For Immediate Release:
Monday, April 10, 2023
Washington, D.C. – On March 27-30, Lambda Theta Alpha hosted its seventh annual Lambda Hill Days. The National Political Education Initiative (PEI) Committee resumed an in-person event this year after two years of virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the 18 cohort members selected the topics they would focus on, including immigration, mental health, education reform, reproductive rights, and climate change, just to name a few.
Prior to the meetings, cohort members were trained via a full-day training where they learned how to effectively meet with their House Representatives and Senators. Lambda Theta Alpha Alumnae Maria Robayo, Monica Gibbs, and Lily Nuñez shared best practices for contacting representatives, effective communication, and meeting etiquette.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet with Jaime Rangel, Georgia State Director with FWD.us, a bipartisan organization founded by leaders in the tech and business industry who advocate for criminal justice and immigration reform. Members also participated in two mock practice sessions with the PEI committee to discuss strategies, ask questions and support each other with planning meetings.
Cohort members confirmed a total of 32 meetings with Senators and U.S. Representatives. While meeting with members of the 118th Congress, the participants shared personal experiences and stories from their respective communities in hopes of igniting change. Thanks to Lambda Theta Alpha Alumnae Maria Robayo (Epsilon Lambda, Spring 2010) and Rosario Duran (Beta Gamma, Spring 2018), cohort members also had the opportunity to network with Lambda Theta Alpha members who work on the Hill and DC area. Cohort members learned about internship and fellowship programs through the White House Initiative and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. The week ended with a cohort dinner to celebrate our members’ advocacy and success through the program.
Cohort member Raisa Sequeira (Beta Theta Chapter, Spring 2013) expressed her thoughts regarding the preparedness in going into the meetings with her Congress Members: “I feel so grateful to have been selected for the 7th annual Lambda Hill Days (LHD). It was such a privilege to have been able to walk the halls of the People’s House and meet with the offices of Florida legislators. LHD is more than just two days. There is training and thoughtful preparation involved. Prior to meeting with legislative staff, I made sure that I was updated on research about Paid Parental Leave policy and CEDAW, crafted talking points that were contextual to the audience and looked at my Senator’s track record on the issues. I also looked up any relevant pieces of current legislation. After our meetings the most important part: is the follow-up to keep our representatives accountable. I even created a fact sheet for legislative staff to see how popular and beneficial the policy ideas are. I learned so much about the processes of the Hill from LHD guest speakers, many of whom are our LTA sisters.”
Cohort member Alondra Alvarez (Epsilon Pi Chapter, Spring 2022) shared her experience by stating, “My overall experience in DC was amazing. As someone working in education, it felt amazing being able to meet with my representatives and share real and authentic stories about what is happening within the schools in Detroit. I felt like I was able to be a voice for my students and that was something that made me feel proud of myself.”
The sorority’s deep roots in political activism stem from its inception in 1975. Founded amidst political tension in the 1970s, the sorority’s Founding Mothers served as a voice for all students and members of their community. To the present day, members continue to raise awareness of social issues and advocate for marginalized groups.
For photos of the virtual week-long program, check out the hashtag #LambdaHillDays on Instagram. The following cohort members attended meetings with members of Congress:
| Alondra Alvarez | Spring 2022 | Epsilon Pi Chapter |
| Amanda Gorbea | Fall 2022 | Delta Upsilon Chapter |
| Angel Chavez | Spring 2022 | Zeta Chi Chapter |
| Carina Moreno | Fall 2021 | Zeta Omega Chapter |
| Citlalli Solis | Spring 2022 | Epsilon Alpha Chapter |
| Dasha Glover | Fall 2019 | Alpha Alpha Delta Alumnae Chapter |
| Deanna Nila | Spring 2022 | Beta Omicron Chapter |
| Gabriella Hernandez | Spring 2020 | Delta Rho Chapter |
| Gisselle Salazar | Fall 2022 | Zeta Sigma Chapter |
| Isabella Slowinski | Spring 2021 | Delta Nu Chapter |
| Janett I. Cordoves | Fall 2000 | Nu Chapter |
| Jazmin Martinez | Spring 2022 | Zeta Chi Chapter |
| Jennifer Silva | Fall 2020 | Epsilon Alpha Chapter |
| Luz Escobar Zapata | Fall 2021 | Epsilon Eta Chapter |
| Raisa Sequeira | Spring 2013 | Beta Theta Chapter |
| Sara Moreno Duque | Spring 2017 | Delta Beta Chapter |
| Tina Onikoyi | Spring 2009 | Tau Chapter |
| Valerie Savala | Spring 2020 | Eta Gamma Chapter |
Contact:
Myrna Ruiz, Vice President of External Affairs
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
externalaffairs@lambdalady.org
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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. The Sorority 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 founded as Latin by tradition, the Sorority is inclusive to all women regardless of race, color, creed, sexual identity, gender expression, or religious beliefs.