Delta Tau Lambda
Delta Tau Lambda (ΔΤΛ) is a collegiate and professional Greek-lettered sorority. It was founded on April 2, 1994 [1] at the University of Michigan, by Darilís García and Maria Victoria Ramos. Delta Tau Lambda is a Latina-based organization with a predominately Latina membership. Women are eligible to join regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, ability, or national origin. The sorority has ten collegiate and six professional/alumni chapters in the United States.
| Delta Tau Lambda | |
|---|---|
| ΔΤΛ | |
 | |
| Founded | April 2, 1994 University of Michigan |
| Type | Professional |
| Emphasis | Latina-based |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Strength and Unity are the key to Excellence & Con Fuerza Construiremos, Con Honestidad Creceremos, Con Unidad nunca seremos Vencidas |
| Tagline | Women by Chance, Sisters by Choice, Phenomenal by Nature |
| Colors | Brown Gold Cream |
| Symbol | African Lion |
| Flower | |
| Chapters | 13 Collegiate and 10 Professional/Alumni |
| Nickname | DTL |
| Song | Ain't No Stoppin' Sunshine by Yoli |
| Headquarters | P.O. Box 7714 Ann Arbor, Michigan USA |
| Website | Delta Tau Lambda National website |
Undergraduate, graduate, and professional members engage in community service projects and fundraising for charitable causes. Service endeavors encompass both national and local efforts. Many projects focus on the Latina/o community, including a scholarship fund. The organization promotes academic excellence and professionalism. Delta Tau Lambda empowers communities of color by promoting higher education, leadership, mentorship, and networking.
Since 1994 members have worked to empower and uplift the organization as well as their communities through educational events and service. They have done community services projects that expand from thanksgiving baskets and child safety fairs to national projects such as the American Diabetes Association walk and Race for the Cure. Delta Tau Lambda has been recognized on campuses and communities across the U.S. with awards such as outstanding organization, highest GPA, and outstanding event.
History
At the University of Michigan, two women came together to create the first Latina-based sorority founded in the Ann Arbor campus. Their mission was to build an organization that would empower their college and surrounding communities, while working with women that strived for professionalism and leadership. On April 2, 1994, Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated was founded.[2]
The founders, Darilís García and Maria Victoria Ramos, focused their efforts on academic achievement, community service and professionalism. During the summer of 1994 the women selected their charitable causes, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Mental Health. That fall, they hosted the first Salute to Latinas, Fuerza de la Mujer Latina, which has become a staple event for the sorority. In March 1995 the founders created the Lydia Cruz and Sandra Maria Ramos Scholarship, named after Darilís’ grandmother and Maria's older sister. As part of establishing the identity of the organization they ensured that the events they sponsored always represented the diversity they embraced. They wanted to meet the needs of Latinas while supporting all women and communities.
The first line of the organization—Alejandra Montes, Carmela Kudyba, and Adriana Rendon—was initiated on April 5, 1996. The sorority tag line was created by Damaris Madrigal, “Women by chance, sisters by choice, phenomenal by nature.” The Beta chapter was established in 1999 at Roosevelt University by Michelle Gonzalez and Rocio Dominguez. In 2003 the first graduate chapter was created for the Detroit metropolitan area.
Purpose
Delta Tau Lambda is a community-oriented sorority. Their main objectives are academic excellence and community service in order to bring about change in the Latino community as well as in other communities of color.
Vision statement
Empower women by promoting self-development and investing in their lifelong success. Serve as innovative leaders and agents of change in our communities. Be an exemplary sisterhood with strong and committed members, chapters and national board.
Mission statement
The mission of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated is to build and strengthen Latinas’ position in society through community service, commitment and professionalism. Together we will unite to develop and empower Latinas, women of color and women in general through personal evolution and teamwork. We will continue to build a strong foundation of resources through networking and community connections. We will work in collaboration with diverse women to create opportunities for growth and change.
Motto
Strength and Unity are the key to Excellence
Con Fuerza Construiremos, Con Honestidad Creceremos, Con Unidad nunca seremos Vencidas
Service/Philanthropy
Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is committed to the education, research and support of Breast Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Mental Health. While we fundraise and educate our communities on these specific causes we do support many other areas of service.
Scholarship
Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated is a strong proponent of community service, it is the organizations' driving purpose.
The Lydia Cruz & Sandra Maria Ramos Scholarship Fund was established in March 1995. The scholarship is named after Darilís García's grandmother and Maria Victoria Ramos' sister. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school Latina senior that will be attending a two or four-year higher learning institution or a first year Latina student at a two or four-year higher learning institution.
Chapters
Collegiate
| Chapter | School/Location |
|---|---|
| Alpha | University of Michigan |
| Beta | Roosevelt University |
| Gamma | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Delta | University of Texas, El Paso |
| Epsilon | University of South Florida |
| Zeta | Texas A&M University |
| Eta | Michigan State University |
| Theta | Wayne State University |
| Iota | University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
| Kappa | Northeastern Illinois University |
| Lambda | Grand Valley State University |
| Mu | Marygrove College |
| Nu | University of Texas Pan American |
| Xi | Western Michigan University |
Graduate Professional
| Graduate Professional Alumnae Chapter | Location |
|---|---|
| Alpha Lambda | Detroit, Michigan |
| Beta Lambda | El Paso, Texas |
| Gamma Lambda | Chicago, Illinois |
| Delta Lambda | Portland, Oregon |
| Epsilon Lambda | Tampa, Florida |
| Zeta Lambda | San Francisco Bay Area, California |
| Eta Lambda | Tacoma-Seattle Area, Washington |
| Theta Lambda | Rio Grande Valley Area, Texas |
| Iota Lambda | Lansing, Michigan |
| Kappa Lambda | Miami, Florida |
Citations
- Muñoz & Guardia, 2009, Nuestra Historia y Futuro (Our History and Future): Latino/a Fraternities and Sororities” p. 114
- "Delta Tau Lambda Herstory". Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc., National Board. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
References
- Muñoz, Susana M.; Guardia, Juan R. (2009). "Nuestra historia y futuro (our history and future): Latino/a fraternities and sororities". In Torbenson, Craig L.; Parks, Gregory (eds.). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College, Fraternities and Sororities. Cranbury, New Jersey: Associated University Presses. pp. 104–132. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1. OCLC 254527263.