It was a bright and welcoming evening as the ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha hosted a “Mi Cultura” event, where different organizations represented a wide array of cultures and nationalities. Their contagious smiles and vibrancy lit up the Student Center Ballroom as chapter secretary Nayelli Rios and chapter president Jennifer Manzano created a positive environment, connecting with other supporting organizations that came together to make this event possible.
LTA alumnae representing Colombian culture at their Mi Cultura event. Karen Prado | The Montclarion
The event, held on Oct. 16, was thoroughly planned with different sororities, fraternities and other on-campus cultural organizations eagerly displaying the different kinds of cultures and countries all around. There was delicious food, vibrant music, amazingly crafted decorations and captivating performances by the L.A.S.O. dance troupe, and Palestinian Dance Team, “Al-Awda.”
Latin American Student Organization dance troupe delivers an energetic performance at the Mi Cultura event hosted by LTA. Karen Prado | The Montclarion
The Lambda Theta Alpha sorority is a sisterhood like no other, empowered by a mission to uplift Latina women as they break through societal norms and achieve success. Established in 1992, their goal is to empower Latina women “with unity, love and respect.”
The sorority’s secretary, Nayelli Rios, introduced LTA with great knowledge, explaining how they are the first Latin Sorority in all of the United States, with the chapter started in 1975. Originally founded in New Jersey as the first and largest Latina-based sorority in the U.S., it had high hopes from the start. Their mission was to create empowered women, battle the patriarchal views toward Latina women that were prominent at the time, and establish a support system for independent and educated Latina leaders.
Rios explained why she chose LTA to be her forever sisterhood.
“When [I] was an interested underclassman, there were no undergraduates at all, though I saw the alumni engagement and support, seeing how they still came back even when they didn’t have to,” Rios said. “[The alumnae] still showing their support and attention set apart Lambda Theta Alpha for me from the rest of Latin-led organizations on campus.”
Support from alumnae is a recurring theme for LTA, as graduated sisters often attend events hosted by the sorority to continue the support past their tenure at Montclair State University. The sorority’s alumnae serve as mentors for undergraduate sisters, showing them that Latina women have a bright road ahead after college despite some of them growing up in underrepresented communities.
Chapter Secretary Nayelli Rios representing the LTA Chapter at Montclair State University. Karen Prado | The Montclarion
LTA sisters and alumnae are sure to own and instill a sense of cultural pride in their sisterhood.
Former sister and current Alum Advisor Nohemy Hernandez spoke about the opportunities LTA offers.
“Confidence [is] really being able to own who you are, and not only being able to command the room but being sure of who you are,” Hernandez said. “I feel like everyone has [their friends,] but LTA really gave me that support system. It helped me stay more in tune with my Latina side.”
Hernandez now works in digital marketing and got her first job offer in New York City after graduating in 2020.
Proud LTA alumnae Nohemy Rios and Wendy Amaya at the Mi Cultura event. Karen Prado | The Montclarion
Leadership is another important skill instilled by LTA alumnae. Carla Veras from the class of 2010 explained how running a grand chapter like LTA unlocked a passion for “putting pieces together and uniting as one, working for one mission.” Upon graduating she took on many leadership roles in the corporate world, currently leading the customer service team at ADP Insurance Services.
LTA Chapter President Jennifer Manzano spoke about the message she aims to send by leading the first Latina sorority at Montclair State.
“It’s a lot more of that sense of community that you can always go to, the confidence that these women have,” Manzano said. “I would love to show the representation that we can do it even if we come from underrepresented areas. Coming from this sisterhood, you will be known. You will feel like you will belong here.”
Manzano’s aspirations as president are to continue to empower independent Latina women.
LTA Chapter President Jennifer Manzano leads a strong group of proud, determined women. Karen Prado | The Montclarion
“My main goal is to inspire more empowered sisters and have them know that everything is possible,” Manzano explained. “It is a privilege to be the head of such an amazing empowering community that these chapter leaders have created. Their engaging and determined spirits will leave a positive impact on the LTA sisters.”
