For Immediate Release:
Friday, May 17, 2024
Washington, D.C. – On April 15-18, 2024 Lambda Theta Alpha hosted its eighth annual Lambda Hill Days. This year, the 19 cohort members selected the topics they would focus on, including immigration, mental health, education reform, reproductive rights, and artificial intelligence, among others.
Cohort members received extensive training in February and March, where Lambda Theta Alpha Alumnae Maria Robayo, Dasha Glover, Rebekka Behr, Vanessa Benitez, and Lily Nuñez shared essential tips on engaging with House Representatives and Senators, on contacting representatives, on communication strategies, and on meeting etiquette. Furthermore, Jiwa Farrell, drawing from experience in local office candidacy in Florida and engaging with representatives, provided valuable advice on effective communication and professional attire. Additionally, members engaged in two mock practice sessions led by the PEI committee, fostering strategic discussions and mutual support.
Cohort members successfully scheduled a total of 32 meetings with Senators and U.S. Representatives. Throughout these engagements with members of the 118th Congress, participants passionately shared personal experiences and stories from their communities, aiming to spark transformative change. Special thanks to Lambda Theta Alpha Alumnae Evelyn Lopez Premo (Upsilon Chapter, Spring 2006) and Rosario Duran (Beta Gamma, Spring 2018) for their assistance in arranging a tour and hosting the LHD network reception. During the reception, cohort members seized the opportunity to network with Lambda Theta Alpha affiliates working on Capitol Hill and in the D.C. area, gaining valuable insights into government levels and the public policy landscape. They received comprehensive guidance on policy creation, implementation, and influence. The week culminated in a celebratory cohort dinner, honoring members’ advocacy and program accomplishments.
Cohort member Adilene Tinoco (Zeta Psi Chapter, Spring 2023) expressed her thoughts regarding the importance of advocating in going into the meetings with her Congress Members: “48 years ago, our sorority paved the way for Latinas in higher education. It was incredibly empowering to be part of a cohort of lovely ladies following in those footsteps and advocating for the issues we hold near and dear to our hearts. I truly believe in the affordability and accessibility of higher education. As a first generation Latina, I drew from my own experiences and difficulties navigating the expenses of a college degree with the limited assistance and availability of financial aid. I emphasized to my state legislators’ offices that funding for education is an investment, not just an expense. Sitting in those spaces with representatives from our highest legislative offices, I thought not only of my own journey but that of those who will come after me.”
Cohort member Regina Loayza (Eta Theta Chapter, Spring 2023) shared her experience by stating, “Lambda Hill Days was an unforgettable experience as I not only had the chance to meet with legislators to discuss issues near and dear to me but I got to do it alongside sisters from all over the country, many of which I had never met before. It felt incredibly powerful to show up in numbers and share our experiences on issues like immigration and nutrition and asking for accountability from our elected officials. Afterwards, I feel motivated to continue these relationships with my representatives and look forward to finding ways to continue this advocacy within our Sisterhood.”
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 in person 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.
[email protected]
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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.