Sigma Iota Alpha
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. , often known as '"SIA'", is a Latina-oriented Greek letter intercollegiate and independent sorority, founded on September 29, 1990, by 13 women from SUNY Albany, Stony Brook University, SUNY New Paltz, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The sorority participates in local, national and international community service as well as educational, cultural and social events.
Growth
Throughout the last 28 years, SIA has grown as an organisation composed of 57 Undergraduate Chapters, 12 Graduate/Alumnae Chapters, and 17 Colonies in the states of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, California, Kansas, Arkansas, and South Carolina. The chapters and colonies are composed of undergraduate, graduate, and professional women.Chapters & Colonies
| Colony | School |
| Colony 1 | New York Institute of Technology |
| Colony 2 | University at Buffalo, State University of New York; Buffalo State College |
| Colony 3 | University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Colony 4 | Central Connecticut State University |
| Colony 5 | Bentley University |
| Colony 6 | University of South Carolina |
| Colony 7 | University of Hartford |
| Colony 8 | University of Kansas |
| Colony 9 | Clarion University of Pennsylvania |
| Colony 10 | American International College |
| Colony 11 | Southern Connecticut State University |
| Colony 12 | California State University, Northridge |
| Colony 13 | Augusta University |
| Colony 14 | University of Central Arkansas |
| Colony 15 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh |
| Colony 16 | State University of New York College at Cortland |
| Colony 17 | Texas A&M University |
Community Service
SIA has supported several initiatives in place since its establishment. Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. members promote service on various levels. Notable organisations include Children International & Women for Women International, Nationally Special Olympics, Multiple Sclerosis and the March of Dimes, and locally volunteering in soup kitchens and school initiatives. Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. is also associated with . Additionally, every chapter is required to sponsor a child through Children's International.Mission & Goals
The mission of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. is to uphold the goals set forth by the thirteen founding mothers. They are to formalize, cultivate, and foster bonds amongst each other as sisters and to abide by respect, trust, communication, professionalism, and accountability.Goals are:
- To constantly strive towards the expansion of awareness of the Latino and diverse cultures.
- To promote sisterhood and leadership among members.
- To serve as models of excellence in education and achievement among women.
R.O.S.E. Mentorship Program
The R.O.S.E. Mentorship Program is a national educational initiative meant to serve as a resource to young women aged 14–18. It encourages service, scholarship and personal development in order to create leaders within communities while providing the tools necessary to succeed.The R.O.S.E. Mentorship Program aims to:
- Provide mentorship and programming that will aid in the academic and personal development of young Latinas.
- Utilize SIA's network of professional Latinas to increase awareness of the Latino culture while promoting educational excellence and proactive community involvement.
- Develop leadership qualities and abilities in young Latinas.
- Work in conjunction with the to establish solid partnerships that produce additional resources for young Latinas.
Notable members
- Gloria Garayua, film and television actress