Alumnae Alumnae
Alumnae INVOLVEMENT
GAMMA CHAPTER
In this professional panel, 5 Gamma Alumna sisters spoke about how Greek life played pivotal role in their undergraduate years an later on in their professional careers.
Panelist were: Ivonne M Cruz, Dianne Roman Milena Cristina Orozco, Melanie Hinds and V
ABlindBookExchange
This past month the NAAC launched a pilot initiative of a Blind Book Exchange, called LTA Book Pals!
This book exchange sisters gifted a “blind package” containing a book and any reading accessories such as stickers, snacks, and any other clues that connect to the book! With over 150 members who participated this year, we hope to continue this initiative to share our love of books again next year!
Don’t forget to continue to tag us on socials!
#LTABookPals #LTABookClub #LTAsGetCaughtReading
BE A PART OF THE 7TH ANNUAL 1.975 WALK/RUN!
Alumnae, this is YOUR moment to make an impact!
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation is bringing the 7th Annual 1.975 Walk/Run to San Juan, Puerto Rico and we want YOU to be part of it! Whether you join us in person, participate virtually, or host your own Micro Event, this is your chance to rally your sisters, family, and friends to support a cause that changes lives.
Host a Micro Event in Your Community!
Can’t make it to Puerto Rico? No problem! Take the lead by organizing a local walk/run in your city. Grab your line sisters, fellow alumnae, or loved ones and map out a scenic route in your neighborhood, local park, or favorite trail. As a Micro Event Lead, you’ll receive a special kit to help you organize and celebrate your impact together!
Calling All Small Businesses – Partner with Us!
Are you an LTA-owned business or know a small business looking for brand visibility while supporting a great cause? The 1.975 Walk/Run Impact Sponsorship is an incredible opportunity to showcase your business while directly contributing to education and disaster relief initiatives. Whether through monetary donations, raffle prizes, or sponsorship, businesses can be a part of something bigger!
Join us to raise critical funds for scholarships and disaster relief, be part of a movement that advances our communities, receive exclusive event merchandise and recognition for your generosity, and celebrate the LTA Foundation's 10 years of impact!
Register, donate, or find out how to sign up to lead a micro event at: https://www.ltafoundation.org/run
COMMEMORATING LTA
AT THE NEW JERSEY STATEHOUSE
On December 19, 2024, New Jersey Assemblywoman Carmen Morales proudly honored Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. with a ceremonial resolution in the New Jersey statehouse. The resolution recognized LTA as the nation’s first Latina sorority and officially declared December as its founding month. Morales shares that leading up to the day, there was certainly a sense of pride, enthusiasm, and excitement building up. But when the day came and she saw Founding Mothers there and a sea of sisters, she became emotional: “I still get chills from thinking about it. And the reason I was so emotional is that when I think about what Lambda Theta Alpha has done for me over the years… ” she shares,
“When I became a sister in 1997 at Nu chapter at Montclair State University I knew I wanted to be around women who empowered other women. I knew that I wanted to be in a sisterhood that was not only going to build me up as a woman, but also surround myself with extremely intelligent, enthusiastic, strong women who fight back. Who fight against injustice, who want to do what’s right. And so for me, that all took place when I was an undergrad, but became even stronger when I became an alumna. Lambda Theta Alpha plays a huge part in who I am right now and what better gift to give back to the organization to the sorority to the sisterhood that has given me so much?”
“This, to me, was my gift back to the founding mothers, back to the first line, and to all the sisters who call Lambda Theta Alpha their sisterhood.”
Carmen Morales became an Essex County College Trustee in 2017 and a General Assembly member in 2024. She is also the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Essex County Schools of Technology. Morales explained that her motivation to run for public office, all came down to being an educator. When she was approached to run for a state assembly seat when she was working as a high school principal, she thought about the impact that she could have for the over 9 million people that live in New Jersey.
Carmen’s tips for getting politically involved without running for a local office:
Volunteer your time for local candidates: help them stuff
Carmen thought about how representation matters.
”For me to be the first Puerto Rican assemblywoman in Essex County was a huge honor. I also thought about all the students who looked up to me. [...] As a high school principal, my kids always looked up to me, but now they can see themselves in me in this great office of the assembly,” she said.
“My students motivated me. I was motivated even more by the opportunity to have a seat at the table to make decisions that impact people that look like me and my community.”
When asked how can sisters get involved in local politics, even if they don’t want to run for office themselves, Carmen emphasizes that you don’t have to run for office to be impactful. She started at the grassroots level working at a nonprofit organization, knocking on doors for candidates who she believed were going to represent her well and speak on behalf of her community.
If volunteering for a specific candidate isn’t up your alley, Morales shares that the most important thing you can do is get people registered to vote Pointing to the lack of voter participation in the last presidential election, Morales says, “When people are registered to vote, they now have a voice to make an impact! Voter registration is [big] because so many people move into new towns between elections and may not be registered to vote at their new local offices. I always believe that our local offices are the most important offices because they impact our daily lives.”
Thank you, Sister, for your public service and for bringing recognition to LTA to the state of New Jersey’s history books.
Cristina Springfield feature by: Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter, SP15
Alumnae Association of NEW JERSEY - PILOT PROGRAM
In the spring of 2025, the Alumnae Association of New Jersey began its pilot period which created a new pathway for Alumnae to be active through rather than a local alumnae chapter or the alumnae - at - large option.
In an interview with Damaris Garcia, a committee member of the NAAC, the Board of the NJ Alumnae Association pilot expressed that their focus is to meet the needs of Alumnae with relevant programming and content and reconnecting them to our sisterhood. Tiffany Carter, the NJ Alumnae Associations Secretary shared that in her quest to make this a lifetime commitment, she asks the question “How do I ensure that Lambda Theta Alpha is meeting me where I am at now?”
The answer: “Providing adult activities. Alumnae are removed from their undergraduate years and doing adult things life -
We need to meet sisters where they are NOW”. The NJ Alumnae Association Pilot Board brings vast experiences, perspectives and has strategized to provide programming that will reflect that. Their programming will meet sisters at different life stages - connecting them back to sisterhood and not focused on chapter identity. The board aims to host bonding / meet ups, family friendly community service and events, etc. To learn more and stay connected with the New Jersey Alumnae Association Pilot email them at aanj@lambdalady.org or follow on Instagram: @lta aanj.
Damaris Garcia feature by: Zeta Alpha Chapter, FA14
PUERTO RICO
FA93 L1) and Dra. maris about many unding would not of Alpha Chapter worked with the me the Founding atólica de Puerto the campus and apter was highly ence, events and ears and had two actors led to the stepped into the to new states in ng to the need for he first Alumnae mnae Chapters.
the sisters had for topped. Over the w in their personal – they completed dvanced degrees, fessionals in their olunteered in the on to raise their
Toy drive by Puerto Rico Alumnae Chapter Pilot
All of these life events happened and while they did not have a physical chapter it didn’t stop them from continuing the bond created years ago. Luckily, a growth in technology allowed them to connect more quickly and frequently via social media platforms – a Facebook Group was started in 2015 This allowed the sisterly connection in Puerto Rico to thrive as they provided support for one another in times of need,
particularly during catastrophic weather events on the island. Now, ten years later, with the 50th anniversary of our organization and the National Convention being held in Puerto Rico, the moon aligned and Lambda Theta Alpha is back on the island.
“Finally, we are able to do this. We tried for many years because we want to have this on the island. We need to build and provide a community for our sisters. We have evolved and can offer a lot to the community because of our life experiences, our different careers, etc. I think it's the best time to get together and support each other as sisters. We are ready to connect and do great things together — for each other, for the sisterhood and for the community.”
- Milca Nazario, Alpha Chapter SP83, L3
The sisters expressed that the COVID pandemic, although a tumultuous time, taught our sorority so many lessons. Technology helped increase its ability to communicate and plan events using tools such as Zoom and WhatsApp. With more stable phone lines, communication became easier and sisters were able to connect more easily to the mainland and with the sorority. As an organization, we ’ ve learned to be flexible and adaptive, there has been a paradigm shift; we now know how to conduct business and host virtual activities in a different manner.
Milca, Magda and Yessenia at the 2025 banquet.
We have a different mentality allowing us to recognize, acknowledge and address that sisters have different responsibilities and needs This mindset shift has allowed sisters to learn to be more flexible which is beneficial to the sorority.
The group is excited to begin preparing for the next portion of their pilot program which is to create a sustainable strategic plan as the foundation for the alumnae chapter. They plan to exemplify their members' strengths in their respective niches as they identify the essential needs for the chapter in the next few years to come.
“We are at different stages in our lives now, we've been through a lot of ups and downs, all kinds of things and now we want to showcase what the sisterhood has done for us throughout our whole lives. We can give back more than we could and we are at that point where we can help our sisterhood and community grow here in Puerto Rico.”
- Dra. Magda Riega Echevarría, Upsilon Chapter, SP95 FS
Milca, Yessenia and Magda are excited to see the pilot chapter receive its charter. As its current President, Yessenia is preparing for the next portion of their pilot program by creating a sustainable strategic plan as the foundation for the alumnae chapter. Together with the current board, Treasurer, Marta Carrión (Lambda, SP92 FS) and Secretary, Dailyn Rivera, JD., (Lambda, SP92 FS) and current member feedback they plan to identify the essential needs for the chapter, including identifying a chapter philanthropy that aligns with the local and regional needs of Puerto Rico, as well as creating a chapter environment that Yessenia says is “welcoming and inclusive para todas las hermanas que quieren ser parte del capítulo como miembra activa y/o con su apoyo en nuestras actividades. We plan to showcase the good work our organization does locally and nationally, as well as continue to bond with each other and grow and support each other in the next phase of our lives Having a presence once again on the island where Lambda was started by Alpha sisters is a full-circle moment personally and for the organization. I am 1975% proud of the chapter’s work, the support we have received and all the opportunities that await.”
To learn more and stay connected with the Puerto Rico Alumnae Pilot Chapter email them at puertoricopilotchapter@gmail.com or follow on Instagram @lta puertoricopilot
Damaris Garcia feature by: Zeta Alpha Chapter, FA14
G O L D E N
Happy HouR Happy HouR
The FIRST of many! During the last weekend in March, sisters across the nation gathered together to celebrate fifty of years of Unity, Love and Respect.
I have to first acknowledge a generous sister, who unfortunately was unable to attend last minute, however allowed me and a guest to enjoy this beautiful weekend. The first event was the “Golden Happy Hour” at the Hilton Blossom Restaurant in New Brunswick. I was so excited to surprise sisters that I knew who were attending as well as to see sisters that I haven’t seen over the years and those that I’ve only met thru Zoom calls.
The room was ignited with smiles, laughter, cheers, dancing and impromptu singing. The excitement was felt throughout the evening that sisters didn’t want the night to end.
The following evening was the main event the Banquet itself was so beautiful. A cherished memory I will have is when all the sisters attending recited our creed. The night continued on with everyone taking photos with each other, dancing, strolling and having a great night.
The weekend ended with the Farewell Brunch which was the perfect way to end the weekend. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and every moment I got to thank Founding Mothers, First Line, Vintage sisters for the commitments they made to the organization, many responded with “‘No, thank you because we wouldn’t be here without you ” . These pioneering women wanted to unite and make a change not only their university campuses but also in the community. Never in their dreams could they have imagined that fifty years later their dreams would continue on by 10k and counting. I am a proud Sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. from the Absolutely Amazing Alpha Alpha Alumnae Chapter.
– Natalie Prawdzik, Alpha Alpha Alumnae Chapter, FA19
N
A T I O N A L
BBanqu anqu
– Lisandra Sanchez
Beta Epsilon Chapter FA01
’ s 50th Anniversary National nything I imagined. This was came a sister in Spring 2019, nce it in person chills. I’ve photos, heard the stories, but ded by everyone from our ounding Sisters to baby Neos cess — it was unforgettable. pride, the legacy… I’m just so grateful to be a part of it all.”
– Cecelia Celine Rodriguez, Alpha Beta Alumnae Chapter, SP19
The 50th is coming! The 50th is coming! I was beyond excited to learn that we would be having a banquet to celebrate LTA’s 50th Anniversary year. Who isn’t looking for an excuse to dress up and party with their sisters?
Coordinated with sisters.. Check! Gown rented.. Check! Ready for the night? Check!
I arrived at the Hyatt in New Brunswick to a sea of sisters, old and new from all over the country. It was wonderful to see sisters that I hadn’t seen in years and it was like no time had passed. I took so many pictures and even managed to catch all of the Fall 2000 sisters in attendance together. I finally was able to meet my other board members for the Alumnae Association of NJ pilot in person! This night was memorable and I can’t wait to do it again for our 60th anniversary.
– Tiffany
F A R E W E L L
BBRuncH RunCH
Our National Banquet Weekend came to a close with a wonderful brunch. Our Sisters and members gathered to enjoy a final meal before heading back to our respective homes. For myself and a few other sisters; it was a very special moment as we had the opportunity to celebrate our birthdays with our sisterhood. It was an amazing core memory that I will hold close to my heart.
– LeAndrea Vernon, Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter, SP15
The entire 50th Anniversary Celebratory weekend was nothing short of extraordinary as a beautiful elebration of our sisterhood, our y, and hope for our future From heartfelt reunions to inspiring moments of recognition of our blazing Founding Mothers, every t was filled with love, pride, and urpose. Ending with the Farewell Brunch was the perfect closing pter reminding us that while the end may have ended, the bonds share continue to grow stronger with time.
– Jennifer Alcaraz, Epsilon Chapter, FA98
PASSING THE TORCH FAREWELL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE AFFAIRS
Dear Alumnae,
As I conclude my term as your Director of Alumnae Affairs, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and collaboration you ’ ve shown me over these past two years. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my Lambda Theta Alpha journey, and I am so proud of what we ’ ve accomplished together.
During this term, we ’ ve made meaningful progress including strengthening the status of our active alumnae chapters, expanding our active alumnae base, and achieving record-breaking enrollment of Lifetime Active Members. Most importantly, we listened to you, bringing alumnae survey feedback to life through innovative pilot programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the alumnae experience. These achievements are a testament to what we can do when we work together with purpose and passion.
As I pass the torch on June 29 to our newly elected Director of Alumnae Affairs, Jennifer Treminio, I do so with immense optimism and excitement. Jennifer brings vision, dedication, and heart to this role, and I am confident that she will continue to lead with intention and build upon the recent successes. th
Thank you for trusting me as your DAA The future of alumnae engagement in Lambda Theta Alpha is bright, and I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you in new ways.
With Unity, Love & Respect,
Jennifer Alcaraz
Epsilon Chapter, FA98 Director of Alumnae Affairs 2023-2025
Learn more about our new Director of Alumnae Affairs in the next newsletter!
Jennifer Treminio
Beta Theta Chapter, SP99 Director of Alumnae Affairs 2025-2027
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Alumnae Newsletter. Thank you to the NAAC and the Newsletter Subcommittee 24 - 25 for their dedication and input this year.
Damaris Garcia
Zeta Alpha Chapter, FA14
Editor / Graphic Designer / Writer - National Alumnae Affairs Committee
Cristina Springfield
Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter, SP15
Editor / Writer - National Alumnae Affairs Committee
Delta Sigma Chapter, SP19
Editor / Graphic Designer - National Alumnae Affairs Committee
