Who we are?
Want to know a little about us? Let us tell you.
On April 9th, 1990, Sigma Lambda Gamma was founded at the University of Iowa by five Latina women committed to creating a mechanism of empowerment for all women.
Quick Facts
After more than 30 years, Sigma Lambda Gamma has evolved into more just than a thriving multicultural fraternal organization – it is a community of empowered members from all cultural backgrounds that respect each other’s identities and who seek to positively influence their local communities and the world.
Founding Date
April 9, 1990
Foundation location
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
National Newsletter
La Mensajera
Sorority Principles
Morals & Ethics, Social Interaction, Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness
Education Foundation
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Foundation
Motto
Founding Mothers
Alpha Chapter – First Line
Our History
During the fall of 1989, the foundation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. began when a group of collegiate women recognized the need to form an organization that provided empowerment to women of all cultural backgrounds at the University of Iowa. The humble beginning of Sigma Lambda Gamma was built at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Under the guidance of University of Iowa staff, Esther Materón-Arum, and Mary Peterson, the vision came to fruition on April 9th, 1990, when the University of Iowa Panhellenic Council officially recognized the organization as a sorority.
Through the continued commitment and leadership of the founding mothers, Gloria Cuevas, Julieta Maria Miller-Calderon, Maria Ester Pineda, Danell Marie Riojas-Carbajal, and Guadalupe (Lupita) Temiquel–McMillian, the operation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. began to thrive nationally.
Sigma Lambda Gamma flourished on over 130 college campuses nationwide and continues to provide an avenue for educational excellence to individuals of diverse backgrounds. Our members recognize the need for togetherness and support one another in their varying cultures, identities, and backgrounds. On campus, we aim to provide a safe place for our collegiate members to learn, grow, and accomplish their dreams. Our organization continues to support our alumni after college through Alumni Associations, task forces, and volunteer opportunities.
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of empowered members who have chosen this affiliation as a means to achieve personal development in their lives and make a difference in our global community. Through our network of thousands of sorority members, our organization continues to be a pioneer in the fraternal world through the development of innovative programming initiatives and being an advocate for social change.
Where We Are Today
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. has evolved into a multicultural sorority that continues to honor that we were originally founded to create a safe space for Latina women on a predominately white campus in the midwest.
Many of our customs and traditions continue to come from our Latina roots. Since its founding, our scope and appeal as a vibrantly diverse sorority committed to empowering all of our members have become a central element of the organization.
Membership into Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is open to all individuals who identify as women or as non-binary, maintain exceptional morals & ethics, with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, and who are pursuing or have completed courses leading to a degree at an accredited college or university.
Our Vision