Statement on of Solidarity with Black Community

Many of us are tired and exhausted. Since the beginning of 2020, communities of color have faced additional injustices rooted in systemic racism. COVID-19 has brought about xenophobia and physical violence against the Asian/Asian-American community. We have witnessed this virus disproportionately kill members of the Black, Indigenous and Latina/o/x communities. This includes people we love. In the past month, a number of members of the Black community have been murdered under the hands of police and white supremacists. George Floyd and Tony McDade are the latest Black victims to die under police custody. These blatant forms of racism and racialized violence are taking a toll on the Black community, including our Black Hermanas.

There are no easy answers or fixes to get rid of racism. The work ahead requires a combination of strategies: organizing, protesting, voting, legislative and policy changes and more. This work cannot fall on the Black community. Non-Black people must do the work to condemn racial violence in all forms. Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., stands in solidarity with the Black community. As a Latina-based organization with a herstory that involves adopting Black Greek traditions and organizing alongside the Black community during our early years at Cornell University, we must continue to take action today. If you are wondering how to stand in solidarity with the Black community, we have provided some additional guidance below:

• Research the history of systemic racism and White supremacy in the United States. In order to begin recognizing the role we may play in potentially upholding systems of white supremacy, it’s important for us to first understand what systemic racism is and how it has shown up throughout the history of our country. If you have already been doing this work, then push yourself to reflect on your identity and privilege and the unconscious biases that you hold. 
  
  

• Reflect and acknowledge anti-Black sentiments. Anti-blackness exists in communities of color. Think about how you may be enforcing anti-blackness in your views and perceptions and what steps you will take to disrupt this.
  
  

• For non-Black Hermanas, hold dialogue around anti-Blackness. When you hear loved ones, friends, or colleagues make racists or problematic comments, call them in and have a discussion around anti-blackness and violence against the Black community. We recognize this can be uncomfortable, but these conversations are essential if we want to combat racism.
  
  

• For Non-Black Hermanas, listen to the Black people in your life. Be aware of the impact that racism has on people who identify as Black. Give them a safe space where they can let outrage, anger, sadness, fear, etc. Listen. Let them be heard. Refrain from taking up space and placing additional burdens on your Black friends or loved ones.

The National Executive Board mourns the significant loss of Black lives. Please utilize this Resource Guide for those seeking support, solidarity, and education. We encourage you all to share resources with each other.

To our Black Hermanas, we see you and we are here for you. For those of us who identify as anything other than Black, please make space for our Hermanas who are directly impacted and to all the other Black folks in your lives.

In Solidarity, 

The National Executive Board of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.

Lambda Pi Chi Expands to Campbell University

The second North Carolina expansion effort within one year

NEW YORK (2018) - Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, a Latina based, and not exclusive, organization successfully expands to Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina making the chapter the first National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) sorority on campus, and the second North Carolina expansion for the Sorority within one year.

On March 10, 2018, six students established the Campbell University Provisional Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated. The efforts behind establishing the chapter answered a need to unify women through the promotion of programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the U.S. Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

“We are delighted to welcome the provisional chapter at Campbell University to our Hermandad (Sorority),” shares Melanie Castro, National Vice President of Expansion. “This milestone is thanks to an exemplary collaboration between the University Administration, Campbell women, and the Sorority. I am confident our new Hermanas (members), with the support of local alumnae, are going to thrive and bring impactful programming and zest to their communities.”

Bringing Lambda Pi Chi to campus was a joint effort supported by the Campbell Greek Office. Cassie Hughes Thomas, the former Campbell Assistant Director of Greek Life and Student Leadership, was instrumental in helping navigate the new environment and facilitating the various components needed to establish a new chapter. The Greek organizations on campus were incredibly supportive and welcoming to the Sorority to campus. The Sorority will continue to partner with campus Administration and working with other Greek letter organizations.

The Campbell University Provisional Chapter was successfully guided by current Hermanas Jacqueline Lopez, Osvelia Valverde, and Mishelle Duran; and was locally supported by Elaine Townsend Utin, Southeast Regional Expansion Chair; the Southeast Regional Board; and members from the North Carolina area.

“The drive and determination that these women demonstrated throughout the past few months was astonishing. Their passion, resilience, and determination have been incredible to witness and I’m so excited to see the impact they have not only within our organization, but especially on Campbell’s campus as the first Latina-based sorority on campus,” says Jacqueline López, Chapter Intake Coordinator.

Lambda Pi Chi Sorority welcomes the Spring 2018 Campbell University Provisional Chapter Intake Class:

Beatriz Tapia - Hermana Yaamizil (Sophomore, Biology)

Brenda Medina - Hermana Ixtamiah (Senior, Political Science)

Meleny Cruz - Hermana Amāhsele (Senior, Marketing, MBA)

Amy Rodríguez - Hermana Ginéxla (Junior, Healthcare Management)

Flor Macías-Chavez - Hermana Némivik (Junior, Biology)

Daphanie Doane - Hermana Riqüpas (Junior, Trust & Wealth Management)

Campbell University was founded on January 5, 1887 by James Archibald Campbell. Campbell University has extended campuses in Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base, and Raleigh. The mission of Campbell University is to graduate students with exemplary academic and professional skills who are prepared for purposeful lives and meaningful service. To learn more about Campbell University, please visit www.campbell.edu.

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About Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (LPC)

The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., seeks to unify women

through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

September 15, 2017

2017 Hispanic Heritage Month

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's theme is "Shaping the Bright Future of America," and during the month we, along with many other Hispanics and Latinos, will showcase the many contributions we given to this country.

Currently, there are approximately 55 million people living in the United States who identify as Hispanic or Latino. This is about 17% of the entire US population. Latinos/Hispanics come from the Caribbean, central and south Americas; and regardless if we came recently, or have been here for years, we live, learn, work, and contribute many other ways to our communities.

Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc. has members from over 81 countries, nationalities, and ethnicities, and residing in five of the seven continents.

Please join us displaying the richness and diversity within the Latino/Hispanic community. Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15 through October 15.

Contact

Daniela Trammell

National Vice President of Marketing

marketing@ambdapichi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29 Years Later Lambda Pi Chi Remains Invaluable

NEW YORK - April 17, 2017 - Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, was established April 16, 1988 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and was the first Latina-focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution. The Sorority was founded by Irma Almirall-Padamsee, Maria Caban, Migdalia Franklin, Patricia Rivera, and Eva Marie Sosa-Grandison. These five women strove to create an organization that would transcend their collegiate experience and consolidate their strength as responsible leaders of the community. They worked diligently to develop an impactful organization, whose mission and goals would encompass the experiences of all women, but especially those of U.S. Latinas and whose ideals would nurture the growth of its members throughout their lives. In the nearly three decades of providing a lifetime network for women, with an emphasis on the Latina, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, has been able to meet the needs of Hermanas (Sisters) and remain relevant. The Sorority continues to be a value-based organization offering a diverse and inclusive Hermandad (Sisterhood) while serving as a vehicle for women to empower themselves and their communities.

“Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., provided crucial support for me when I was an undergrad at Cornell University, said Cristina Banuelos, president of Lambda Pi Chi. “The network of support I found through the Sorority, did indeed transcend my collegiate experience and continues to support me through personal and professional ups and downs.  Every year, as new amazing women enter the organization, this network grows and strengthens and as we navigate a tumultuous political and social climate when many of our communities are vulnerable, this support network is invaluable.”

Since Lambda Pi Chi’s founding the Sorority has expanded to 24 undergraduate and 11 graduate chapters across the country, answering an appeal from women throughout the United States. This past March 2017, Lambda Pi Chi successfully established a chapter at a historically black college and university (HBCU), by chartering the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Provisional Chapter in Durham, North Carolina, providing an additional resource for women on that campus. In addition to expansion, Lambda Pi Chi continued to fill a critical obligation to the many and diverse Hermans who comprise the Sorority. There are 80 plus countries, nationalities, and ethnicities represented within the Organization as well as members of many faiths and non-belief systems. In August 2015, members also voted to update language within Sorority Constitution to more appropriately define membership eligibility and affirm the inclusion of all individuals who identify as a woman.

“Nearly 100% of our undergraduates graduate and many continue to pursue advanced degrees. These academic achievements are allowing our members to have a significant impact on the communities we serve. We continuously encourage our Hermanas to use the network we have built not only amongst ourselves but with our fellow Latinx Greek brothers and sisters to be change agents in our society.” said Maria Diaz, former president of Lambda Pi Chi President (2010 -2013) and current president National Association of Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).   

This past Sunday, April 16, 2017, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., celebrated 29 years of Hermandad. Many of the Organization’s chapters use the weeks prior or post anniversary to commemorate the Sorority’s establishment, more commonly referred to as “Pi Chi Week.” During the week, chapters provide an array of programming such as cultural celebrations; professional development and panels; community service; fundraising; and social activities. This time is also used to reflect on the barriers the founders encountered as Latinas at a predominantly white institution and the commitment made to improving opportunities for the women of the next generations. While much progress has been made in empowering Hermanas and the community, a number of concerns the founders had remain relevant today. Through chapter, regional, and national programming as well as professional and personal achievements, Hermanas of Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated endeavor to create opportunities for advancement, civic engagement, and community investment, and they are supported by the Sorority’s commitment to “La Hermandad” (Sisterhood), “La Comunidad” (Community), and “La Cultura Latina” (Latino Culture).

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The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. seeks to unify women through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

Contact Information:

Daniela Trammell

National Vice President of Marketing

marketing@lambdapichi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE & DISTRIBUTION

Latina Based Lambda Pi Chi Expands to HBCU

Organization establishes chapter at North Carolina Central University

NEW YORK (April 2, 2017) - Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, a Latina based, and not exclusive, organization successfully expands to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina, making Lambda Pi Chi the first National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) sorority on campus. NCCU is the Sorority’s first undergraduate chapter at a historically black college and university (HBCU).

On March 25, 2017, five students established the North Carolina Central University Provisional Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated. The effort of establishing the chapter answered a need for women who were seeking an organization that related to their needs as Latina women and offered them a lifetime network of women dedicated to each other and their communities that would transcend the collegiate years. Approximately, 1.8% of NCCU students identify as Hispanic/Latino, and have access to campus based supports and resources for a growing Latino population, now including Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated.

“This expansion effort has truly been a collaborative initiative between the Sorority and NCCU Administration, which we are delighted about,” said Melanie Castro, National Vice President of Expansion. “I would be remiss not to also highlight the welcoming Greek Community at NCCU, which has been instrumental in helping us navigate the new environment.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with NCCU’s Administration and working with other Greek letter organizations to promote scholarship and community service in the area.”

Bringing Lambda Pi Chi Sorority to NCCU was a dynamic partnership with University’s Administration. In the fall of 2016, the Sorority had an opportunity to meet with Administration to discuss the alignment of the Sorority’s Expansion Strategy with the campus and needs of interested women at NCCU. The discussion resulted in a mutual agreement that Lambda Pi Chi would be a vital contribution to campus life and the academic and professional development of interested women. The NCCU Provisional Chapter was successfully guided by current Hermanas (members) Alejandra Galindo, Kiara Aranda, Daysi Hurtado, and Beatrice Paneto; and was locally supported by the Sorority’s Southeast Regional Board and members from other North Carolina chapters.

“Our new Hermanas are leaders and have shown tremendous diligence to make their dream of founding the first ever Latinx-oriented Greek letter organization on campus,” said Alejandra Galindo, Intake Coordinator. “[The Sorority] is thrilled to support our newest Hermanas as they embark on a journey of serving the community and educating about Latinx culture.”

Lambda Pi Chi welcomes the North Carolina Central University Provisional Chapter, and introduces new members to the NCCU community with a showcase, Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the McDouglad-McLendon Arena.

The Spring 2017 NCCU Provisional Chapter Intake Class:

Casey Barr-Rios, Hermana Z'ayitzal (Senior, Psychology)

Jasmine Castillo, Hermana Yētlametli (Junior, Psychology and English)

Karen Julissa Villanueva-Sierra, Hermana Rimaz’inati (Junior, Criminal Justice and Spanish)

Sheila Acevedo-Donis, Hermana Melinazq'a  (Senior, Criminal Justice)

Ruth Islas, Hermana K'iānüztli (Sophomore, Criminal Justice)

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) was founded in 1909 as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua by Dr. James Edward Shepard. It became the first public liberal arts institution for African Americans in the nation. NCCU with a strong tradition of teaching, research, and service, prepares students to become global leaders and practitioners who transform communities. According to the HBCU Digest, NCCU is the 2016 HBCU of the Year. To learn more about NCCU visit, www.nccu.edu. 

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About Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (LPC)

The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., seeks to unify women

through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Statement regarding immigration executive orders

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated firmly believes that the most recent Executive Orders issued by the U.S. federal administration regarding the construction of a wall along our southern border and a ban on selected refugee and immigrant populations contradict the ideals this nation was founded upon, and does not create a unified nation post-election. Ultimately, these Orders do not make our nation safer.

Our organization will continue to create a safe place for members of our Sorority and our community who are impacted by these Orders. We will work collaboratively with our communities, allies, and local elected officials to ensure that the rights of many innocent, hard-working individuals seeking "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are not violated.

 In Solidarity,

The National Executive Board

Friday, September 16, 2016

Statement regarding the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated stands in solidarity with the Standing Rick Sioux tribe of North Dakota in protection of their sacred lands, burial grounds, and water sources. As an organization, we recognize the often violent histories of indigenous peoples within our own cultures and thus we continue to work collectively by advocating for the fundamental rights and advancement of all people of color.

In Solidarity,

The National Executive Board

 Friday, July 8, 2016

Statement on Violence 

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated extends our thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed and injured in Texas, as violence is never the answer. Lambda Pi Chi Sorority's mission is to empower women by providing a supportive network, and we support ALL of our Hermanas and the communities we represent. 

We firmly believe that conversations focusing on violence against undeserved populations must continue; however, there is no room for acts of violence in this dialogue.

We ALL are impacted by these horrific tragedies, and we need to recognize that each incident heightens and compounds stressors. Be sensitive and kind to one another, and take good care of your mental wellness.

In Solidarity,

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Statement on Violence Against the Black Community

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated stands in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters in seeking an end to violence against the community. Furthermore, we choose to move beyond this posture by taking action through education, electoral process, policy change, and leadership.

In Solidarity,

Contact Information:

Daniela Trammell

National Vice President of Marketing

marketing@lambdapichi.org

Jazmin Cameron

National Convention Co-Chair

jazmin.cameron@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE & DISTRIBUTION

Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Partners with Rock the Vote

NEW YORK – July 4, 2016 — Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated partners with Rock the Vote in an effort to register and encourage Hermanas (sorority members) to exercise their right to vote in the 2016 Presidential Election. Through this partnership, the Sorority hopes to play a role in increasing the amount of all voters of color, with a special emphasis on the Latino community, while engaging Hermanas in the electoral process. The Sorority will highlight the significance of civic engagement at their 2016 National Convention, Nuestra Fuerza: Hermanas in Solidarity in Tampa, Florida.

“Oftentimes, we as individuals diminish the impact our vote has which is why [the Sorority] is so excited to have Maria Padilla, a non-partisan political analyst, focus on the importance of the Latino vote and how it could change the course of this year's election,” said Celina Holson, national convention planning committee member and national vice president of new membership. “We hope our Hermanas can use the knowledge gained at this workshop to enlighten their respective communities about the role Latinos play in our nation's election profile.”

With the upcoming U.S. Presidential election this November 2016, the Lambda Pi Chi’s National Convention Committee presents this collaborative workshop with Rock the Vote to encourage voting participation and provide resources for submitting a ballot. During the Convention session, sorority members will learn more about the Presidential Candidates and their positions on education, immigration, and women’s rights. Lambda Pi Chi’s 2016 National Convention weekend will take place July 29 – 31, 2016 in Tampa, FL.

Individuals interested in registering to vote either for the first time or because of a recent relocation, can click here to use Rock the Vote submission form.  Registrants must be over 18 years old and an U.S. citizen.

Rock the Vote is a nonprofit and non-partisan organization that focuses on registering young people to vote and driving youth to the polls.  

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About Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (LPC)

The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., seeks to unify women

through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Statement on Orlando

On behalf of the Hermandad, we are deeply saddened and roused by the incident at Pulse in Orlando. There is no acceptance of attacking another class of people based upon their protective class status and/or infringe upon their civil rights. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's families and all affected by this event.

While we are dismayed by the hate and ignorance that still exists today, we are encouraged that our Hermandad creates a safe place for all individuals. Last year in 2015, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated became the first Latina fraternal organization to update our governing Constitution to ensure we are inclusive. We hope in light of this tragedy and in memory of the victims, we all can come together in action, advocacy, and policy to protect everyone's civil rights.

In solidarity,

 The National Executive Board, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.

Contact
Daniela Trammell
National Vice President of Marketing
marketing@lambdapichi.org 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lambda Pi Chi Announces Elizabeth Acevedo as Keynote Speaker for National Convention in Tampa, Florida

 NEW YORK (May 16, 2016) - Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority,                          Incorporated, is proud to announce Elizabeth Acevdeo, an awarding-winning poet, as    the keynote speaker for their upcoming 2016 National Convention in Tampa, Florida.      The 2016 National Convention titled “Nuestra Fuerza: Hermanas in Solidarity” will  take place July 29 through July 31, 2016 at The Westin Tampa Harbour Island Hotel in  Tampa, Florida.

 Acevedo is an award winning performer, educator, and author and was selected by  Lambda Pi Chi in alignment with their 2016 National Convention theme. Her performance  and written works celebrate her passion for culture, womanhood, and the love of her city  roots which complement the Sorority’s Ideals of La Comunidad (the community), La  Hermandad (the sisterhood), and La Cultura Latina (the Latino culture). She  unapologetically uses her words as declarations of her identity and these affirmations can  be heard in pieces like “Hair,” “The Unmaking,” and “Afro-Latina.”

 "I am incredibly excited to be the keynote speaker at Lambda Pi Chi Sorority's Convention!  I think it's so imperative to have a space where women can come together and consider  the theme, Nuestra Fuerza: Hermanas in Solidarity, and how the message of uplifting one  another must transcend lines of race, ethnicity, class, and even Greek affiliations as we try  to create a better world through united strength," remarked Elizabeth Acevedo.  

 Nationally and internationally renowned, Acevedo commands broadcasting platforms like    BET, Mun2, and TED Talks, and has graced the stages of the The Lincoln Center, Madison  Square Garden, the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, South Africa’s State Theatre,  and the Bozar Center of the Arts in Belgium. Her viral poetry videos have provided a  familiar voice for many Latina women and have elevated discussions of identity to platforms like PBS, Latina Magazine,  Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, and Upworthy.  

 “Elizabeth Acevedo’s voice amplifies many tones within our diverse organization,” said Chris Diaz, national vice  president of Lambda Pi Chi and the national executive board’s liaison to the national convention committee. “By  focusing on our shared values with empathy rather than sympathy, we can sincerely add strength and power to our  movements.” 

 Acevedo was born and raised in New York City and her poetry is infused with her Dominican parents’ bolero and her  beloved city’s tough grit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and a  Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She is a National Poetry Slam Champion, Cave  Canem Fellow, CantoMundo Fellow, and participant of the Callaloo Writer's Workshop. Her work was published or is  forthcoming in the Notre Dame Review, Callaloo, Puerto Del Sol, Poet Lore, and Beltway Quarterly. Her manuscript,  Beastgirl will be published by Yes Yes Books’ in the September 2016.  

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About Lambda Pi Chi (LPC)  The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. seeks to unify women through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.  

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org. 

Contact
Daniela Trammell
National Vice President of Marketing
marketing@lambdapichi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Expands to Saint Leo in Florida

New York – April 18, 2016 — Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, expands to Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida. Saint Leo is the Sorority’s first undergraduate chapter in Florida.

“I am privileged to be on the National Executive Board at this point in time! It is an exciting time for the Sorority; this expansion brings new life to our Organization and the chapter is welcomed by a community where the Sorority can make an impact. The Saint Leo University effort led six phenomenal young women into our Hermandad and also accelerates our momentum for continuing to flourish in new locations in the coming years,” said Melanie Castro, National Vice President of Expansion. “As we near our 30th anniversary, I am confident the Hermandad and select campuses will work in concert to continue to establish Lambda Pi Chi in locations where we provide a forum for leaders and women of color to network and support one another.”

On April 16, 2016, six determined students established the Saint Leo University Provisional Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated. The effort to establish the chapter was highly supported by the University’s Administration and especially by Thomas Martin, Assistant Director of Greek Life and Community Engagement. The creation of this new chapter was guided by three local alumnae members (Hermanas) Jennifer Almonte, Michelle Spangler, and Jennifer Vargas. The interest group proactively met with one another and the two Hermanas to get to know one another better and determine if the organization was an appropriate fit for them as individuals and for their campus. There were eight women in the original interest group, and six were chosen for membership.

“It was an honor and privilege to lead this expansion effort at Saint Leo University. The support provided from the University’s Administration and governing Greek council will ensure our success on campus,” said Michelle Spangler. “Our new Hermanas have worked hard to make this dream become a reality. They truly embody our vision, mission, and goals. We look forward to servicing the students at Saint Leo University by educating them about the Latino culture and community.”

The Sorority welcomes and introduces the Saint Leo University Provisional Chapter:

Natasha Lopez, Hermana Qiyanip (Junior, Criminal Justice)

Justine Gonzalez, Hermana Caliza (Sophmore,  Elementary Education)

Tatyana Rodriguez, Hermana Amaritu (Junior, Psychology)

Guadalupe Arredondo, Hermana Seyarameh  (Junior, Criminal Justice)

Tiffany Charria, Hermana Kimalix (Junior, Hospitality Management)

Amanda Burgos, Hermana Reinasera (Junior, Criminal Justice)

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About Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (LPC)

The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., seeks to unify women through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

Contact
Daniela Trammell
National Vice President of Marketing
marketing@lambdapichi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lambda Pi Chi Celebrates 28 Strong Years

NEW YORK – April 15, 2016 – The Hermanas of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, celebrate 28 solid years of providing a lifetime network of Hermanas dedicated to empowering themselves and their communities. The Sorority’s anniversary of April 16th allows members to reflect on the obstacles the founders endured as Latinas and the commitment made to improving opportunities for the women of the next generations.

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, was established April 16, 1988 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and was the first Latina-focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution. The Sorority was founded by Irma Almirall-Padamsee, Maria Caban, Migdalia Franklin, Patricia Rivera, and Eva Marie Sosa-Grandison. These five women strove to create an organization that would transcend their collegiate experience and consolidate their strength as responsible leaders of the community. They worked diligently to develop an impactful organization, whose mission and goals would encompass the experiences of all women, but especially those of U.S. Latinas and whose ideals would nurture the growth of its members throughout their lives.

“Over the last 28 years, I, the Hermandad, have seen many changes - changes in the needs of the undergraduate Hermanas, the needs of our alumnae Hermanas, and in our respective communities. However, the one constant has been our ability as an Hermandad to fulfill a need for a lifetime network of Latinas, and women of color,” said Irma Almirall-Padamsee. “The Sorority still represents strong women of character, yet we are able to embrace the changes of what achievements and success look like for our members, we are able to expand our definitions of Hermana, community, and culture to ensure we are going to endure.”

Within the last 28 years, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, has achieved a lot of success and continues to remain a strong lifetime network for members. The Sorority has expanded to 31 undergraduate and professional/graduate chapters nationwide and has representation from over 81 countries, nationalities, and ethnicities. The Sorority boasts 100% graduation rate of their undergraduate Hermanas and 36% of Hermanas go on to complete advanced degrees, and the Sorority has members who are successful and accomplished professors, authors, lawyers, doctors, engineers, film directors/producers, fitness coaches, teachers, police officers, partners/ spouses, and mothers. In August 2015, the Sorority also voted to update language within their Constitution to better define membership eligibility and affirm inclusion of transgender members.   

“As an Hermana, I feel like I can do anything! Knowing that my Hermanas are always there to guide the way, pick me up when I am down, and cheer me on in times of triumph, is all that I need in order to achieve my goals,” said Yareliz Diaz, Hermana Diwátazil, FA 2013 Nu Chapter, Boston.  “I am forever blessed by the womyn I have met as a result of this Hermandad and will always say that joining this organization is one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I look forward to many more years of cariño, and showing up at conventions when I am 90 years old in heels.”

Throughout the entire month of April, the Sorority’s chapters are offering a number of anniversary activities. The Alpha chapter at Cornell University is hosting a weekend of activities including community service, a Latinas career panel, and recognition dinner. The Beta chapter is holding an anniversary dinner in New York City, the Phi chapter is organizing a cake cutting and Founders Day stroll on the UNC Chapel Hill campus, collectively the Epsilon, Mu and Theta chapters are providing a Founders Day BBQ, and a celebration hosted by the Pi Beta Professional/Graduate chapter will be held in Washington, D.C.

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About Lambda Pi Chi (LPC)

The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was established on April 16,1988 at Cornell University. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate and professional women, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. seeks to unify women through the promotion of community service programs that highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and offer opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically underrepresented groups.

For further information visit our website at www.lambdapichi.org or email us at info@lambdapichi.org.

Contact Information:

Daniela Trammell

National Vice President of Marketing

marketing@lambdapichi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Announces 2016 National Convention in Tampa, FL