Traditionally, the role of the Latina woman was that of maintaining the family institution and falling into the realm o the Machismo stigma. As the Latin migration to the United States increased, so did the emergence of independent Latina women. In the early 70's colleges and universities experienced an influx of female enrollment. With this growth, the need for all women and especially for the low percentage of Latina women in higher education.

In 1975, Kean University began to introduce and implement bilingual studies, as well as, a Latino and Caribbean studies department. With these new programs, women of Latin descent were able to embark in Higher Education even if they did not speak English language. Although this enabled and facilitated the educational advancement of the Latina woman, there was something missing.

In 1975, thirty women convened to discuss the formation of a sorority for Latina women. This sorority's main purpose was to create a support group for women of color in a predominantly white society. It's focus was to integrate into the social, political, and community service arena that other students had been involved with. Together, as a united front they could compete, collaborate and assist with any student run programs.

Lambda Theta Alpha was recognized at Kean University as the FIRST Latina Sorority founded in the United States, as researched by Dr. Jose A. Quiles, Dean of Students at Kean University. This organization was the first was the first to recognize the need for a support system and therefore, created one. It was the desire to progress and the dedication to their community, as well as the advancement of Latina women, that marked the beginning of Lambda Theta Alpha. This allowed the independent Latina woman of a new era to have a sense of belonging and with that, achieve her highest potential. It would define a new role for the Latina woman; one with educational goals and vision in hopes of great success.

Now, over 20 years later, we have seen the outcome of such as an organization. Lambda Theta Alpha has contributed to the advancement of the Latino people by helping produce educated women, who are nor, political leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, etc. it has also paved the way for many other Latina organizations who would then follow. Lambda Theta Alpha has continued its purpose and mission from 1975 to date, and will continue living the Founder's dream through the chapters established across the country.

Today, we maintain very close ties to our Mothers. Without their strength, courage, womanly intuition, and knowledge we would no exist. Our Founding Mothers are all of our mothers, for they are the voice of the struggle within us and around us all. They were largely Latina, but among them were women of African and Indian descent.

By embracing the Latino culture, a love of all cultures emerged. They believed and fought for the rights of all women and would grow to include women of many different ethnicities within only a few years. They believed in womanhood and in minority rights.and they believed in Lambda Theta Alpha. For their never ending support and love, we pay them great homage.