MO NLIGHTIN G LAMBDA THETA ALPHA OFFICIAL PUBLICATION | SUMMER 2018
COVER: ZETA SIGMA CHAPTER ABOVE: ZETA EPSILON CHAPTER
DEAR READERS, On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is with great honor that I share the latest issue of Moonlighting. As the official newsletter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., the publication has taken different forms since its early roots in the 1990s. With only a small number of chapters, the first issues were printed newsletters distributed at national sorority meetings. As the sorority grew and internet technology emerged, Moonlighting evolved into an email newsletter. Last year, the National Public Relations Committee presented a modern version of Moonlighting via a new and interactive platform. Aligned with the sorority’s strategic plan to establish consistent and strategic communications to members and partners, this issue celebrates the accomplishments of our members and chapters. While the political climate remains divisive, we are proud to demonstrate that our members continue to live by our principles of unity, love and respect. Earlier this year, members had the opportunity to advocate for their communities during the sorority’s second annual advocacy program in Washington, D.C. Understanding the emotional stress from current events today, we urge you to read our tips on practicing self care. In this issue, you will also find the amazing programs our chapters are organizing across the country, which include events for National Hazing Prevention Week, National Voter Registration Day, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the newly-established Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation. This issue also features spotlights on alumnae and undergraduate sisters serving our country, community and sisterhood in various capacities. For those attending National Convention, I encourage you to take a look at our top things to do in Miami. As I wrap up my term at the conclusion of this year’s convention, I am immensely proud of the the National Public Relations Committee for establishing a solid foundation for Moonlighting to continue to evolve in the years to come. It has been the utmost pleasure serving our sisterhood and working alongside this group of dedicated sisters. I am confident this publication will continue to act as another vehicle to showcase Lambda Theta Alpha to a wider audience. I hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to hearing your feedback to improve future editions.
Sincerely,
Liz Lizama Vice President of External Affairs
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Latina sorority pushes for IMMIGRATION REFORM
on Capitol Hill
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On Feb. 28 and March 1, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. hosted its second annual event on Capitol Hill called Lambda Hill Days. As the March 5 deadline approached for Congress to pass a permanent solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the twoday advocacy initiative came at a critical time. Sorority members met with over 25 congressional offices to push for comprehensive immigration reform. Prior to the meetings, FWD.us staff briefed the 21 participants on recent updates concerning immigration and shared best practices on lobbying. While meeting with policymakers, sorority members shared personal experiences and stories from their respective communities in hopes of igniting change and making immigration reform a priority for the 115th Congress. “This event provided me an opportunity to civically engage in my government on a federal level,” said Jennifer Rincones, one participant from Michigan. “The experience only further proves that our elected officials must be held accountable, and it is our duty to hold them accountable on all levels.”
The sorority’s deep roots in political activism stems from its inception in 1975. Founded amidst political tension of the 1970s, the sorority’s Founding Mothers served as a voice for all students and members of their community. To present day, members continue to raise awareness on social issues and advocate for marginalized groups. In an effort to invoke action and strengthen their voice, Lambda Theta Alpha created the Political Education Initiative (PEI) Committee in 2012. The inaugural Lambda Hill Days program was held in 2017 along with Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. The sorority looks forward to continue growing and improving it for the future. “We are immensely proud to train our second cohort of sisters who can act as catalysts for change in their respective communities, ” said Monica Cevallos, Chair of the PEI committee. “Advocacy is necessary both at the federal and local level, and now this group is more empowered to return to their areas and apply their experience and knowledge from this program.”
PICTURED: DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE AFFAIRS LISANDRA SANCHEZ WITH REPRESENTATIVE JOE CROWLEY
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FOR PHOTOS OF THE TWO-DAY PROGRAM, CHECK OUT THE HASHTAG #LAMBDAHILLDAYS ON INSTAGRAM.
The following sisters attended meetings with members of Congress: Angelica Avila Zeta Omicron Chapter Fall 2017 Carbondale, IL Jovana Becerra Epsilon Kappa Chapter Spring 2017 Los Angeles, CA Thelma Carrera Gamma Chapter Fall 2016 Trenton, NJ Tiffany Contreras Zeta Gamma Chapter Spring 2017 Des Moines, IA Arely Guerrero Gamma Kappa Chapter Fall 2015 Albuquerque, NM Jazmin Hernandez Epsilon Gamma Chapter Fall 2017 Chicago, IL
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Guadalupe Hinojo Alpha Phi Alumnae Chapter Fall 2017 Dallas, TX Andrea Javier Delta Sigma Chapter Spring 2014 Fort Worth Texas Paulina Gรณmez Legarreta Gamma Kappa Chapter Fall 2017 Albuquerque, NM
Amy Quichiz Zeta Epsilon Chapter Fall 2014 New York, NY Jennifer Rincones Beta Omega Chapter Spring 2001 Brownstown, MI Maria Robayo Epsilon Lambda Chapter Spring 2010 Wesley Chapel, FL
Bianey Mercado Delta Theta Chapter Spring 2017 Wilmington, CA
Luisa Ruiz Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter Spring 2015 Middle Village, NY
Carmen Morales Nu Chapter Fall 1997 Newark, NJ
Lisandra Sanchez (BOD) Beta Epsilon Chapter Fall 2001 Bronx, NY
Sandra Puebla Zeta Upsilon Chapter Spring 2017 Chicago, IL
Dulce Segura (PEI) Alpha Xi Alumnae Chapter Spring 2014 Denton, TX
Candice Torres Alpha Upsilon Alumnae Chapter Fall 2007 Orlando, FL Nayelie Valenzuela Zeta Gamma Chapter Spring 2017 Ames, IA Melanie Vazquez Epsilon Gamma Chapter Spring 2015 Chicago, IL
snapshot
PROGRESS & GROWTH
142
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UN DER G R A D U A TE CHA PTER S
ALUMNAE C HA P T E RS
851
1086
ACTIVE UN DER G R A D U A TE SI STERS
A C T IV E ALUMNAE S IS T E RS
$400k+ FUN DS R A I S E D FOR ST J UD E
#CHECKIN
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selfcare with LTA
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is a sorority based on three principles: Unity, Love and Respect. Love is something so beautiful and important for the human soul. Loving yourself takes time and patience, one major step in order to achieve this goal can be selfcare. Making time for self-care in your life is so important because sometimes we overwork ourselves or just spread ourselves too thin when we really just need to give back to ourselves. Giving yourself the love, time and energy in order to be your best self is a major step we all need, especially with the new sorority year ahead!
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Eating Well/Exercising: Worko ut: 10 Minute ts • 100 Squa hes • 75 Crunc
ups • 20 Push ees • 10 Burp ng Jacks • 50 Jumpi hes • 45 Crunc all Sit • 1 min. W Plank • 45 sec.
“You are what you eat.” Making sure you have a wellbalanced diet can be difficult with classes, work or travel. Meal-prepping can help you avoid eating out, and can instead encourage more fruits and vegetables in your everyday diet. It can be difficult to include exercise to your daily lifestyle but simple ways like a dance class or even doing squats in the shower can make a huge difference and can even make you feel so much better about yourself. One tip if you don’t have time to go to the gym, is wake up 10 minutes early to do a variety of calisthenics. Repeat this routine before you go to bed or before you take a shower.
Writing down your thoughts: Sometimes talking about your day or expressing your feelings verbally is difficult. Having a notebook or journal and writing down what you’re feeling mentally and physically can be extremely helpful. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is you’re feeling, you can use this notebook to write or jot down what you have done that day. Writing down your activities and how you were feeling when they were happening can help you reflect on everything that is going on in your life and actually seeing/reading what is on your mind can help you process your feelings. If you can’t find words to describe how you’re feeling, you can doodle in your notebook or print out pictures from the internet to help you visualize everything. When looking back, this strategy may also be helpful to remember the details.
Pampering yourself: Making time for yourself, putting on a facial mask, taking a bath or doing a hair mask are simple ways to take care of yourself. You should always make time to relax and enjoy the little things. Some of these items can be expensive so on the next page are a few DIYs. We hope you enjoy!
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DIY Face Masks:
Co mbinat eor Acn F k s a Mu d M ly Skin: Oi Pro ne/ . Greek Yogurt tb sp • 2-3 er a Pow d . Coco p s t 1 • r milk p. Butte • 1 ts Banana Ma s he d • 1/2 y p. Ho ne • 1 ts e o n Juic p. Lem • 1 ts
utes 20 Min eek Time: ice a w e d: Tw d n e m Reco m
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io n Skin:
• 1 Egg (beaten)
Time: 20 Minutes Reco m men de d: Once a week
Dama ged Hair: • 1 Egg Y
olk • 2 tbsp. Coco nut O • 1 tbsp. il Hone y
DIY Hair Masks:
Time : 30 Minu tes Reco mme nded : Onc e a w eek
Oily Hair:
• 1 Juiced Lemon • 1 tbsp. Honey
egar • 1/4 Apple Cider Vin
Time: 30 Minutes a week Recommended: Once
r: Dr y Hai
nana d Oil • 1 Ba r Almo n . Olive o sp tb 2 • il ender O ops Lav • 3 Dr . Ho ney • 1 tbsp
s 5 Minute Time: 1 week Once a : d e d n e m Reco m
Curly Hair: • 1
Hair: Frizzy nana
e Ba • 1 Rip y p. Hone • 1 tbs Yogurt p. Plain • 2 tbs
s 0 Minute k Time: 3 e a wee : ed Onc d n e m Recom
Eg g • 1 tbsp. Olive • 1 Oi l tbsp. Ho n e • 2 y tbsp. Mayo nnai se Time : 30 Min u tes Reco mme nde d : Onc e a w eek
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NATIONAL
Initiatives LAMBDA THETA ALPHA FOUNDATION This past August, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. announced the official launch of the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation. Founded in 2015 after discussions with the sorority’s Board of Directors and Founding Mothers, the Foundation aims to advance our communities by providing funding for educational programming, scholarship and humanitarian relief. The Foundation, which is a separate entity from the sorority, was created as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to respond to the growing need for further financial support of the sorority’s programs and the broader community. Through the Foundation, sorority members, corporations and individual donors can contribute taxdeductible donations that in turn may be used to fund charitable and educational initiatives. Since its launch, the Foundation has raised more than $17,000 with the support of sisters and chapters. Funds raised assisted with hurricane relief efforts and scholarships. For more information, visit ltafoundation.org.
HAZING PREVENTION WEEK This fall, undergraduate and alumnae chapters participated in National Hazing Prevention Week September 18-22 by hosting programs to promote anti-hazing practices and raise awareness on state and university hazing laws. Many chapters, including Alpha, Beta Eta and Zeta Iota, took the opportunity to encourage their campus community members and organizations to pledge not to engage in hazing. Other chapters, such as Delta Gamma, Zeta Nu, and Zeta Rho, held tabling events and took over the national Snapchat account to help spread awareness. Zeta Iota held a week of anti-hazing events to bring awareness to their campus.
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VOTER REGISTRATION DAY For the fourth consecutive year, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. joined over 3,000 organizations nationwide for National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 26, 2017. In an effort to increase participation, the sorority’s Political Education Initiative (PEI) Committee provided promotional materials to chapters across the country to organize local events. Over 40 chapters signed up to lead efforts in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Aligned with its mission to promote political activism, the sorority is proud to continue its partnership with National Voter Registration Day.
ST JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL In fall 2017, we once again exceeded our goal for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer and raised $56,139. Sisters and Potential Candidates across the nation participated in the walk. Below are the top 10 contributing teams:
Name
Amount
Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter
$9,233.00
Zeta Upsilon Chapter
$3,106.00
Potential Candidates of SUNY Cortland
$2,572.00
Zeta Psi Chapter
$1,785.53
Alpha Rho Alumnae Chapter
$1,570.00
Beta Mu Chapter
$1,505.00
Alpha Rho Alumnae Chapter
$1,570.00
Zeta Nu Chapter
$1,200.00
Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter
$1,090.00
Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter
$1,088.08
In addition to contributing through the annual walk/run, chapters hosted an array of programs to give back to St. Jude. Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter hosted their 8th annual co-ed softball tournament, rasing $15,329.97! Gamma Eta Chapter created banners to display at the hospital, and Delta Omega Chapter made superhero capes for the children. Remember to continue using #LTALovesStJude , as we continue to give back to our national philanthropy this year!
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SORORITY ANNIVERSARY This past December, we celebrated 42 years of living our purpose! In 1975, our 17 Founding Mothers paved the way to establish a Latina sorority based on the principles of Unity, Love and Respect. As a sisterhood committed to the empowerment of the Universal Woman, we continue to develop leaders who serve as catalysts for change through philanthropic endeavors, political activism and academic excellence. To celebrate 42 years of sisterhood, Founding Mother Maria Gautier, Line One and National President Laurie Ochoa joined sisters at Alpha Chapter’s 32nd annual Wine and Cheese at the Motherland. This year’s event was in memory of our Lambda Angel Johanna “Jo-Jo” Laiza (Alpha Chapter, Fall 1997).
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. This effort called attention to the widespread impact sexual violence has to many in our community. From tabling events and discussions to film screenings and walks, various chapters like Theta, Rho, Beta Lambda, Gamma Xi and Gamma Phi organized events with a focus on this year’s “Embrace Your Voice” theme. Other chapters like Beta Kappa Chapter participated in campus events, such as Take Back the Night where survivors were empowered to share their personal stories.
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Are you
ready ?
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THINGS TO DO IN
Don’t miss out on all that Miami has to offer! Check out this short list below and explore more of Miami for yourself.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Built on the water’s edge, this Venetian village is a mustsee. Tours are also available in Spanish. Open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission $12-18 Children 5 & under Free Closed Tuesdays 2.7 mi from hotel
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Wynwood Art Walk The neighborhood of Wynwood is decorated with beautiful murals. Take a stroll or a bike ride to take in all of the varying art around Miami. Free Guided Tour $15 2.4 mi from hotel
Little Havana Experience vibrant Cuban culture by taking a stroll through Calle Ocho. The Futurama building features 12 local artists, while Cubaocho Museum and Performing Arts Center has music! Free 1.7 mi from hotel
Miami Riverwalk
Jungle Island
Bayfront Park
Walk the beautiful streets designed by Brazilian artist, Burle Marx. Finish your stroll at the Hard Rock Cafe or take a ride on a boat at Biscayne Bay.
Formerly known as Parrot Island, this park features trails and beautiful wildlife. The park will have its reopening this spring.
Enjoy the beautiful rock garden and 30 acres of beautiful green. This park features an amphitheater that has hosted artists, such as Elton John and Rob Zombie.
Free
10 a.m.-5 p.m. $47+
Free
0.3 mi from hotel
4.8 mi from hotel
0.3 mi from hotel
The Salty Donut Love doughnuts and coffee? Look no further, this shop is highly rated with lines waiting for its store to open. The wait is definitely worthwhile for these artisan doughnuts! Tue-Fri 7:30-6:00 p.m. Sat-Sun 8:00-6:00 p.m. (Store may close early if sold out) 2.2 mi from hotel
La Mar
Nusr-Et Steakhouse Visit the restaurant chain of Salt Bae! This restaurant is the 11th of his chain and features a heavy meat menu meant to be served family-style. Located in Brickell Village, be sure to visit this famous chain!
This restaurant features food by acclaimed Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. Dine out while overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Open Daily Noon-12 a.m.
Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday Brunch 12:30-3:30 p.m.
0.7 mi from hotel
0.9 mi from hotel
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Sister Spotlight UNDERGRAD EDITION
Rachel P. Mitchell CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Chapter/ Semester/ Number: Zeta Epsilon, Fall 2015, #1
When’s your birthday? May 23
Where were you born and raised? I moved around about once a year my entire life, so I never have an answer for this question! I’m currently a permanent resident of New Orleans, Louisiana.
What’s your nationality? I am American.
What is your major? Triple Major in Citizenship and Civic Engagement, Policy Studies, and Sociology.
Tell us a little bit about your involvements with LTA: Upon joining LTA, I have been Chapter Secretary, Public Relations Chair, NALFO Representative, Judicial Representative, President, Orientation Advisor and Pledge Mistress of my beloved Line 3. LTA is never “work” per se, but a passion. I am the incoming Chapter Alumna Advisor because I can’t seem to stay away, haha.
Stay true to who you are.
As the Political Activist Sister of the Year, LTA sponsored your participation in a human rights delegation in Colombia. Can you tell us a little more about your experience? The human rights delegation I attended was a two week trip to Colombia where I visited Bogota and Cali. The trip was focused on understanding the reality of human rights in Colombia from the perspective of those being impacted by the conflict or from those contributing to it. The trip allowed attendees to meet with trans groups, indigenous groups, displaced peoples, members of the FARC and other
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paramilitary groups, and government entities. The
chapter and campus. I am very organized and determined,
trip painted a picture much clearer than that of the
and use those skills as a means to propel our chapter
media that we have access to here in the United States.
forward far beyond my time in leadership. I also love
All in all, I learned a lot about not only the conflict
seeing our accomplishments as they happen - like being
in Colombia, but human rights in general and all of
featured in articles or winning awards. It just makes me so
the working parts that exist within the concept. Upon
proud of who we are and what we do.
arriving back in the States, I presented the info to my sisters and peers within my program at school.
If your line sisters could describe you in one word, what would it be?
How has LTA helped to shape your undergraduate college experience?
Short! I’m kidding. Well, I think they would each use
LTA has become my home. I don’t have “family” in
relationships that they couldn’t agree on just one.
the understood sense, and LTA has allowed me to
Professionally, they would say organized, maybe to a
feel a sense of belonging I never felt growing up. This
fault. And in general, maybe passionate? They always bug
sisterhood has also allowed me to utilize a platform
me about being a Gemini, I’m sure they would ask if they
on campus, to become a strong and empowered
could describe each of my “personalities” instead of using
professional, and to represent something much larger
just one word, haha.
a different word because we all have such close knit
than myself.
What would you say is your superpower? Where do you hope to take your talents after graduation?
I would say my superpower is either resilience or
As a recent graduate, I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana,
they’re all at once.
multitasking. I’m super good at meeting deadlines, even if
to make connections in the nonprofit field here. I am poverty, for immigration reform, reproductive health,
If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
LGBTQ+ rights and with youth. I believe that building a
Oh wow, these questions always catch me off guard. I
strong sense of community and unity through art and
would choose something from my childhood, off of a
culture is key to revolutionary change, which is what I
“Now That’s What I Call Music” CD or something. Maybe
aim to contribute to after graduation.
“So Sick” by Neyo—that song can get anyone in their feels.
What are some of your best memories as a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha thus far?
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?
Definitely the day I was initiated and the day my babies
I’m really bad with actress names, but I would definitely
became sisters. I love my LTA family. I love the road
choose someone who stands for what I do. I wouldn’t
trips we’re always taking to visit other chapters and
want some problematic actresses playing me, I would
the activism that flows throughout my chapter and this
want someone humble.
interested in working against mass incarceration and
sisterhood. My sisters are the only people who will get up early to show up to the sit-in and stay out late to bond afterwards.
In 10 words or less, what advice would you give new undergrad sisters coming into a chapter? Stay true to who you are. Build up from there.
What do you love most about your current role as Chapter President? I love being able to contribute my skill sets to better my
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Sister Spotlight ALUMNA EDITION
Dr. Cecilia E. Suarez ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, PUBLIC SPEAKER
Chapter/ Semester/ Number: Beta Sigma, Spring 2001, #7
When’s your birthday? September 4
Where were you born and raised? San Antonio, TX
What’s your nationality? Mexican
Tell us a little bit about your educational background and career. A proud first-generation college student, I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and majored in biology and elementary education. Upon completing my bachelor’s, I enrolled at Miami University of Ohio where I graduated with a Master of Science in Education in 2008. In 2014, I officially became Dr. Suarez and graduated with my PhD in Education Policy Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In the fall of 2016,
We belong in higher education, even if it wasn’t originally a space for us.
I joined the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida as Assistant Professor of Leadership and Intercultural Communication. I also serve as a faculty affiliate for both the Center for Latin American Studies and the Education Policy Research Center, and as Director for the Women’s Mentor and Advocacy Program at the University of Florida. My courses focus on identity development, ethics, social justice, access and equity, as it relates to leadership. I have also given a TED talk on self-worth and internal validation.
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Where do you currently work? University of Florida
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why? I would have to play myself. I can’t think of anyone who be
What position do you hold?
able to be as fly and sassy as me. Lol! Honestly, I’ve never
Assistant Professor
thought I looked like anyone, other than my mom and grandma, so I would prefer to play myself so I can keep it
What leadership skills has LTA taught you that you apply to your current position?
all the way real.
Resilience, lifelong learning mentality, challenge and
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
supporting my students as a leader
My mother and grandmother and knowing how hard they
How has LTA helped to shape or further your career?
sacrificed and worked to help me achieve goals in my life
LTA has assisted in helping me realize the continued need for helping women of color, remembering and
What advice would you give to a sister considering getting their master’s?
realizing our greatness. I have turned that into a focus of
Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do it. You shouldn’t
my speaking/consulting/teaching.
have to pay for any of it either! Take chances, but don’t forget to establish your “non-negotiables”. We belong in
What are some of your most memorable moments as a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha?
higher education, even if it wasn’t originally a space for us.
Winning Chapter of the Year, marching in the Puerto
Give us some parting words of wisdom?
Rican Day Parade, seeing my sisters graduate, get
You had a purpose before anyone had an opinion.
married, have children and/or grow as individuals
Always remember your greatness and know that you are so worthy!
What was the hardest thing to witness or experience while growing up? Seeing my mother work 2-3 jobs every day, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. to make sure I always had what I needed, while never prioritizing her needs
What are your aspirations in your current field? Tenured Full Professor, global scholar, book author and world speaker
If your line sisters could describe you in one word, what would it be? Authentic
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Sister Spotlight LEADERSHIP EDITION
Laurie Ochoa NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Chapter/ Semester/ Number: Gamma Omicron, Spring 2006, #2
When’s your birthday? April 18
Where were you born and raised? Born in Prosser, WA and raised in Toppenish, WA until I moved to Seattle, WA to attend the University of Washington in 2003
What’s your nationality? Mexican-American
Tell us a little bit about your educational background. I hold an MPA, Pi Alpha Alpha, from Seattle University, and a BA in Sociology with a minor in Laws, Societies and Justice from the University of Washington. I also attended the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland, in 2015, and am a graduate of the Defense Public Affairs Officer Course. From 2008-15, I worked as a performance auditor for the King County Auditor’s Office, an independent agency of the King County Council in Seattle, Washington. In this capacity, I evaluated critical county programs according to government auditing standards to provide objective
I love the opportunity to serve
and learn.
recommendations to the local legislative body. In 2014, I was selected to the Presidential Management Fellowship program and moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Secretary of Defense’s public affairs team.
Where do you currently work? What position do you hold? I am a spokesperson for the Department of Defense. I speak to issues related to readiness, casualties and suicide prevention. I am also the direct support for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. I work at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
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How has LTA helped to shape or further your career?
sisterhood and business, I enjoy being able to continue
Our sorority has provided the stepping stones to
the opportunity to serve and learn. I’ve always said that
advance my career. The learning opportunities
LTA may be among the few places where a woman has the
provided to serve as an assistant, area officer and
chance to lead a national organization with thousands of
various positions on the Board of Directors since 2011
members that otherwise would be provided to senior men.
have helped me develop a leadership style, learn from
That uniqueness and the responsibility I have to our sorority
failures and build my confidence to trust and believe in
pushes me to work hard for a better LTA every day.
myself. Aside from learning how to dress professionally,
that in some way when meeting new sisters. Moreso, I love
with conviction, build a team and be forward-thinking,
If your line sisters could describe you in one word, what would it be?
I learned to believe in myself. That confidence
Determined
run a meeting, set an agenda, meet deadlines, speak
empowered me to take a leap of faith to move across on the skill set I refined and passion I discovered while
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
serving as Vice President of External Affairs. I have LTA
I genuinely enjoy my career, as hectic as it may often be,
to thank largely for that.
but the mission we have to keep the American public
the country to start a new career in public affairs based
informed on national security issues is very motivating!
What are some of your most memorable moments as a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha? My most memorable moments always involve sisters!
What would you say is your super power or spirit animal?
I think fondly of six-hour road trips from Seattle to
A superpower of mine is tenacity. I like to problem solve
Idaho or in between for Area meetings and to stay
and no crisis ever seems too big or too difficult to fix with
connected with fellow WIA1 sisters. Those long hours
some determination and courage.
on the road gave us great playlists and laughs. Like Orlando gave me a week of meeting new sisters, flying
If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
cross country with my Line Sisters for the first time and
Anything by Selena! She may be the one artist that I know
exploring a new city. Lastly, my first term on the Board
every word to her songs.
many, my first neophyte National Convention in 2006 in
of Directors in 2011: I joined a group of women that encouraged me to lead, and built friendships with that
Would you say you’re more of a hunter or a gatherer?
continue to this day.
Hunter. I enjoy the thrill of reaching goals.
What do you love most about your current role as National President?
Give us some parting words of wisdom.
I love being part of something that is bigger than myself.
expect from others by doing it yourself and never task
Since moving to the East Coast and becoming President,
others with something you wouldn’t do yourself. Work
I’ve made it a priority to visit with as many sisters as
to standard and not to time. Your work is reflection of
I can whether they are visiting here or along my own
your standards, so take the time to get it right. Lead with
travels to get their feedback and ideas for the future
integrity. Your words and actions carry the respect and trust
of our sorority. Coming from an area that traveled for
you’ve earned from others, so use them wisely.
quickly welcomed me with open arms, taught me and
Always lead from the front. Set an example of what you
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Sister Spotlight VETERAN EDITION
Alessandra Alma UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Chapter/ Semester/ Number: Phi Chapter, Spring 1997, #1
When’s your birthday? September 26
Where were you born and raised? Elizabeth, NJ
What’s your nationality? I’m Puerto Rican and Cuban.
Tell us a little bit about your educational background. I received my BS in Management with a concentration in Information Systems from New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from New York University.
What inspired you to join the Air Force? I have several family members who are in various branches in the military. I saw that it was a good way to get experience in my chosen career and to get out of New Jersey for a while.
I’ve been a sister for 21 years and
I’m amazed at how far we have come as an organization.
What is your current ranking/role in the Air Force? I was a Communications and Informations Officer, and I left with the rank of Captain. My role varied from each assignment. I worked mainly in radio operations and satellite communications systems. In one assignment, I worked as a supervisor for 48 radio operators. At another, I was a project manager working to upgrade satellite ground earth stations. I was also responsible for coordinating communications equipment for air shows, planning special events such as retirement ceremonies and coordinating visits from high ranking officers.
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What leadership skills has LTA taught you that you apply to your current position?
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
I would have to say leading your peers effectively
My newborn daughter, Alessia. Every morning is a fresh
without having authority. Often times you are working
start.
with other people of the same rank and need to work effectively as a team.
What are some of your most memorable moments as a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha?
What advice would you give to a sister considering joining the Air Force or currently in the Air Force? The military isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle. You will be forced
Initiation would be one of the biggest. Another
to make a lot of sacrifices along the way. The military is
moment would be as a member of the National Board
a male dominated field, and it would be paramount to
of Directors. It’s a tough and often thankless job, but
learn how to navigate through that world. The best book
I got to meet and work with sisters from across the
I read to help me during my time in the military was “Play
country. I’ve been a sister for 21 years, and I’m amazed
Like a Man, Win Like a Woman” by Gail Evans. It’s a great
at how far we have come as an organization. I also
book even for women in the corporate world. Find yourself
like being part of the vintage sisters who are able to
a mentor, preferably a female. If you are going in as an
provide some LTA history and knowledge.
officer, learn from your senior enlisted members. They will either make you or break you. One thing I can say is
If your line sisters could describe you in one word, what would it be?
that you can never forget your time in the military. It is
Resilient
different companies and never remember working at any of
something that becomes apart of you. You may work at 20 them. But you will never forget serving in the military.
What were your aspirations in the U.S. Air Force? How did you apply your military experience to your civilian career? For me, the military was a stepping stone rather than a career choice. Military experience can help but also hinder you because you become institutionalized. People with military backgrounds are used to a certain way of doing things that don’t necessarily transfer over to the civilian side. Working as a team to accomplish a mission is not something that translates well in the corporate arena. I found it more competitive and aggressive environment than the military.
What would you say is your super power or spirit animal? My spirit animal would probably have to be a groundhog. They represent hard work, balance, happiness and generosity which are essential for an authentic life.
M OONLI G H TING
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SUM M ER
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The National Public Relations Committee would like to thank you for reading this issue of Moonlighting. We would greatly appreciate any feedback, comments or suggestions you may have to help continuously improve the publication as we develop future issues. If you are interested in contributing articles, ideas or feedback, please email publicrelations@ lambdalady.org. We hope you enjoyed the latest issue and continue to read the next ones. Thank you!
respect
Board of Directors 2017-2018
SINCERELY, National Public Relations Committee Liz Lizama Régine Daniels Liz Beth Sánchez Abena Osei-Mensah Myrna Ruiz Vanessa Gonzalez “Zalez”
Daniele Owens Maria Fernanda Espichan Elisabeth Soto Michaella Tancayo Tatiana Patrón
Laurie Ochoa NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Elisa A. Oliver VP OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Liz Lizama VP OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Nathalie Cañadas VP OF ADMINISTRATION
Michelle B. Grossman VP OF FINANCE
Alexis L. Richbourg DIR. OF RISK MANAGEMENT
Lisandra Sanchez DIR. OF ALUMNAE AFFAIRS
Maggie Landeros DIR. OF UNDERGRADUATE AFFAIRS
Amethyst M. Thorman DIR. OF ORIENTATION
Wendy Castro DIR. OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION