Lambda Theta Alpha Celebrates 2024 National Convention in The Golden City
Nearly 400 members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. convened at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront on June 21 – June 23, 2024, for its annual National Convention. The three-day event included opportunities for members from all over the country to engage in sisterhood bonding, learn more about our sorority’s history, attend educational and motivational sessions, as well as celebrate each other and the sorority’s accomplishments.
Preceding the kickoff to the convention, leaders from all over the nation convened for intensive training and networking sessions. This pivotal gathering provided a platform for leaders to enhance their skills, exchange insights, and strengthen their bonds across regions. Through workshops tailored to cultivate effective leadership strategies and foster collaborative initiatives, participants were equipped with tools to drive impactful change within their areas. The event reinforced our commitment to nurturing leadership development as a cornerstone for advancing our collective mission.
This year’s theme, “Anchored in Legacy, United in Sisterhood,” emphasizes the significance of upholding tradition and cultivating deep connections within our community. As part of our commitment to community service, we collaborated to support La Casa De Las Madres by crafting over 2,000 bracelets. This effort represents 43% of their targeted goal of 3,000 bracelets for the FY 24-25 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Campaign.
To kick off the weekend on Friday, our members attended a welcome reception. Ama Daetz, ABC7 News Anchor, was invited as a keynote speaker to welcome the membership. During the National Philanthropy presentation, a check was issued by the Board of Directors to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reflecting the total amount raised of $30,062 during the 2023-2024 sorority year. It was also announced that the sorority raised $31,080 for the LTA Foundation for the 2023-2024 sorority year. We are proud to highlight the newly introduced named scholarships, that helped with the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation’s fundraising goals which were made possible through the generous contributions of our members and member groups. Additionally, the $2,000 raised at this year’s alumnae reception enabled our organization to exceed our fundraising goals for St. Jude for the first time ever. This achievement is particularly meaningful given that the LTA Foundation is a homegrown initiative, reflecting the dedication and commitment of our sisterhood to making a positive impact.
On Saturday, our National President welcomed everyone with the President’s Address. A highlight of the day was The National Presidents’ Circle, where past and present Lambda Theta Alpha presidents shared their journeys and insights, offering a deep dive into their personal experiences and the vision they hold for the future of our sorority. Each president provided unique perspectives on leadership, growth, and the ongoing mission of Lambda Theta Alpha, illustrating how their paths have contributed to the collective strength of our sisterhood.
Members also had the privilege of hearing from the Founding Mothers, First Line, and other notable members during the HERstory session. This segment was filled with poignant and insightful moments from Lambda Theta Alpha’s rich history, offering a profound connection to our roots and an appreciation for the journey that has shaped us. The event continued with impactful speaker sessions that addressed critical topics relevant to personal and community development. Stephanie Castellanos led an empowering session on negotiating your salary. Patricia Alvarado spoke passionately about addressing mental health in diverse communities, and Jocelyn Yow from IGNITE shared her expertise on mobilizing communities in political efforts, offering valuable strategies to engage and empower communities in the political arena.
The day was a powerful blend of reflection, inspiration, and practical learning, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge to bring back to their chapters and communities.
The National Awards Ceremony was a momentous event that celebrated the remarkable achievements of outstanding chapters and members who have gone above and beyond in various aspects. These individuals and groups have demonstrated exceptional dedication to scholarship, service, political activism, and the spirit of sisterhood. Each award recipient has set a high standard of excellence, inspiring others with their commitment and hard work.
During the ceremony, the 2023-2024 National Awards were presented to those who have excelled and made significant contributions in their respective areas. The honorees were recognized for their unwavering efforts and the positive impact that they have made on their communities and beyond.
The recipients of the 2023-2024 National Awards were:
| Outstanding Service Award (Chapter Level)Alpha Beta Alumnae ChapterHartford, CT | Philanthropic Chapter of the YearBeta Eta ChapterTexas A&M University |
| Political Activist Chapter of the YearBeta Omicron ChapterUniversity of Michigan | Political Activist Member of the YearMilagro VenturaAlpha Delta Alumnae Chapter |
| Area Officer of the YearPerla VillegasTXA2, Area Coordinator | Area of the YearTexas Area Two |
| Regional Officer of the YearKadejah McCoySoutheast RegionRegional Recruitment and Retention Supervisor | Region of the YearSouth Central Region |
| Lourdes Cortes Scholarship for Academic ExcellenceMichelle MedinaUpsilon Chapter | Campus Leader of the YearMonica Rivera IrahetaBeta Theta Chapter |
| New Member of the YearAhnjeles MaldonadoZeta Chapter | Undergraduate of the YearJeniffer Ariana LeonZeta Upsilon Chapter |
| Principles AwardMercedes MercadoBeta Mu Chapter | Alumna of the YearEmma MurielEpsilon Kappa Chapter |
| Universal Mother AwardMerlix ReynoldsChi Chapter | Alumna Entrepreneur AwardAlma SidaGamma Mu Chapter |
| New Professional of the YearJensy Matute GuifarroGamma Pi Chapter | Professional of the YearKeara St Louis Gamma Gamma Chapter |
| Undergraduate Chapter of the Year – LunaZeta Alpha ChapterVirginia Commonwealth University | Undergraduate Chapter of the Year – ConchaBeta Theta ChapterUniversity of Central Florida |
| Undergraduate Chapter of the Year – PalmaGamma Mu ChapterUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison | Alumnae Chapter of the YearAlpha Lambda Alumnae ChapterChicago, IL |
| Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor of the YearTroy BartelsCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills | |
The Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation continued to play an integral part during the National Convention. The LTA Foundation hosted its sixth annual 1.975 Walk/Run early on Saturday, with over 60 members present. Furthermore, at Saturday afternoon’s National Awards Ceremony, the Foundation awarded 22 scholarships of $1,000 each to students of all degree levels.
To conclude the weekend, the Board of Directors praised the outgoing area, regional, and national leaders for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, thanked the National Advisors for their ongoing support, and welcomed the incoming 2024-2025 leadership at all levels, including the incoming officers to the Board of Directors:
| National PresidentRosa “Rosie” Diaz, Sigma Chapter | |
| Vice President of External AffairsSabrina Kahokulani-Sergeant, Sigma Chapter | Vice President of AdministrationCaroline Ayala, Chi Chapter |
| Director of Risk ManagementErica Ramos, Alpha Zeta Alumnae Chapter | Director of Undergraduate AffairsTatiana Clayton, Zeta Chapter |
| Director of OrientationClaritza Reyes, Epsilon Chapter | Director of Recruitment and RetentionAnabel “Belle” Genao, Beta Lambda Chapter |
The Board of Directors would like to extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, including the photographer, speakers, vendors, volunteers, and staff at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront. We would like to give special recognition to the National Events Committee for their exceptional effort and dedication in organizing this memorable event. Additionally, we are grateful to KSquared Tech Consulting, Vive Cosmetics, and Abogada Jess for sponsoring this year’s convention. We eagerly anticipate our 2025 National Convention in Puerto Rico, where we will commemorate 50 years of sisterhood.
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About Lambda Theta Alpha
Lambda Theta Alpha was founded at Kean University in 1975 as the first Latina sorority in the nation. Lambda Theta Alpha strives to develop strong leaders that produce and engage in political, social, and cultural activities. Based on the principles of Unity, Love and Respect, the Sorority was established for the unification of women through charitable and educational programs. Although Lambda Theta Alpha is Latin by tradition, the Sorority is inclusive to all women regardless of race, color, creed, sexual identity, gender expression, or religious beliefs.