The year 1975 saw the birth of what started as a vision - an idea of an organization, a sisterhood that would cater to the needs of Latinas and the universal woman. Thanks to the tremendous strides made by our seventeen founding mothers, this dream was realized, and took form as the entity, Lambda theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, the first Latina sorority in the nation.

Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized at Kean University as the First Latina Sorority founded in the United States. This organization was the first to recognize the need for a support system, thus creating one. The desire to progress, dedication to their community, and the aspiration for the advancement of the Latin women marked the beginning of Lambda Theta Alpha. It allowed the independent Latin woman of a new era to have a sense of belonging and with that, achieve her highest potential. It would define a new role for the Latina woman, one with education, goals and vision in hopes of great success.

Now, 34 years later, we have seen the outcome of such an organization. Lambda Theta Alpha has contributed ot he advancement of all people by helping to produce educated women of many races, ethnicities, and creeds. These women are political leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountatns, etc. LTA has also paved the way for many other Latina organizations, which would later pursue the empowering movement that we set the trend for. From 1975 to date, Lambda Theta Alpha has upheld its purpose and mission, each day realizing the Founder's dream - that it may serve as a quintessential trailblazer for all women.

(To learn more about our national history, please visit www.lambdalady.org)

The journey towards becoming sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. was a challenge, an adventure, a process of growth and an amazing experience. It all began when Cecilia Alcalá as a Freshman realized that the sororities in existence at the University of Idaho were not addressing the most pressing needs of Latinas. The Latino population at the University of Idaho is only about 4% and thus there was a need for unity, support, and leadership opportunities for Latina women. Thus the search began towards creating an organization which would focus on these needs. This inspired a desire to find an intriguing, unique, and a well respected organization that would promote and support Latinas. Cecilia got in contact with a sister from Gamma Omicron Chapter. In the Fall 2003 after researching several other organizations, Lambda Theta Alpha stood above the rest. It was then that Cecilia requested information about the Interest Group and she along with several other women officially became recognized as the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated in December 2003.

Many women involved in the Interest Group exemplified leadership. They worked to promote Lambda Theta Alpha’s principles: Unity, Love, and Respect and to create diversity on campus. Many of the Interested Ladies were involved in various organizations and held officer positions within them. But ultimately their priority was promoting the Latino culture and educating the community about Latino needs, obstacles, and accomplishments. The work that these ladies did throughout their two and a half years as Interested Ladies did not go unnoticed. They built a strong foundation and carried on the positive reputation that Lambda Theta Alpha is so respectively known for. Their many achievements were recognized through being awarded “Outstanding New Student Organization” in 2005, “Recognition of Outstanding Service” in 2005 and “Most Active Student Organization” in 2006 at the ASUI (Associated Students University of Idaho) Student Organization Awards. This recognition resulted from their consistent activism shown through the many community service projects, political activism, and educational enrichment projects that they partook on. These involved: Cinco de Mayo, events for Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King activities, World AIDS Day awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness, and Eating Disorders Awareness. Furthermore, they led peace rally marches, ribbon campaigns on various issues, with their overall focus on women’s issues. This is now the chapter philanthropy.  Although the Interested Ladies were constantly involved and occupied with their activities they ensured to support all other existing multicultural and Latino organizations on campus. They fostered many positive relationships with these organizations and built a reputation of being reliable and responsible in any and all tasks.

 Throughout the Interest Group they lost and gained a lot of wonderful women for various reasons, but those that remained persistent, hard working and dedicated were to become founding sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated on April 23, 2006. On this unforgettable day ten amazing, unique, diligent ladies founded the “Diligent and Elite” Delta Eta Chapter at the University of Idaho. Thus Delta Eta became the 78^th undergraduate chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Since their inception, they have ensured to create a strong foundation as they did for the Interest Group. Through their short time in existence, they have participated in many community service projects, fundraisers, educational enrichment projects and participated in political awareness. These exceptional women are known for being amongst the most diligent at the University of Idaho.

Delta Eta Chapter came into existence through the ongoing support and leadership of many sisters from Gamma Omicron Chapter and with the guidance of our sweet, funny, and caring PM Blanca Torres from Gamma Beta Chapter. Not a week goes by that we are not participating in a fundraiser, community service project or an informational table educated others about AIDS, political issues, hazing laws, or obstacles that Laintos encounter. They always lead efforts and pave the way as Lambda Ladies are so respectfully known for.