup and remind me to take care of myself and have stepped in to take care of me. They have poured into me so I can pour into my kids." Roxie Goodwin Beta Kappa Chapter, SP99
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Fall Trivia
Across 4 Thanksgiving is always held on this weekday. 5 Pilgrims settled in _________Massachusetts. 7 The Indians showed the Pilgrims how to grow this vegetable. 10 Like ____ and Cararots. 11 Native to the United States, before the first settlers came. 12 These are orange unlike regular potatoes. 16 Used as a flavor enhancer and to preserve foods. 19 When this frozen dessert melts it is considered a fluid. 20 The chemical name for salt.
Down 1 Served over your Turkey and Dressing. 2 A good source of protein food. 3 Is a high potassium dessert pie served at Thanksgiving. 6 Served with Turkey and covered by gravy. 8 Fluid is measured in _______. 9 Is usually called summer ______ and is eaten at Thanksgiving 13 The first settlers from England. 14 Builds new tissue in the body. Get it mostly from animal foods. 15 Pilgrims used this type of gun to shoot their wild game. 17 Is considered a liquid at room temperature. It wiggles after refrigeration. 18 Is served Hot- good on a cold day and is considered a fluid.
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A BOND THAT NEVER BREAKS THE JOYS OF SISTERHOOD THROUGHOUT OUR LIFETIME
By: Brianna Kilgore Gamma Mu Chapter SP05
"Lambda Theta Alpha,
Latin Sorority, Inc, is for life. ” I remember hearing those words after I crossed in Spring 2005 through Gamma Mu Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I was so excited to have a group of members, for life. One of the reasons I joined LTA was to have a sisterhood that I didn’t have in my family life. Being the oldest child of two, and the only girl, I longed for a sister. My cousins, undeniably, will always be my sisters, but I was longing for more. I remember meeting Marla Delgado-Guerrero, who is a founding sister of Gamma Mu Chapter. She soon became my Pledge Mistress.
She was kind, caring, talented, and she really wanted me to join the Sisterhood. 14 years later, 3 cities and a myriad of career choices, my sorority sisters are still by my side. I still talk to my line sister, Tamara Gonzales. Even though our lives have us living in different cities, she has always been by my side and has had my back when I needed her. When I decided to move across the country, I was so excited to have a network of LTA members that I could reach out to for support. In interviewing some of my fellow members, some from my own chapter and some I met over the years, it seems like they were seeking that love and comfort just as I was all those years ago. Sisterhood.
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Lina Caceres-Thyben Crossed, Gamma Mu Chapter Founding Line, SP03 Current Location: Milwaukee, WI “I’m a stay-at-home mom, me and my sisters bond over our kids and our college dancing days. My sisters are local, in different states and abroad. When we get together it seems like time hasn’t passed at all.”
Tiffany Vega-Gibson Crossed, Upsilon Chapter SP04 Current Location: New Orleans, LA “Most of my line sisters are in the DC/MD/VA Area and New York City. My sisters are my family. I don’t have any blood sisters so everyone who knows me that when I say that someone is my sister, I mean my sorority sister. We love each other.”
Tamara Gonzales Crossed, Gamma Mu Chapter SP05 Current Location: Detroit, MI “When my line sister and I talk, no matter how much time has passed, we’ve always been able to reconnect with each other and pick up where we left off. We bond over memories, talking about relationships and family. I love her daughter!” Rhiannon Buehler Crossed, Gamma Mu Chapter SP08 Current Location: Madison, WI
“We can pick up anywhere, even if we haven’t seen each other in a while; it truly is a bond that lasts. I haven’t seen my LS who lives in California in years but I have faith in the bond we share and know we’d pick up right where we left off. I miss my sisters and love them very much!”
LeAndrea Vernon Crossed, Alpha Kappa Alumni Chapter SP15 Current Location: Pensacola, FL “I regularly communicate with Sisters I have met through leadership, chapter and keep in contact with my line sisters. When we chat we talk about life, crafting, music and books”
Brianna Kilgore Crossed, Gamma Mu Chapter SP05 Current Location: Milwaukee, WI “Throughout the years, through careers, marriages, and kids, we have all been here for each other and continue to do so. When I had my baby shower, half of the attendees were my LTA sisters.”
Paola Morantes Crossed, Gamma Mu Chapter Founding Line, SP03 Current Location: Minneapolis, MN “If there is anything that my line sisters have taught me, it is to strive to be the best version of you that you can be. They are some of the most inspiring women that have ever come into my life, and I love them just the same if not more as the years go on. They helped me be the woman I am, and I am thankful for that. I learned many life skills from them, as well as share the same drive in life that I constantly have in my life.”
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g n i s hou
MARKET UPS & DOWNS BY BIANKA HERRERA ALPHA EPSILON ALUMNAE CHAPTER FA16
Our current global state is experiencing unprecedented times since 1918. The American housing market took an initial dip returning with a robust recovery which tends to happen more frequently than we think. Yet owning a home remains the American dream.
Home prices fluctuate depending on the areas we deem hot or not. It slows down, crashes and builds itself back up again. The reality is people will always need a place to call home.
For her family, purchasing a home during the height of the pandemic was scary and very tentative, yet surprising after speaking to multiple loan officers and realizing how much rates actually vary.
Be patient with the market if it’s behaving extremely, but don’t overthink things either. Ultimately the value of your home is mostly important when you’re going to sell it there’s always a cost to where you live regardless. Unless you live somewhere for free, in which case, STAY THERE!
Molloy leaves us with a brilliant piece of advice, “Be patient with the market if it’s behaving extremely, but don’t overthink things either. Ultimately the value of your home is mostly important when you’re going to sell it there’s always a cost to where you live regardless. Unless you live somewhere for free, in which case, STAY THERE!” The real estate market has fluctuated since its inception and will continue to do so because it is serving its purpose.
The major key is to educate yourself on the home owning process as it may be one of the biggest financial decisions in your life. Our alumnae member, Karla Molloy, initiated through Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter (FA05), said that the process of buying a home can be unique.
Consider what you can afford and set SMART goals.
Some real estate agents are a one-stop-shop assisting with rentals, home purchasing and home selling. High demand equates to stress that is alleviated when visualizing how you will use your future rooms. Our alumnae member, Calina Fernandez, initiated through Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter (SP12), imparted her wisdom upon our younger alumnae who are considering or are on their journey into purchasing a home. “Go into it with an open mind. Know what are your nonnegotiables and what you are willing to be flexible with. You are never going to find the "perfect" home because that's not real! You never know, sometimes you might fall in love with a house that doesn't have something you thought you really wanted because it blew you away for other reasons-that's what happened to me!”
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Searching for a Lambda Lady
alpha burgundy concha gray lady lambda latin theta luna palma sorority universal woman Page 19
Alumnae Website Log into CampusGroups and visit this link:
https://bit.ly/LTAalumnae Page 20
Alumnae Life: Members in the Crime Field By Katherine Smith Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter SP21
When I first got into the FBI 7 years ago, I immediately noticed the lack of female representation in the New York office, especially when FBI New York has one of the biggest offices in the US. It was quite disappointing. Primarily, there was a lack of females on the agent side, as opposed to the professional support side. The Bureau along with other law enforcement agencies have struggled to recruit women due to the physical fitness requirements and commitment away from home.
Approximately 73,000 women serve as law enforcement officers today, 11.6% of the total in 2017. A History of Women in Enforcement (usdoj.gov)
Law
The presence of women in policing in the United States lags well behind that of comparable countries. Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom all have nearly twice the U.S. percentage of policewomen.* That persistent hiring deficit defies research spanning more than 50 years that documents the benefits of women in policing. Here are some benefits of having women in the police force. Women are consistently rated as trusted by their communities and, importantly, are motivated to serve communities in an era of decreased police legitimacy.* Women have high levels of interpersonal communication skills, which translates into more effective practices in the field.*
Women are found to have a calming effect on male partners in high-stress and dangerous assignments, resulting in fewer police deaths.* Higher levels of female representation are associated with organizations that emphasize community policing.* Female police officers have a positive influence on the perceived job performance, trustworthiness, and fairness of a police agency, perhaps increasing the public’s willingness to cooperate in the production of positive public safety outcomes.* Female officers are less likely to use force, use excessive force, or be named in a lawsuit than male officers.* Research has found that male officers were more likely than female officers to be aggressive as a result of some quality of the encountered member of the public, such as race or socioeconomic class.*
Though the research confirms the many benefits of having more women in policing, female police representation in the United States has stagnated over the past 20 years at around 12 percent. This may be due to an unwelcoming culture within many police organizations.10 Old stereotypes associated with women are defended by elements of some police institutions, creating formidable barriers for female applicants and women navigating the profession. In surveys, female officers perceived that they were subjected to more criticism than their male counterparts, due to masculine values that support and advance masculinity, as well as sexism that negatively impacts women’s experience in policing.* Women in Policing - Police Chief Magazine I had the pleasure to interview one of my FBI colleagues in the FBI Dallas Field Office, as well as my LTA sister, Melinda Urbina.
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Introduce yourself! My name is Melinda Urbina. I became a sister in Spring 2003 at Beta Mu Chapter which is the University of North Texas. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I moved around for a bit, but in 2013 decided to settle back in Dallas. I recently got married on March 12, 2021 so I'm a newlywed! I became a lifetime active member of LTA in 2020 and I am proud to be an active alumna for life. Where do you work and what position do you hold? I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Dallas Field Office as a Public Affairs Specialist. A Public Affairs Specialist is essentially the media liaison and spokesperson for the field office. Only myself, another public affairs specialist, and my boss, the Special Agent in Charge, are authorized to speak on behalf of the office. Do you feel you have diversified LTA by working for the FBI? I think it's great that LTA is represented in an organization like the FBI. There are Black Greeks in my FBI office and we always talk about our fraternities and sororities. We need to keep diversifying the ranks of the FBI with women of color. One of my collateral duties is assisting our recruiter who is also a woman. She is very committed to encouraging women to apply to the FBI. She has even set up virtual recruitment sessions exclusively for women. Has LTA helped your FBI career? Has the FBI helped you become a better sister? LTA taught me how to work with different groups of people, organize events, how to network, and time management skills. I have used all these skills throughout my career including at the FBI. Being at the FBI has led me to encourage other sisters to apply. I have encouraged our undergraduates to apply for the Honors Internship Program that the FBI has every summer. I look forward to the day when an LTA sister is either an intern or special agent in my office.
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A E O Alumnae Engagement Officer
S P O T L I G H T S Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter
In 2018, the Alumnae Engagement Officer Pilot Program began with the objective of providing alumnae chapters with a unique role to support alumnae retention and providing a voice for all sisters and siblings, whether active or inactive. The primary objective of this officer is to connect with Alumnae to ensure members feel heard and understood and that the priorities of our varying alumnae are aligned with the chapter and its events. In July 2021, the Alumnae Engagement Officer was added tot the Alumnae Chapter Board in order to effectively increase engagement among alumnae members. There are 6 alumnae chapters who currently have an Alumnae Engagement Officer in their chapter board. Alpha Delta - Silver Spring, MD Alpha Epsilon - New York City, New York Alpha Xi - Alexandria, VA Alpha Upsilon - Orlando, FL Alpha Omega - Paterson, NJ Alpha Alpha Gamma - Camden, NJ Four of our 6 AEOs shared how their role has impacted their respective chapter and why more members should apply for this position.
Why do you think an alumnae chapter needs an AEO? M: Alumnae chapters need an AEO to focus on the needs of the chapter and its members. The chapter needs someone seeking to engage and retain their members.
Michea Dobson Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter, FA13 Silver Spring, MD Why did you choose to become an AEO this semester? M: I have always wanted to help out in the retention part of our sisterhood. I’ve served as COA and ARRC for our area, and this is another way to help engage our [sisters and] siblings!
What should sisters and siblings know about being an AEO, and why should they apply themselves? M: The position is innovative and you can make it what you want! Your creativity is needed!
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A E O Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter
CONT.
Why do you think an alumnae chapter needs an AEO? B: There needs to be a designated person that’s focused on retention and educating alumnae on what it means to be an alumnae. One person is honestly not enough but it definitely is a start.
Bianka Herrera Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter, FA16 New York City, NY Why did you choose to become an AEO this semester? B: It is though my chapter chose me to become the AEO. I thought about how I could serve different types of alumnae by being inclusive and the position just called to me.
What should sisters and siblings know about being an AEO, and why should they apply themselves? B: Members should know that any position you take on in LTA requires that you give it your heart. Being an AEO means you understand the varying types of alumnae and attempt to bridge the gaps on how to cater to them. Tap into sisters why to retain them forever.
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A E O CONT.
Alpha Upsilon Alumnae Chapter
Why do you think an alumnae chapter needs an AEO? A: Have one person dedicated to engagement of sisters and convince them to come out to events, especially virtual!
What should sisters and siblings know about being an AEO, and why should they apply themselves? A: Such a rewarding position and have the ability to create events for sisters to feel engaged!
Alexia Salazar Alpha Upsilon Alumnae Chapter, SP17 Orlando, FL Why did you choose to become an AEO this semester? A: I chose to be the AEO so that I could dedicate my time to reaching out to sisters and having them go active as well as engaging both active/inactive sisters when possible! I love communication and thought it would be beneficial to both EBoard and Sisters!
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A E O Alpha Omega Alumnae Chapter
CONT.
Why do you think an alumnae chapter needs an AEO? D: I believe that this role is needed as it expands the chapter board and provides opportunity for sisters / siblings to take on leadership and responsibility. This will allow the support to the chapter board to assess and evaluate the best ways to communicate, interact and engage with their Alumnae.
Damaris Garcia Zeta Alpha Chapter FA14 Paterson, NJ Why did you choose to become an AEO this semester? D: After a couple of conversations with local Alumnae about the current climate and the struggles of Alumnae engagement and retention, I realized that things were still the same from when I left the area back in 2018.
What should sisters and siblings know about being an AEO, and why should they apply themselves? D: This position will give you the unique opportunity to define what the role means for you and your chapter specifically because it is new. You are able to evaluate the needs of your Alumnae who are at all levels and connect and engage. If you are interested in being involved, paving the way in a new role by create thinking, developing systems and structures to get Alumnae engaged this is the role for you.
I chose to run as the Alumnae Engagement Officer for the Alpha Omega Alumnae Chapter when I heard that the role would be an official position and that I was going to return to New Jersey Area One. I wanted to give back and serve in leadership at a chapter level. The AEO role and it aligned with my passion and goals to network, develop and nurture relationships between sisters and siblings at all levels.
If you are interested in learning more about the AEO role, please reach out to alumnae@lambdalady.org. Applications will open in Spring 2022. Page 26
BECOME A LIFETIME ACTIVE MEMBER!!!
Have you been a member for 10 years or more?
Are you in good standing?
If you're not an active member, click the link below to learn how to become active! HTTP://LAMBDALADY.ORG/ALUMNAE/
Lifetime Active Membership pays for itself in 6 years!
Don't worry about paying for membership every semester. Invest in YOUR Lifetime Active Membership today! Page 27
THANK YOU! Thank you for reading our Alumnae Newsletter and to all Alumnae Members who participated and shared their thoughts and knowledge for this edition!
Looking to get spotlighted? Chapter & Alumnae Spotlights:
Looking for Sister Businesses? Check out the listing here.
Do you have any feedback or inquiries? Email the NAAC Newsletter Subcommittee at daa.assistant1@lambdalady.org
Special Thank You to the Alumnae Newsletter Subcommittee of the National Alumnae Affairs Committee Members: Stephanie Gutierrez-Munguia
Bianka Herrera
Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter, FA16
Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter, FA16
Marina Corona
Brianna Kilgore
Epsilon Chapter, SP18
Gamma Mu Chapter, SP05
Katherine Smith Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter Chapter, SP21
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