Lambda Pi Upsilon, also known as Latinas Poderosas Unidas Sorority Inc. or Lambda Divas is a Latina oriented sorority founded at SUNY Geneseo by six women who believed that the problems of womanhood, particularly those of Latinas, needed to be addressed and resolved on campus by seeking unity, cultural identity, and growth of mind as a whole group. Established on November 6, 1992, Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority Inc. seeks to show their commitment and desire to help educate others through programs and social events that address issues involving their community, youth, and womanhood. Lambda Pi Upsilon's essence is based on education, commitment, and aspirations that reflect the beliefs of the Founding Mothers and accentuate strong leadership qualities that their members possess. The sorority is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.
History
Inception: Lambda Pi Upsilon began with six women who sought to fight and address increasing social issues involving women in their community, particularly Latina women. They believed that, as a whole and working as a close support system, they could provide other women, especially Latinas, with the strength and aspirations needed to succeed. Located on a predominantly caucasian campus, these six women were driven to find a sense of unity and commonality by approaching the ideas of cultural identity and growth of mind. Referred to as the Six Pillars of Strength, these women are: Founding Mothers
Together these women believed that by providing a sisterly networks of strengths, women could confront the challenges they were faced with, and gain a sense of empowerment that would defy social issues, and lead them to success. Their motivation, faith, ambition, and vision lead them to experience what is known as the Lambda Way. Disregarding the social and political challenges they faced, they succeeded in 1992 in creating Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority Inc., a path in which all women can follow, based on six founding principles. These six founding principles are: Family, Advancement, Education, Motivation, Learning, and Exposure. Since its inception, Hermanas of Lambda Pi Upsilon aim to maintain and uphold these six founding principles. The Hermandad has remained on the front of exerting these six founding principles by creating a commitment to education, family, cultural awareness, and above all, to each other. Hermanas Para Siempre Con Amor, Dignidad, y Orgullo.
Philanthropy
As an organization, Lambda Pi Upsilon decided to adopt children as part of their philanthropic research. However, with the death of one of their members from asthma, Lambda Pi Upsilon has also focused its attentions on asthma as part of their philanthropic research. Research is focused on the effects of asthma on women, especially women of color. It has become a yearly organizational event for members of the Hermandad to participate in the annual Asthma Walk held in New York City.
As part of the organization, members of Lambda Pi Upsilon host numerous annual events for Hermanas and other people to attend. Some of these events are: ;Sisterhood Weekend ;Emerald Gala
Lambda Pi Upsilon, Latinas Poderosas Unidas Sorority, Inc. welcomes women who are interested in a young and developing organization who also want to become leaders within their communities. There are six steps in becoming a Lambda Diva which are: ;Understanding the concept of Greek Life ;Becoming Acquainted and Involved ;Becoming a D.I.A.T ;Undergoing the New Member Education Process ;Contributing ;Networking
Requirements
Must be enrolled in a 4-year accredited college or university
Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
Must have completed at least one full undergraduate semester
