Hermana is Recognized for Academic Excellence!

Hermana Yeimmy Torrez was recognized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Ithaca College this Saturday for her Outstanding Academic Achievement. She currently serves as the vice president and community service chair of Iota Chapter and is involved with organizations like AMA (American Marketing Association), The Women in Business Network, and PODER: Latino Student Association. She is a sophomore Communications, Management, and Design major in the Roy H. Park School of Communications and is extremely committed to academic excellence, as well as, serving the ALANA community on campus. We are very proud of your accomplishments, Hermana! HLM

Check Out Eta Chapter's (Syracuse U) Meet the Greeks Video!

This video is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and features Hermanas from Eta Chapter and none other than one of our founding mothers, Cynthia Santiago Guzman!!! I hope you enjoy it...

Love,
Ithaca Señoritas

Iota Chapter in the News!!!!

Iota Chapter made it to the FRONT COVER of the Cornell Daily Sun twice in a row during our RAICES Week for our Young Lords Display in the Cornell Arts Quad and our event entitled "Service Through Leadership, Community through Candidacy with ROSA CLEMENTE! Please check out the article! Happy reading :)

Hermanas with Rosa Clemente at Service through Leadership

LINK TO ARTICLE:

http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2009/10/05/student-activism-needs-revival-during-recession-speaker-says

Raices Week RECAP Pictures!

Raices Week at Iota Chapter was a huge success! Check out this fun picture recap below... More pictures of all events including "Si Lo Hicimos, Yes We Did!" coming soon so stay tuned!

Hermana Inducted into Order of Omega Greek Honor Society!

It is with great pride that we announce that Hermana Alexis Rivera (Cornell University '11) has been inducted into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society at Cornell University. The Order of Omega was founded at the University of Miami in the fall of 1959 by a group of outstanding fraternity men, who felt that individuals in the Greek community should be recognized for their service to the fraternity system and the University. Through her induction, Hermana Alexis Rivera was recognized for her commitment to leadership, service, and community involvement. She currently serves as the Public Relations Chair for the Puerto Rican Students Association and as the Social Chair and Alumni Liaison for Iota Chapter. In addition, she is a Resident Assistant at Balch Hall and is also currently serving on the steering committee for the A.D. White Leadership Conference. Hermana Alexis does all of this, while also maintaining an exceptional grade point average.



We are very proud of you Hermana and wish you continued success! HLM

Check Out Our RAICES 2009 PROMO!

Iota Chapter Señoritas Celebrate SLU's National Raices Week!

Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. is the proud sponsor of our annual National RAICES (Roots); a week-long series of events held nationally. Every chapter enthusiastically participates by hosting a variety of events while promoting and celebrating Latino heritage and culture on their respective campus and/or community. You will find that throughout the week, our Hermanas will be offering a variety of events that are enlightening and thought-provoking with focuses on cultural enrichment, women's issues, community service and scholarship. All of these events will revolve around the chosen topic for the year.

At this time, Iota Chapter is excited to announce Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.'s RAICES theme for 2009:

"A CALL TO SERVICE: Strengthening our Communities"

which will take place in Ithaca, NY, from Monday, Sept. 28th through Sunday, Oct. 4th, 2009. For specific information on events contact Chapter President Sasha Lopez at sml67@cornell.edu.

Not in Ithaca? For specific information on events taking place in your area and/or contact information for the chapter nearest you, visit our chapter directory: http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org/directory.asp?id=10 on our main site.

RAICES events are open to everyone - We look forward to seeing you there!

:: RAICES 2009 List of Events ::


--MONDAY, September 28, 2009--
** Look out for posters commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Young Lords Movement in the Arts Quad, Cornell University! **


--WEDNESDAY, September 30, 2009--

** ¡Sí, Lo Hicimos! (Yes We Did!) **
7:30PM - ALS Room, Ithaca College
An interactive screening and discussion commemorating the 40th year anniversary of the Young Lords and their historical political movement.


-- THURSDAY, October 1, 2009 --

** Closed Community Service **


-- FRIDAY, October 2, 2009--

**Cafe Con Leche - Service through Leadership: From Community to Candidacy**
6:30PM @ Mews Hall, Cornell University
Discuss the importance of activism in our communities with our special guest ROSA CLEMENTE!


--SATURDAY, October 3, 2009--

**Bowling for Books** co-sponsored w/ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
1PM to 4PM @ Helen Newman Bowling Lanes, Cornell University
An afternoon of BOWLING for a CAUSE! $2 with a book donation/$4 without a book donation.

**SeduKtion** co-sponsored w/ Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
10PM-2AM @ Appel Commons MPR, Cornell University
Party it up like no other with Señoritas and Nupes! Music by DJ HeaVyyNess
Proceeds benefitting the LADYS Mentorship Program & the Frantz K. Simpson Scholarship


--SUNDAY, October 4, 2009--
*Informal Tea*
3PM @ Goldwin Smith Hall, Lewis Auditorium, Cornell University
We invite all interested women to learn more about the Hermanas and what makes us different from the rest. We are Latina based NOT Latina exclusive! ALL ethnicities are welcome!! We hope to see you at RAICES Week 2009! Thanks for your support!

Come LEARN, SPEAK your mind, and ADVOCATE for women's rights this THURSDAY @ 7:30PM in the ALS Room!

NO-CHOICE: A Discussion on the Forced Sterilization of Women of Color by the US Government



Pro-life? Pro-choice? Unfortunately, some women have NO-CHOICE. Come and learn about the historical and present forced sterilization of women of color by the US government. When has it happened? Why has it happened? Is it still happening now? Come and get all of your questions answered. The reproductive freedoms of women of color have been repressed for centuries. Let's talk about how this affects us from a sociological and health perspective and what we can do to protect ourselves and our communities from forced sterilization.

Join Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., along with our featured guest speakers Dr. Belisa Gonzalez (Ithaca College, Sociology Department), Dr. Shewanee Howard (Ithaca College, Health Sciences and Human Performance School), and Dr. Paula Ioanide (Ithaca College, Center for the Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity) as we discuss this issue and encourage advocacy and action.

How pressing and relevant is this issue? Just check out this quote from 2005: “I do know that it’s true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could — if that were your sole purpose — you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down.” - William Benett, Former United States Secretary of Education

WHEN: THURSDAY, September 24, 2009 @ 7:30PM WHERE: African-Latino Society Room, Ithaca College

Refreshments will be provided.

Please contact Patricia at prodrig1@ithaca.edu or Zaidy at zmorale1@ithaca.edu for more information.

Watch SLU Hermana on MTV!

Maritza Reveron, a professional Latin dance instructor and Hermana of SLU, was featured on MTV's hit television show, MADE. She was a MADE Dance Coach to Lisa, a young woman with aspirations to learn the art of Latin dancing. Maritza's incredible talent, charisma, and style definitely MADE the show, as she so creatively and excitedly taught Lisa about our Latin culture and dancing style & traditions.

The episode aired this Saturday, but don't worry. If you missed it, you can check it out again during its re-airing on Thursday, September 17th at 5pm to watch Hermana Maritza Reveron on MTV's MADE-Latin Dancer once again.

MADE - MTV Shows

Congratulations Hermana for following your dreams and passion for dancing. Much love and success! HLM!

The Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon wins Kaplan Scholarship for Academic Excellence!

The women of Iota Chapter are not only blowing Cornell and Ithaca College away with meaningful, service-based programming, but they are also doing it while they attain the highest grade point averages. One of Sigma Lambda Upsilon's goals is academic excellence and Iota Chapter certainly lives up to this goal as women in the chapter continue to be recognized on the Dean's List each semester and the chapter continues to be recognized for its academic achievements.

Because Iota Chapter had the highest GPA in all of the Multicultural Greek Letter Council at Cornell University (Spring 2009), which consists of 17 organizations, the MGLC has recognized the chapter by awarding the Señoritas the MGLC Kaplan Scholarship. The MGLC Kaplan Scholarship is awarded to the fraternity or sorority with the highest GPA in the council and provides one member of the chapter with a free Kaplan exam preparation course. The scholarship is valued at up to $2,000.

This is just another example of Latina women doing big things. Yes, it is possible to be active, involved members of our communities and to also excel academically. Yes, we, women of color can achieve anything that we set our minds to and YES, we can surely make a difference.

Congratulations Hermanas!

Ps Good luck to all my pre-med Hermanas in the chapter studying for the MCATS! I hope these courses will help and I can't wait to call each of you doctor!

Meet the Señoritas this weekend at MEET THE GREEKS!

COME OUT AND LEARN ABOUT THE MULTICULTURAL GREEKS!

Come learn about our leadership, community service efforts, political activism on Cornell University and Ithaca College's campus, and how you can become apart of the Multicultural Greek Letter Council Family!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

7:00-8:00 PM Greek 101 Session (RPCC Auditorium, Cornell)

8:00-9:00 PM MGLC Organization Tabling Fair (RPCC MPR, Cornell)

Friday, September 4, 2009

4:00-7:00 PM MGLC Yard Show and Ice Cream Social (Donlon Circle, Cornell)

10:00 PM-2:00 AM MGLC Party: "CHAOS" (Appel MPR, Cornell) with DJ TICO

Sunday, September 6, 2009

12:30-6:00 PM MGLC Meet & Greets (Goldwin-Smith Hall, Cornell)

3:00 - 4:00 PM Meet Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. at Goldwin Smith Hall, Lewis (Cornell).**ALL CO-SPONSORED WITH COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMS**

See the Señoritas Stroll at CU on the Quad TONIGHT!

The Señoritas of Iota Chapter will be taking part in "CU on the Quad," a Cornell program to welcome students on campus. There will be food, music, arts and crafts, and opportunities to meet and greet with numerous campus organizations. In addition, Multicultural Greek-Letter Council organizations such as Sigma Lambda Upsilon will be performing. Come see the Señoritas stroll TONIGHT and enjoy a fun-filled event right before the first day of classes!

Event Details
What: CU on the QUAD
Where: Cornell Arts Quad
When: Tonight (Wednesday, August 26, 2009) starting at 10pm until 1am

Message from Welcome Weekend:
Kick off the year with CU on the Quad - the perfect way to meet and greet your friends after a great summer! Come out to support your favorite Greek bands and strollers and rock the night away as Welcome Weekend passes out awesome giveaways. Light up the Arts Quad with glow necklaces, grab some free food, and hang out on the Quad as you meet new friends or reunite with old ones! Welcome Weekend presents an event to kick off the school year for everyone on campus. We can't wait to CU there!

Welcome Back!!!!

The Señoritas of Iota Chapter welcome you back to campus. Whether you attend Cornell University or Ithaca College, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet the Señoritas on your respective campus.

So far the Señoritas participated in Cornell's OMEA Organizational Fair on Saturday and Cornell's welcome Block Party on Sunday. If you missed the Señoritas, you can always meet us at the LAL/LLC Welcome BBQ at Cornell on Sunday, August 30th.

TODAY, we will be back at Ithaca College's ALANA BBQ! We hope to see you there :)

♥,
Your Ithaca Señoritas

Back in NYC, Amazing Times with Hermanas!

I came to the city this weekend to spend time with family and get away from Ithaca before graduate school starts. Being here has been absolutely amazing! On Saturday, I went to the Alpha Mu Chapter Picnic and had the time of my life. I saw Hermanas I hadn't seen in a while and met many new Hermanas, and older Hermanas for the very first time. It was great to see how our sisterhood is really truly HASTA LA MUERTE since there were Hermanas there that had pledged 15 years ago and ones that had just been initatied this year. It's amazing to see the tight bond that we have and how we can relate to each other and be invovled in our Hermandad, no matter what age or stage in life.

There were many other Greek organizations hosting picnics and barbeques at the park and it was really cool interacting with them. I met some Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda from various schools in upstate New York and New Jersey. It was really great to see how Latino organizations bond and unite to make each other stronger and support one another in our goals.

The ABSOLUTE BEST part of the day was when I met young women who were a part of Sigma Lambda Upsilon's Sigma Lambda LADYS (Sigma Lambda for the Leadership and Development of Our Young Sisters) program, a mentorship program for high school women. Two of the young women were graduating high school and received their Sigma Lambda LADYS Book Scholarship, which they will use to purchase textbooks for college. It is great to see these young women excelling and getting accepted to the colleges and universities of their choice. It truly was a PROUD moment for all the Hermanas and the Sigma Lambda LADYS.

Before I go, I just want to give a huge shout to Alpha Mu Chapter at SUNY New Paltz for putting the picnic together. These women are so smart, intelligent, talented, personable and really care about the community they serve.

All in all, a SCINTILLATING DAY!!!! Rrrraaaahhhh!!!!

SLU Celebrates Puerto Rican Heritage: Pa' Que Tu Lo Sepa

Sigma Lambda Upsilon participated in the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Rochester, NY on July 25, 2009. Hermanas marched throughout Rochester displaying pride in their culture and heritage. They walked with shirts that said "Yo Soy Una Señorita, Pa' Que Tu lo Sepas." They held the Puerto Rican flag up high as they strolled and danced to salsa and engaged with parade goers and community organizations.

The Puerto Rican Day Parade of Rochester dates back to 1970 when Latino organizations in Rochester created the event,which was modeled after the Puerto Rican Day Parade of New York City.

Señoritas full of Puerto Rican pride, marching down the streets of Rochester, NY.

Hermanas strolling like only the Scintillating Señoritas can!

Hermanas in action: Strolling, singing, and spreading awareness of Puerto Rican culture!

Alpha Mu Chapter Summer Picnic: Food, Fun, Music!

The Alpha Mu Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. (SUNY New Paltz) invites you to our: SUMMER PICNIC!



Date: Saturday, August 15,2009
Location: Riverside Park
Time: 12-6PM
$5 Donation
------------------------------------------------------------------

Train Directions:#1 Train to 145th Street -walk one block west to park...A-C-D-B Trains to 145th Street and St. Nicholas Ave. - walk 4 blocks to park. Enter through RiverBank - Take stairs to RiverSide Park

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Come Join the Señoritas for a day of Food, Music and Fun!!!!!!!!!We Look Forward to seeing YOU there!!!!!!


Alpha Mu Chapter, Alpha Line

Alpha Mu Kodak Moment!

Alpha Mu Bonding!

***Note: This picnic is a chapter fundraiser so please come out and support one of Sigma Lambda Upsilon's newly established chapters. These women are planning amazing social and educational events, community service/outreach programs, and cultural events for the SUNY New Paltz campus and surrounding community. They are dedicated to bringing SUNY New Paltz the BEST and as a result, they are getting an early start this summer to prepare them for the fall. For more information on this event and opportunities for donations, please contact the Alpha Mu Señoritas at alphamusenoritas09@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there :)

SLU Celebrates Dominican Heritage, Hasta La Tambora!

The Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon marched down the streets of Sixth Avenue in New York City this past Sunday to celebrate Dominican heritage, culture, and Latino identity in the United States at this year's Dominican Day Parade. The Señoritas danced, strolled, sang, and celebrated along with thousands of excited parade goers and hundreds of community organizations.

Hermanas throw up our sign as they march with pride!

Señoritas strolling to merengue, bachata & reggeaton!


Señoritas hype up the crowd like only SLU can!!!

The Sisterhood Talk

What makes a sorority great? Is it the community service initiatives, programming efforts, step/stroll championship wins, academic and professional success, OR is it the SISTERHOOD?

You can ask any Greek and they will all give you different reasons why they joined their organization, but if you ask me, I was looking for SISTERHOOD. Yes, I wanted an organization that spoke to my cultural values, political beliefs and social/educational endeavors. Yes, I wanted an organization that would make opportunities to connect with my community on a service level readily available. Yes, I wanted the network of professional/college-educated women with high aspirations, goals, and values, BUT MOST OF ALL, I was looking for SISTERHOOD. I found everything I wanted in SLU as far as philanthropy, service, academic/professional excellence, and networking opportunities, but what made SLU stand out was the beautiful SISTERHOOD. Our Hermandad is HASTA LA MUERTE! And it was obvious to me even when I was an interest how dedicated the Senoritas were to one another. It is a familia first and foremost.

SINCERITY, LOYALTY, and UNITY are the qualities that make a woman complete, but MOST of ALL, are the qualities you can find in a strong, loving family like SLU.

Check Out SLU's Official Youtube Channel!

Sigma Lambda Upsilon has launched its very own offical Youtube channel, Senoritas1987. This channel contains a great number of SLU videos on the web. Most of these videos are performance-based (stepping & strolling), but there will be a great number of more videos added in the near future that will extend to different topics and subject areas. This is a great way for Hermanas and SLU supporters to have easier access to SLU videos on the web.

Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/Senoritas1987

Here are 4 of the many featured videos:

Iota Chapter Señoritas Join National PR Committee!

Sasha Lopez and myself (Patricia Rodriguez) are proud to be a part of Sigma Lambda Upsilon's National Public Relations Committee. We work directly with the Director of Public Relations, Carol Olate, to implement and execute marketing and communications initiatives for Sigma Lambda Upsilon.
Why is this so GREAT?!
SASHA: I think it's a great way to help the Hermandad on a national level. In addition, it's also a great way to get to know hermanas from different regions and pledge classes.

ME: As an alum, I think it is great to be able to assist the National Board. Also, I think that Sigma Lambda Upsilon really creates great avenues for alumni to continue to be involved in the Hermandad (sisterhood). In addition, I have a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and felt that it would great to put my skills to use for my sorority. I truly love working with Carol and the Hermanas on the committee. We all have a passion for SLU and it shows in the work that we do everyday.

Why Sigma Lambda Upsilon?

I never thought I would join a sorority. In fact, I had many misconceptions about Greek life and associated fraternities and sororities with wild parties, strolling, and cockiness. I couldn't see myself as a part of that and didn't consider joining an organization until my junior year of college.

I came across an organization that changed my mind about everything I thought regarding Greek life. They were intelligent, professional, dedicated to the community, friendly, open, sincere... they were the women of Sigma Lambda Upsilon. I admired the organization, but still didn't know if joining a sorority would be right for me, but as I met more and more of the women that make up this wonderful organization, I realized that SLU was in my heart and therefore, I had to pursue membership.



The PEARLS and LADYS mentoring programs for young women and the strong literacy initiatives focusing on children and the Latino community implemented by the sorority truly touched me. These women were advocating for the same things I was through campus organizations like the African-Latino Society, except by becoming a part of this organization, they would become my Hermanas (sisters)and I would be part of a network of women that were truly affecting change. In addition, the bonds that we would create and our commitment to service would last beyond our undergraduate years.

Even though I am a Latina (I'm Dominican), I still thought about whether a Latina-based sorority was right for me. I acknowledge and celebrate my African roots and didn't want to deny them in any way, shape or form. However, I quickly saw that many of the Hermanas of SLU were African-American, West Indian, White, Cape Verdian, Indian, among many other nationalities and races. In fact, the women of the Iota Chapter (the chapter I pledged in Ithaca, NY) were Puerto Rican, Dominican, Korean, African-American, the list goes on. So I quickly saw that this Sorority is Latina-based, not Latina-exclusive. I also saw that the sorority had implemented programs to discuss colorism in the Latino community and to celebrate our African heritage. I knew I was in the right place.



I wanted to be a part of a group of women who were leaders in their fields, advocates of women and people of color, feminists, innovators, trendsetters, activists... I found all this and more in Sigma Lambda Upsilon. I am so proud to have joined this Hermandad (sisterhood). My Hermanas support me in all my endeavors and I support them in all they do. We are a family above all and it feels good to have a home away from home. They truly do mean the world to me.


Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Hasta La Muerte!!!! Rrrrrraaaaahhhh!!!!!

Sonia Sotomayor - her story is our story!

So many young women of color from the inner city dream of acquiring a higher education and attaining professional success. Sonia Sotomayor now serves as their inspiration. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Sotomayor has achieved a great level of success. She received her B.A. from Princeton University and her J.D. from Yale. In addition, she has been an advocate for Latinos in education from early on, fighting so that more Latino faculty/staff had opportunities to work with students at Princeton and Yale. The Latino student population at these schools is extremely small and by having Latino faculty and staff, this student population could feel more supported. Sotomayor has also served on the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, among many other non-profit organizations. She has always remembered her roots and focused on the rights of women and persons of color in the U.S.



SLU Stands for Sotomayor. We support her nomination as a talented judge and as a Latina woman who is breaking barriers for all women and the Latino community, overall. The Hermanas of SLU are proud of Sotomayor's accomplishments and know that her nomination will aid us in empowering young women through our PEARLS and LADYS mentoring programs. The young women we work with can see a woman with their background, culture, and heritage reach new heights, and they will surely reach new heights of their own. This nomination is also an inspiration to our Hermanas (sisters) and all Latinas across the country.

Check out our national press release stating our support of Sotomayor's nomination and make sure to continue standing for SOTOMAYOR!

www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org/Sotomayorpressrelease.pdf

Summer Fun with the Señoritas!

Sigma Lambda Upsilon has various events going on this summer so if you want to get to know the Señoritas, you don't have to wait until the fall.

Check out Theta Alpha Graduate Professional Chapter's Annual Picnic TODAY at Riverside Park!



Theta Alpha Graduate Professional Chapter of
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.
invite you to our

Annual Picnic at Riverside Park

Date: Saturday July, 11th 2009.
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Donation - Only $5.00

Enjoy a full day of great food (burgers, pastelillos and more!), great company and interactive activities and The Annual Tug-of-War!

Train Directions:
#1 Train to 145th Street -walk one block west to park...
A-C-D-B Trains to 145th Street and St. Nicholas Ave. - walk 4 blocks to park.
Enter through RiverBank - Take stairs to RiverSide Park

We look forward to seeing many of you there.

______________________________________


If you are interested in learning more about the essence of a Señorita, you can attend our National Informal Tea, which is open to ALL interested women.



Are you interested in…
*Sisterhood?
*Academic Excellence?
*Community Service?
*Cultural Enrichment?
*Leadership?

Are you searching for…
*Sincerity?
*Loyalty?
*Unity?

Date: Friday, July 24, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: The Beacon Hotel - Conference Room
Street: 2130 Broadway
City/Town: New York, NY

Learn more about the Hermanas, what makes us different from the rest, and why our Hermandad (Sisterhood) lasts HASTA LA MUERTE. Come find out why MANY ARE CALLED, BUT THE CHOSEN ARE FEW.

Check out "My Life as a Señorita" by Hermana Dorissa Gonazalez, Alpha Delta Chapter, SUNY Stony Brook, a personal account on SLU's impact. Also, make sure to check out www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org to learn more about SLU.

Academic Excellence at work: Iota Chapter has the Highest GPA in MGLC!

The Señoritas of Iota Chapter received some great news this week. Sigma Lambda Upsilon ranked #1 in GPA among all 17 Multicultural Greek Council fraternities and sororities at Cornell University and #4 among all sororities on campus. The Señoritas strive to uphold the sorority's goal of academic excellence in the highest regard. After all, SLU puts education first and lives up to this ideal as numerous chapters have received various academic honors this year.

Iota Chapter Wins Awards!

The Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. has been the recipient of many awards this past academic year. At the Cornell Greek Awards, the Señoritas were awarded the following:

Outstanding Chapter Leader - Sasha Lopez

Outstanding Contributions to the Multicultural Greek Letter Council

Distinguished Alumni Service Award - Daisy Torres

Outstanding Faculty Fellow Program



In addition, at the A.D. White Leadership Conference, Hermana Sasha Lopez was the recipient of the John S. Dyson Citizenship Award and Hermana Patricia Rodriguez received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from Ithaca College's Higher Education Opportunity Program, as well as, the Most Valuable Senior Award at the ALANA Senior Brunch. Sasha Lopez was inducted into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society at Cornell and Patricia Rodriguez was inducted into Alpha Delta Sigma Honor Society for excellence in advertising studies.



Lastly, Hermana Patricia Rodriguez graduated from Ithaca College's Roy H. Park School of Communication with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. She will be pursuing a Master of Science in Communication at Ithaca College this Fall, while Hermana Daisy Torres will be pursuing a Master's in Higher Education Administration at Binghamton University.



The Señoritas look forward to the new academic year and providing the Cornell, Ithaca College, and surrounding Ithaca community with great programs, events, community service activities, literacy initiatives, fundraisers for our national LADYS and PEARLS mentoring programs, and much more!

Allow us to introduce Iota Chapter, Kappa Line!!!

The Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon welcomes the newest additions to the chapter!

Hermana Amelia Bezerra (Precisa)

Hermana Zaidy Marie Morales (Sensacion)

Hermana Alexis Rivera (Notable)

Hermana Yeimmy Torrez (Sin Duda)

So let's get to know the Hermanas...

Amelia Bezerra is a freshman Sociology major on a pre-med track at Cornell University. She is Brazilian (oh yeah!) and PROUD of it! Her culture is very important to her and she can't wait to educate Cornell, IC, and Ithaca about Brazilian culture.

Zaidy Marie Morales is a freshman History major at Ithaca College. She is currently the president of Spit That!, a spoken word organization at Ithaca College. She wants to bring poetry to Iota Chapter's literacy intiatives so watch out for that! Also check out her performances... She is absolutely amazing!

Alexis Rivera is a sophomore Biology and Society major at Cornell University. She is currently the Public Relations Chair for the Puerto Rican Students Association at Cornell (PRSA) and enjoys it very much. She wants to work unite the African-American and Latino communities at Cornell and will implement more unity-based programs to do so. HOTNESS! SLU is all about cultural enrichment and unity!

Yeimmy Torrez is a freshman at Ithaca College and hopes to major in Integrated Marketing Communications or Communication, Management, and Design. She hopes to change some of the negative perceptions of Greek life at Ithaca College and show the IC community that SLU is different. We are about community service, cultural enrichment, academic excellence, leadership, and most importantly SISTERHOOD!



But the good news doesn't stop here... The new Hermanas are already at work creating educational, informative, and community-service based programs to improve the Cornell, Ithaca College, and greater Ithaca communities. That's right! SLU is all about the community...



Some of the things we having coming up are a Survivors Speak spoken word program at IC and a benefit program at the Women's Community Building to fund a non-profit organization that works with women who are still suffering from the aftermath and effects of Hurricane Katrina. Also, check out our banquet with the Peruvian Students Association at Cornell and our upcoming programs on interracial dating and homosexuality in minority communities and last but definitely not least, our on-going community service at the Tompkins County Public Library, La Hora del Cuento, Spanish Story Time.

Till next time...

The Senoritas

Iota Chapter - Past, Present, and Coming up this Week...

Hello everyone out there!

First and foremost, I want to give you a warm welcome to the Iota Chapter of SLU's informative blog. I hope you enjoy it!

My name is Patricia Rodriguez and I am the vice president of the Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. This blog was created because we as a chapter felt that we needed another way to communicate with the public about what we do here in Ithaca and beyond.




Just to give you a little background, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1987, at SUNY Binghamton as an organization that would provide sisterhood and support while also promoting academic achievement, service to the community, and cultural enrichment. Today, the sorority's purpose remains to unite women committed to seeking the political and social advancement of underrepresented populations.



Sorority Quick Facts:
*Established: December 1, 1987 at SUNY Binghamton
*Goals: Sisterhood, Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Enrichment, Leadership
*Ideals: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity
*Colors: Red, Black, Silver, and Gold
*Flower: Red Pansy with Gold and Black
*Mascot: Black Persian Cat with Gold Eyes
*Motto: Hasta La Muerte
*National Philanthropy: Literacy
*Over 30 undergraduate chapters, including 7 of the 8 Ivy League Institutions
*13 Graduate/Professional Chapters across the nation
*Latina-BASED, NOT Latina-EXCLUSIVE




INVINCIBLE IOTA!!!

Iota Chapter was established in the Spring of 1993 at Cornell University, and it expanded to include Ithaca College in the Spring of 2008. In addition, the chapter was dormant since 2005 and was recently reactivated with the Iota Line, which was initiated in Spring 2008.

This line includes:

HERMANA SIRIANNY CAMILO (Ithaca College '08)


HERMANA SASHA MARIE LOPEZ (Cornell '10)


HERMANA PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ (Ithaca College '09)



Check out some Iota press releases discussing last semester's activities.

IOTA CHAPTER’S BACK AND READY TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE


July 28, 2008 – Ithaca, NY – After a three year hiatus, the Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. is officially back in Ithaca, NY.

The newest members of the chapter, Hermana Sirianny Camilo (Ithaca College ‘08), Hermana Sasha Lopez (Cornell University ‘10), and Hermana Patricia Rodriguez (Ithaca College ’09) were initiated this past April.

Now serving as President (Sasha Lopez) and Vice President (Patricia Rodriguez) of Iota Chapter, both undergraduate Hermanas will continue in the Iota tradition. This summer, the new Hermanas are working diligently to coordinate programs and events for the fall 2008 semester that uphold the values and ideals of SLU and as a result, are confident that next semester will be a very successful one for the chapter.

This level of dedication comes as no surprise. Since the chapter’s inception in 1993, Hermanas have executed influential programs and taken on an active approach to campus politics (e.g. the Day Hall Takeover of 1993), and the lucha for ethnic studies (both at Cornell University). In addition, the Hermanas have co-founded Latino organizations such as, Quisqueya (the Dominican Students Association) and MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanas de Aztlan).

Sigma Lambda Upsilon has definitely left its mark at Cornell and the greater Ithaca community. In fact, the mural of the Day Hall Takeover in the Latino Living Center at Cornell, painted by Hermana Yasmin Hernandez, is a physical representation of this. Please join the undergraduate Senoritas as they continue to make history for Iota through community service, social programs, political events, professional panels, among many other exciting events.



IOTA CHAPTER COMMITS TO EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT, LITERACY, AND SOCIAL CHANGE
October 28,2008– Ithaca, NY – After a three-year hiatus, the Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. was reactivated this past spring with the initiation of Hermana Sirianny Camilo (Ithaca College ’08), Hermana Sasha Lopez (Cornell University ’10) and Hermana Patricia Rodriguez (Ithaca College ’09).

The current undergraduate Hermanas, Sasha Lopez and Patricia Rodriguez, have executed programs and literacy initiatives that are consistent with Iota chapter’s local legacy and the goals and ideals of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. on a national level.

Literacy Initiatives:


SLU’s national philanthropy is literacy and Iota Chapter is committed to educating and empowering children through reading. This is why the Señoritas began the year with Bowling for Books, a program co-sponsored with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to collect books and funds to donate to the Ithaca Family Reading Partnership. With over 100 people in attendance, the Señoritas and the Alphas were able to collect over 100 books and over $200. In addition, the Señoritas reinstated La Hora del Cuento, Spanish story time at the Tompkins County Public Library, an event that the sorority hosted in Ithaca for several years. Through this program, the Señoritas spread knowledge and awareness of Latino culture all year long by reading stories that relate to the Latino experience and discuss relevant issues such as the importance of bilingualism, family, friendship, education, and heritage.

Raices:
Every year the sorority hosts a national week called Raices (roots). Each chapter provides programming and community service activities to their respective communities that encompass the current year’s theme. This year’s theme was “Coming Out of the Shadows: Latin American Women Tell Herstory.” Iota Chapter hosted a program called Las Mirabales, which was a screening of the film “In the Time of the Butterflies,” followed by a discussion on political turmoil in Latin America. Next, the Señoritas moderated a panel discussion that focused on the various Latina experiences and how the media excludes certain Latina stories. Accordingly, the program was entitled “Su Historia” or Herstory.

Education and Empowerment:

The Iota Chapter of SLU has hosted programs such as “Are You In or Are You Out?: Latinos & Homosexuality” to discuss the issues that face Latino homosexuals. This group is a minority within a minority that is often forgotten about. The Iota Chapter of SLU is dedicated to discussing issues of identity and intersectionality that are relevant to the Latino community and communities of color, in order to educate and empower the Ithaca College, Cornell University, and overall Ithaca community. Next, the Señoritas held a program entitled “The Fine Line: Consent and Force” to discuss the issue of rape on college campuses and how women can take precautions against the dangers of it. A self-defense instructor came in to teach women strategic moves to keep themselves safe and defend themselves against a potential attack. In addition, Iota Chapter co-sponsored a program entitled “My Friend..” in conjunction with a number of MGLC sororities as a part of Lambda Theta Alpha’s week of Burgundy Bliss, to promote healthy female sex lives through knowledge and education regarding sexually transmitted diseases and infections and how women can protect themselves.

Make sure to check out Iota Chapter's first Major Week of Events at Cornell starting March 22nd!!!

The events are as follows:

"Ain't I a Woman?"


Is feminism solely for white women? What have the roles of minority women been in shaping feminism as we know it? Have women of color always been excluded? How can we balance our cultural values and the feminist ideology?

Join the Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. as we answer these questions and further explore the issues facing women of color that identify as feminists.

Monday, March 23 at 7:30 PM
Cornell University, Balch Hall – Unit 1 Lounge
Refreshments Provided!

Ever wonder what characteristics people associate with promiscuity? How do these associations relate to sexual and social double standards in our society?

"What's your Number?"


Join the Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. and the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to find out the role that gender, race, age, education level, and income have in people’s perceptions of your number of sexual partners at this fun and interactive program.

When: Wednesday, March 25
Location: Ujamaa – Main Lounge
Time: 8:00 PM


"A Girl Like Me"


Join the Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. for “A Girl Like Me.”

Part of the Latino Living Center’s Café Con Leche Discussion Series

Why is it always a trigueñita versus blanquita issue? Why is lighter skin considered more attractive? Why does skin color matter so much within the same culture?

Inspired by the 7-minute independent film entitled “A Girl Like Me” by Kiri Thomas, this discussion focuses on the issues of race and color faced by minority women living in a “Barbie” society.

Date: March 27, 2009
Location: Latino Living Center – Main Lounge
Time: 6:30 PM

"Breaking the Cycle"

Have you ever been in a situation where you did not know how to protect yourself? Has anyone ever approached you off-guard and you did not want to fight, but walking away was not an option? Do none of these scenarios apply to you, but you would like to know more about how you can defend yourself in the future?

Join the DevaSTating Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Radiant Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Scintillating Señoritas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. for a REAL TALK discussion about domestic violence and an interactive self-defense session.

Spaces are limited and are on a first come first serve basis! RSVP by March 25, 2009, to Sharon Foretia at (saf223@cornell.edu).

Location: Cornell University, Appel Multipurpose Room
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

The INFERNO


SLU and LUL are bringin’ back the HEAT! Join the Scintillating Señoritas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. and the ELITE Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. as we set the campus ablaze with the HOTTEST party of the semester!

THE INFERNO
The OFFICIAL After Party to Noche Dorada
When: Sat. March 28, 2009
Where: Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE)
105 Westbourne Lane
Ithaca, NY 14850

DOORS OPEN AT MIDNIGHT!

$2 w/ Noche Dorada Ticket
$3 for Greeks ALL NIGHT
$3 before 12:30 AM - INFLATION AFTER

DJ Heavyness will be spinning the HOTTEST in Hip-Hop, Reggae, Reggaeton, Salsa, and Merengue till 4 AM!

********************************

Well now that you know what we've been doing for the past year and what we are bringing to Cornell, Ithaca College, and the Ithaca community next week, I hope that you are able to come out to some of our events and community service activities!

For more info. on the Iota Chapter of SLU, please contact Patricia Rodriguez at patricia.rodriguez7@gmail.com or Sasha Lopez at sml67@cornell.edu with any questions!

Love,

Ithaca Señoritas