FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 3, 2026
UNION, NJ – June 6, 2026 – Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (LTA), the nation’s first and largest Latina-based sorority, proudly inducted two distinguished Latina leaders, Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Melody Gonzales, as Honorary Members during a special ceremony held at Kean University on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The Honorary Membership distinction is one of the highest recognitions bestowed by Lambda Theta Alpha and is reserved for women whose lives and accomplishments exemplify the organization’s principles of Unity, Love, and Respect while advancing educational achievement, leadership, advocacy, and service within their communities.
The ceremony welcomed Founding Mothers, First Line Sisters, national leaders, and alumnae members to celebrate two women whose impact has transformed communities and inspired countless Latinas to lead with courage and purpose.
Maria Quiñones Sánchez: A Lifetime of Advocacy and Community Empowerment
A veteran activist and public servant with more than three decades of service to the City of Philadelphia, Maria Quiñones Sánchez has dedicated her career to empowering underserved communities and championing equity for all. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in North Philadelphia, she made history in 2007 as the first Afro-Latina woman elected to a Philadelphia City Council district seat, representing the 7th Council District for fourteen years. During her tenure, she became widely recognized as one of the city’s most effective legislators and advocates for restorative investments in historically marginalized neighborhoods.
Known for her ability to unite diverse stakeholders, tackle complex challenges, and mentor emerging leaders, Quiñones Sánchez has built a legacy rooted in service and empowerment. Her commitment to developing future leaders is reflected in the many individuals she has mentored, including former staff members who have gone on to become elected officials and community leaders themselves.
“Maria Quiñones Sánchez embodies the spirit of servant leadership,” said Rosa Diaz, National President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. “Her unwavering dedication to community advocacy, women’s empowerment, and public service reflects the very values upon which our organization was founded. Her induction honors a lifetime spent opening doors for others and creating pathways for future generations.”
Melody Gonzales: Advancing Equity Through National Leadership
Joining Quiñones Sánchez as an Honorary Member was Melody Gonzales, a nationally respected leader in public service, education, and social justice advocacy whose career has spanned the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, Congress, national nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies. Most recently, Gonzales served as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, where she led efforts to expand educational access and opportunity for Latino communities nationwide.
Throughout her distinguished career, Gonzales has worked at the highest levels of government to advance educational equity, develop leadership pipelines, and increase Latino representation in public service. Her work helped establish a first-of-its-kind White House Initiative on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and led collaborative efforts across 35 federal agencies to improve access to resources, opportunities, and support for Latino communities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gonzales has remained deeply committed to mentorship and leadership development, helping to cultivate the next generation of Latino leaders. Her longstanding support of Latino Greek-letter organizations and her advocacy for civic engagement, education, and community empowerment have made a lasting impact on countless students and professionals across the country.
“Melody’s career demonstrates what is possible when leadership is guided by purpose and service,” said Diaz. “She has dedicated her life to ensuring that Latinos are represented, heard, and empowered in every space where decisions are made. Her example inspires our members to lead boldly and to use their voices to create meaningful change.”
Honoring a Legacy of Latina Excellence
The induction of Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Melody Gonzales reflected not only the extraordinary accomplishments of two remarkable Latina leaders, but also one of Lambda Theta Alpha’s most cherished traditions—recognizing women whose lives embody the organization’s enduring principles of Unity, Love, and Respect.
Iris Rodriguez, a member of Lambda Theta Alpha’s historic First Line, reflected on the significance of witnessing the ceremony and the legacy it continues to honor.
“I was honored and inspired to be present at our Honorary Member Ceremony. As I watched, I was taken back to the beginning of this cherished tradition, which started in the early years of our Sisterhood when we chose women who embodied and lived the principles of Unity, Love, and Respect in their daily lives and throughout their communities. Their commitment to uplifting others and strengthening our community serves as a lasting example of the values we hold dear and strive to uphold within our Sisterhood.”
For Milena Orozco, the ceremony was a moving reminder of the lifelong bond shared by every Lambda Lady.
“It was a privilege to be present at the induction ceremony. I could feel their emotions as they went through the ceremony—the reverence in their gaze and movements. Much like our own inductions as LTA Sisters, this was a moment they will always treasure and never forget. I found myself absorbing every part of it and feeling almost overwhelmed.”
Together, their reflections captured the emotion, reverence, and significance of a ceremony that celebrates not only exceptional achievement, but also a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting others.
As the organization continues its mission of empowering women and fostering leadership, the addition of Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Melody Gonzales to the Sisterhood serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through vision, resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community.
Founded in 1975, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is the nation’s first and largest Latina-based sorority. With more than 10,000 members and over 180 chapters, the organization remains dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, cultural awareness, political and social activism, and community service.
About Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. was founded to provide a support system for women in higher education while serving as a vehicle for social change and community advancement. Grounded in the principles of Unity, Love, and Respect, the organization empowers women to become leaders in their professions, communities, and beyond.
Media Contact:
Emma Henry, Vice President of External Affairs
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
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