FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 31, 2026
Detroit, Michigan – June 26-28 – Lambda Theta Alpha Celebrates 2026 National Convention in Motown!
Members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. gathered in Detroit, Michigan, from June 26 to June 28, 2026, for our annual National Convention. The three-day weekend was packed with moments to reconnect, learn, and bond, all while allowing sisters to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Motown. Gathering from across the country, the sorority continues to celebrate shared history and the proud embodiment of the principles of unity, love & respect. This convention beautifully proved that we are driven by purpose and fueled by our sisterhood.
This year’s theme, “Driven by Purpose, Fueled by Sisterhood”, highlighted the longstanding commitment within our organization of advocacy and building strong communities. The weekend kicked off with a national community service, in partnership with the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation, where all convention attendees packed 500 hygiene kits for the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Office of Homeless and Foster Care. This initiative directly supports the department’s ongoing efforts to eliminate educational barriers and foster academic success for vulnerable youth.
On Friday, the excitement continued with the Welcome Reception, which served as a high-energy kickoff to the convention weekend. Coming together to review shared and sacred traditions, members enjoyed an evening of music, strolling, and connections. The event provided a beautiful opportunity for sisters from across the nation to reconnect, with the night’s vibrant energy reflecting the deep unity and joy of our sisterhood.
Bright and early Saturday morning, with Canada’s beautiful skyline visible just across the Michigan River, the Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation kept the convention momentum going as they hosted their eighth annual 1.975 Walk/Run! Uniting members for a morning of fitness, community, and shared purpose. Later that day, during the National Awards Ceremony, the Foundation announced that Lambda Theta Alpha has proudly raised $31,237 this year as a part of our dedicated partnership! This accounts for 60% of the sorority’s $52,000 goal for the year. The Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation is a vital source of support for our members and community alike, and a valued partnership for our sisterhood.
Carrying on the legacy of Lambda Theta Alpha philanthropic efforts, the weekend continued with highlighting our efforts in supporting our national philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In our 15th year of partnership, our organization raised $21,151 for St. Jude through the efforts of 47 teams and 474 participants. And as of January 2026, in partnership, we’ve raised over $70,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This incredible milestone is the direct result of year-round fundraising driven by the dedication, generosity, and passion of our membership.
The afternoon momentum continued with dynamic breakout sessions offering members space to grow personally, professionally, and collectively.
Saturday afternoon also brought incredible workshops for our membership, including a variety of frameworks and strategies that continue to resonate with our membership. Such workshops included Clarity in the Chaos with LaShatá Grayson, where members learned to set healthy boundaries and how to lead from clarity rather than urgency. Camille Gonzalez hosted a reflective growth session centered on three interconnected wellness frameworks for individuals and communities. In line with our theme of wellness, Natasha Olano’s session provided practical tools for building sustainable self-care habits and compassionate communication rooted in Unity, Love, and Respect. Shifting to personal development, Hazel McIntyre facilitated a transformational workshop on reshaping one’s relationship with money through mindfulness. To round out the afternoon, Mi Poder directors Cindy Gamboa and Karen Cardenas empowered members to turn their voices into political and policy influence within the Latino community.
Our National Convention strives to provide memorable workshops where our membership not only feels motivated but empowered to lead within our organization and beyond.
The day’s message of reflection and transformation culminated in the highly anticipated Keynote, titled Culture Behind The Call: How Limitless Leaders Shape Trust, Language and Decisions, delivered by the inspiring Noemi Pavon (Delta Alpha, SP 07). As the Founder and CEO of The Pavon Firm, she has spent her career transforming leaders and teams, helping them move from confusion to clarity, high performance, and lasting transformation. With over two decades of experience in education and government leadership, she provided our members with relatable, real-world examples and highly actionable tools. Through her insights, members learned how to shift from reactive to intentional leadership, reframe conversations through an asset-based lens, and make value-aligned decisions that protect relationships and community. Her keynote was an empowering call to action—inspiring members to step into their power with practical frameworks, stronger communication skills, and the confidence to lead with purpose and impact in their chapters and beyond.
The National Awards Ceremony served as a brilliant showcase of the passion, service, and hard work that our chapters and members poured into the 2025–2026 year. This special afternoon was dedicated to honoring the amazing members within our sisterhood who consistently exemplify our principles of Unity, Love, and Respect through outstanding leadership, academic achievement, community outreach, and sisterly love. We celebrated the remarkable groups and individuals who have made a tangible difference within Lambda Theta Alpha. These outstanding recipients do more than just wear our letters—they bring them to life by lifting their communities, mentoring those around them, guiding, and motivating members of our organization for years to come.
The recipients of the 2025-2026 National Awards are:
| Outstanding Service Award Delta Beta Chapter Georgia State University | Philanthropic Chapter of the Year Alpha Tau Alumnae Chapter Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Political Activist Chapter of the Year Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter Atlanta, Georgia | Area of the Year NJA1 – New Jersey |
| Area Officer of the Year Yenifer Tiburcio Jerez VAA1 Area Coordinator | Region of the Year North Central Region MI, IL, OH, WI, IA |
| Regional Officer of the Year Kenya Moore East Central Region – Regional Finance Supervisor | Campus Leader of the Year Olivia Wintz Eta Zeta Chapter |
| Lourdes Cortes Scholarship for Academic Excellence Sarah Ortiz-Polanco Beta Epsilon Chapter | Undergraduate of the Year Alexandria Vega Epsilon Kappa Chapter |
| New Member of the Year Isabel Fraire Delta Beta Chapter | Alumna of the Year Vanessa Benitez Epsilon Alpha Chapter |
| Principles Award Sylvia Rodriguez Beta Omicron Chapter | Alumna Entrepreneur Award Alyssa Hernandez Gamma Xi Chapter |
| Universal Mother Award Wanda Martinez Sigma Chapter | Alumnae Chapter of the Year Alpha Xi Alumnae Chapter Alexandria, VA |
| Undergraduate Chapter of the Year Eta Zeta Stephen F. Austin State University | Professional of the Year Serena Valle Epsilon Kappa Chapter |
| Leader of the Year Mayra Palomares Jacobo Epsilon Upsilon Chapter | Committee of the Year Political Education Initiative Committee (PEI) |
| Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor of the Year Matthew Greer Stockton University | |
To close out Saturday night, the unforgettable Alumnae Social at Taqueria El Rey brought alumnae together to dance, stroll, and celebrate their lifelong connection to LTA. The highlight of the evening was both an exciting in-person and online raffle, which raised over $4,000 for the LTA Foundation in support of our philanthropic partnership. It was the perfect ending to a day of celebration and reflection, leaving everyone with one certainty: sisterhood is for a lifetime.
On Sunday, as our wonderful weekend came to a close, our Lifetime members came together at the Lifetime Member Breakfast. This breakfast not only connects our lifetime members through their shared dedication to the progress and growth of the sorority, but also provides an opportunity for our sisterhood to honor their commitment to uplifting our legacy. These distinguished alumnae gathered together to not only share their memories but celebrate their many accomplishments and milestones while also acknowledging and honoring their lifelong support for Lambda Theta Alpha.
As our 2026 National Convention officially came to a close, the Board of Directors showed their deep appreciation for the outgoing area, regional, and national leaders for their service throughout the year. In addition, the National Advisors were also honored for their ongoing guidance and commitment to the sisterhood. To close out the ceremony, the Board of Directors warmly welcomed the incoming 2026–2027 leadership at all levels, including the newly elected officers to the Board of Directors, setting the stage for another successful year for Lambda Theta Alpha.
| National President Rosa Diaz, Sigma Chapter | |
| Vice President of Administration Caroline Ayala, Chi Chapter | Vice President of External Affairs Emma Henry, Epsilon Kappa Chapter |
| Director of Orientation Claritza Reyes, Epsilon Chapter | Director of Undergraduate Affairs Tatiana Clayton, Zeta Chapter |
The Board of Directors would like to extend our deep appreciation to everyone who supported us in making this year’s convention possible. Thank you to the incredible efforts provided by the photographer, speakers, vendors, and volunteers. We would like to give special recognition and thank you to the National Events Committee for their year-round support and dedication in organizing this memorable event. Additionally, we are grateful to Abogada Jess, Treasured Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, FLAVCITY, Taste Salud, and Neuro Gum for their generous sponsorship and in-kind donations at this year’s convention. We cannot wait for next year and hope to see our membership at the 2027 National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo credit (all): Infinite Love Photography (Lissette Martinez)
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.
Contact:
Emma Henry, Vice President of External Affairs
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
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