Kappa Phi Lambda

Not to be confused with Kappa Phi Lambda (fraternity), a defunct fraternity, or Kappa Phi, a sorority.
Kappa Phi Lambda
ΚΦΛ
Founded 1995
Binghamton University
Type Cultural
Motto Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity
Colors Scarlet Red      White      Heather Grey     
Flower Orchid
Jewel Diamond
Mascot Phoenix
Chapters 22
Colonies 5
Members 2500+ collegiate
Homepage http://kappaphilambda.org

Kappa Phi Lambda (ΚΦΛ) is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit, Asian interest sorority that was founded on March 9, 1995 at Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York. The sorority was conceived through the notion of an organization that would provide a culturally sound and educationally inspiring grounding for Asian-American women.[1] Represented at 26 schools, with over 3,000 members and growing across the East Coast, Midwest and South, Kappa Phi Lambda is one of the fastest expanding Asian-American interest sororities in the United States. Kappa Phi Lambda is a cultural sorority with its emphasis on service and commitment to giving back to its members' communities. It promotes the ideal of philanthropy by adoption of "CARE," a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty as its national philanthropy.

Kappa Phi Lambda is a member of the National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA).[2]

History

Seven women came together to establish Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at Binghamton University on March 9, 1995. The seven founders were Elizabeth Choi, Karen Eng, Rei Hirasawa, Hee Cho Moon, Chae Yoo, Samantha Somchanhmavong, and Connie Yang. They united with a single vision of providing women with the chance to use their pride in their heritage to become leaders in society.[1]

This sorority is open to women of all nationalities and backgrounds who want to learn about, actively speak for, and represent Pan-Asian culture. The first sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda extended their hands to the community through charitable works of both service-oriented and philanthropic natures. Kappa Phi Lambda was formed with the aim of providing the campuses and society with yet another option for learning and another outlet for activity.[1]

Mission statement

We, the sisters of the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, strive to strengthen Sisterhood amongst women by providing service and promoting cultural diversity to our members and our community, thus securing the bond of kinship for posterity. Kappa Phi Lambda exists to further educate individuals about Pan-Asian culture, while keeping our own identities. We aim for academic excellence, keeping in mind the importance of education and learning as the key to strength, awareness, and fulfillment.[1]

Service & Philanthropy

According to its mission statement, Kappa Phi Lambda is an organization which prides itself on its sense of commitment to cultural diversity and strong bonds of sisterhood.[1] Additionally, "Pillars" of the sorority emphasize an intent to offer service to the community. Each respective chapter designates at least one local non-profit organization as their philanthropic cause of choice. The sorority maintains its sense of diversity by fundraising for all types of causes.[1]

Cultural Diversity

The sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda strongly believe in the importance of cultural diversity — not only amongst its membership but also within the greater context of the universities and communities in which the organization exists.[1] Although it is an Asian American interest sorority, the organization stresses multicultural awareness through a variety of Pan-Asian cultural events, and membership is open to application from women of all backgrounds. Accordingly, Kappa Phi Lambda chapters and colonies organize programming which enriches cultural awareness including but not limited to speaker series, workshops, film screenings, and collaborations with other cultural groups.[3]

In the news

In June 2009, Kappa Phi Lambda participated in and was featured as a co-sponsor of an Asian Pacific Americans for Progress AAPI House Party along with South Asians for Opportunities, Kaya: Filipino Americans for Progress, and Chinese American Citizens Alliance. The event organized groups across the nation in small groups to discuss issues relevant to the Asian American community. The house parties were connected through a phone conference which featured special guest Konrad Ng (brother-in-law to Barack Obama). Joining Konrad on the call were several Asian American members of the Obama Administration, including Judy Chu, Joe Sestack, Tammy Duckworth, and Tina Tchien. All gave some insight on what the API community can do to have its voice heard in politics and beyond, and enticed participating groups to hold discussions regarding such after the call. The goal of the House Parties was to raise awareness regarding API's interests and concerns across the nation. By stimulating discussions amongst parties, APAP was able to collect thoughts from dozens of API groups country-wide and submit them to the Obama Administration.[4]

Kappa Phi Lambda's participating schools included Northeastern University, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon University, Rutgers University, and University of Connecticut.[4]

Locations

Chapters

Colonies

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 History of Kappa Phi Lambda, accessed 25 July 2015
  2. ↑ National APIA Panhellenic Association website, accessed 25 July 2015
  3. ↑ Alligator news, citing Kappa Phi Lambda's participation in a cultural awareness festival at the University of Florida, accessed 25 July 2015
  4. 1 2 Asian Pacific Americans for Progress website, accessed 25 July 2015
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