by Julie Lineback
The University of West Georgia recently added its first Latin social sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha. The Zeta Beta chapter at UWG was founded on April 12, 2014, and has 10 members.
The national sorority was founded in 1975 as the first ever created to cater towards the needs of Latinas. It has established chapters throughout 22 states and Puerto Rico.
“Even though we are a sorority based on Latin traditions, we’re here to embrace and empower all women who would like to join this beautiful sisterhood,” says Lyanne Vermenton, UWG’s Lambda Theta Alpha president. “We represent seven different ethnicities within the 10 of us. We are truly a diverse organization.”
The chapter began its journey by applying for expansion of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. After approval, the group started as the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. while learning how to run an organization and recruit members.
The chapter’s national philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While they are still searching for the right local philanthropy, the group has helped the Carrollton community in several ways including assisting local Hispanic high school students with English and volunteering at the animal shelter to show affection towards pets while they wait for a forever home.
“We enjoy doing various things to show our community we are here to love and support their needs,” Lyanne adds.
From a personal standpoint, Lyanne says belonging to the sorority means the world to her.
“I finally found an organization that strives to meet my needs as a Latina as well as teaching and giving me the experience to be a future businesswoman,” she concludes. “It is truly a lifelong sisterhood full of women who I know will always be there for me long after graduation.”
