Iowa State University is home to the Zeta Gamma Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. (LTA), a community of sisters that originally emerged at Kean University in 1975 as the first Latina sorority in the nation.

Today, the legacy is kept alive to continue to empower Latina and universal women, striving for scholarly excellence, cultural and political awareness, and engagement in community activism.

LTA desires to create a welcoming and supportive space for students of all backgrounds and cultures, so everyone can find belonging.

“I decided to join LTA because when I first came to ISU, I did not feel like I fit in,” said Jimena Nunez, president, secretary, and academic chair for LTA and sophomore in Civil Engineering. “I came from a very small town with lots of diversity including a big Hispanic/Latino and Native American population. So when I came to campus, I felt out of place. I struggled to find friends and feel any sense of community until I met the sisters of LTA.”

“They were so easy for me to connect with and I felt a real bond with them,” Nunez said. “That welcoming feeling is what pulled me in but the values they stood for and the sisterhood I felt is what kept me.”

LTA’s main principles include love, unity and respect. The values upheld by LTA are entwined with the cultural traditions from which the sorority originated and reflect central principles of Latin culture. The Latin roots of LTA are still honored today by the Zeta Gamma Chapter in a variety of ways.

“Being a Latin-based sorority, I immediately felt welcome in the sisterhood because I knew the girls would understand my background and customs, and the values of the organization aligned with that culture,” Nunez said. “We did a traditional photoshoot last semester to post on Hispanic Heritage month and celebrate the different independence days of the 3 Latin countries our sisters represent. We also had a Baile Night before, similar to how our Hispanic culture has parties. We wanted to have a night of dancing with music specific to us.”

Over the years, LTA has developed into a multicultural Greek organization celebrating cultures of all kinds. Although the sorority was initially founded by Latina students, anyone is welcome to join. Their motto is “Latin by tradition, not by definition.” Additionally, members are referred to as “sxsters” to ensure that all identities feel accepted and respected.

“I joined Lambda Theta Alpha because I had been searching for a space where I truly felt like I belonged. As a Black woman, I struggled to find an organization that reflected my values and ideals, and where I could see myself growing not just socially, but personally and professionally,” Kalayah Martin, a senior majoring in criminal justice, said. “I’m not of Latin descent, but the love, openness and sisterhood that the women of LTA showed me over the years made me feel seen and valued.”

LTA aims to foster opportunities for personal and professional growth and development for their members. One of the big focuses of LTA is in emphasizing academic success and supporting each other’s educational journeys so all members can thrive.

“​​Being in LTA has also supported me academically in my classes,” Nunez said. “Being in STEM, it is hard to manage my classes, but with my sisters, they push me to keep going and trying, because at the end of the day, we are all supporting each other and making sure we all graduate.”

LTA sisters embody their core principles by giving back to their community and leaving lasting impacts. Beyond local philanthropy, since 2010, they have partnered with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to annually fundraise as a part of their national philanthropy.

“Our organization is always finding ways to help the community,” Nunez said. “We have a philanthropy event coming up that goes with our national philanthropy—helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—with the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon and the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. For that event we will be hosting Bingo to help raise money to give to the Hospital of St. Jude.”

LTA has defined the college experience for many young women, offering a space to grow academically and socially and forging stronger connections to their university and peers.

“I saw how empowered, united, and authentic they were, and I knew I wanted to be part of that,” Martin said. “Since crossing this spring, LTA has already shaped my time at ISU in such a powerful way. I feel like I’ve finally found my place, and I’m excited to continue growing within this sisterhood. For me, Lambda Theta Alpha became that place where I felt welcomed, empowered, and seen.”

For more information, visit their website.