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!!!!!