Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Rolon. Welcome Lambda Theta Alpha, thanks for joining us
Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We, the Area Board of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority for Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, are excited to connect with you and share our passion for our organization. Our Board comprises five dedicated individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. Given our collaborative approach and a strong sense of unity, we present ourselves collectively during the interview. We want to share a broader picture of our team’s vision, goals, and accomplishments.
Serena Valle, Area Coordinator: As a first-generation, low-income Latina student at a predominantly white university, I struggled to find my niche at the University of Arizona. I was doing well academically but had yet to find my group of people. That was until a friend of mine from high school shared she was joining a Latina-based sorority. I had not even known such an option existed. She invited me to an informational meeting to learn more about the organization. This was my second year at the University of Arizona, and I attended the informational. As soon as I walked into the room, I was greeted by several organization members, and they asked me genuine questions about who I was and how my experience at the university was going. I could feel love and respect from these members as they got to know me. I learned more about them and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Because of being seen and acknowledged and finding my group, I continue to be active and serve in leadership roles. I have served as an area coordinator, chaired a national committee for LTA, and served as the director of risk management at the organization’s national level. Ensuring LTA is around and providing the space and opportunities for individuals to find their place in LTA keeps me active and engaged.
Yessica Rodriguez, Area Administrative Coordinator: Becoming part of the sisterhood through a virtual line, I wanted to be able to do my part, participate more, and be active since a pandemic didn’t allow me to be to the fullest extent. I joined leadership to learn more about LTA from the inside out and learn what the true meaning of sisterhood is all about. I joined in a period of my life where I was trying to discover myself, and through my process of becoming a sister, I also discovered why our principles of unity, love, and respect are so important- it was shown in my line sisters, the network of new sisters across the nation and that this commitment is lifelong when we find our purpose in the sisterhood. To keep up with that network, I embraced my options and joined the area board. This year, I served as the area administrative coordinator, helping out the secretaries of the chapters and aiding with any documentation. It’s allowed me to branch out and try new roles, pushing me to keep active and engaged with sisters nationwide.
Megan Quiroz, Area Finance Coordinator: Since high school, it has been hard for me to open up to people. I was very shy and had trouble talking to others for fear of being judged. It only got harder once I got to college because I never dared to talk to people and was never on campus for too long since I was a commuter student. Going into my second semester of sophomore year, I felt I needed to grow and spend my college experience wisely. Then, I remembered learning about our organization through my RA when I participated in the incoming freshman program New Start. I truly loved what our organization stood for and the type of work we did for our campus and our community. So, I decided to attend an informational meeting and almost talked myself out because of the fear of being judged. But, attending that informational was the best decision I made. The sisters I met made me feel so comfortable being me, and I knew from there that LTA would be my forever home. This leads to my reasoning for joining leadership because I hope to be the person those sisters were to me that day for every person I meet.
Bianca Avila, Area Orientation Coordinator: After starting my college career at the University of Northern Colorado, I thought a Sorority was not for me because they did not look like me. I grew up watching movies and TV shows with sororities, both socially and traditionally. I did not see myself in one, not only because of my physical appearance but the social aspect and cost of membership that was portrayed to others. Later in my college career, I learned about the Multicultural Greek Council, which included organizations from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. I immediately noticed that they looked like me in one way or another. After learning about and getting to know the MGC sororities, I decided to give the new sorority on campus a chance. This was Lambda Theta Alpha, which was the support system I needed in my life. I will never forget and always be grateful for the journey to becoming a sister. The support I received from the sisters helped me graduate as a first-generation student with no debt and a woman in STEM. Then, that same support from my Line Sisters, chapter, and those who came after led me to graduate school and a master’s Degree. That same support is why I have been in leadership positions within our organization since I became an alumnae sister. I have been on national committees, the AZNM1 Area Board, and the Southwest Regional Board, and I am an assistant to a member of the Board of Directors.
Laura Rolon, Area Recruitment and Retention Coordinator: As an only child raised in a Latino household, I craved a strong support system where I could connect with my heritage. Entering Fairleigh Dickinson University, I sought organizations fostering community and purpose. While I explored clubs like the Multicultural Club and the Organization of Latin Americans, Lambda Theta Alpha (LTA) resonated most deeply. LTA offered a sense of belonging and an opportunity to connect with my cultural background. Joining as a freshman, I actively participated, holding various leadership positions throughout my college years. This experience honed my leadership skills and instilled a passion for serving others – a value I knew I wanted to carry forward post-graduation. LTA’s unique lifetime commitment resonated with me. As an alumna, I actively contributed by chartering an Alumnae chapter (Alpha Omega) in North New Jersey, serving on the NJ Area Board and National Committees, and assisting the National Board of Directors. These experiences provided valuable leadership development and instilled the importance of giving back – a principle that continues to guide me.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Serena Valle, Area Coordinator: In my 12 years of being a member of LTA and serving in leadership for the past eight years, one of the largest obstacles I have faced is working to support our members so they can see how LTA can support them and fit into their lives. LTA is a deep passion of mine. I have gained professional experience from the organization and established and built a lifelong sisterhood with our members. LTA has given me another home, and I want to ensure that LTA is around for other individuals who may need or be looking for what LTA can provide. Two challenges are 1) individuals seeing the value in joining a Greek letter organization and 2) continuing to remain connected with the community and support system LTA provides.
Yessica Rodriguez, Area Assistant Coordinator: It has had its difficulties; this is no straight line to success, but it has had moments that have taught me valuable lessons in and out of the sisterhood. I’ve faced many obstacles as a first-generation Latina, those many of us resonate with- the challenge of finding seats at tables, being in classrooms as the only diversity figure, learning to speak a language that isn’t your native tongue, and fighting off imposter syndrome, yet through those obstacles we have risen higher than we could imagine possible. It has pushed me to climb academically, find my way into leadership positions, and use my experiences to make new seats at the same tables I was once never a part of.
Megan Quiroz, Area Finance Coordinator: The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my life would be my constant fight with imposter syndrome. There have been many times when I second-guess myself. As a first-generation college student, I want to know if I am good enough or will successfully obtain my degree. In holding my leadership position, I always wonder if I am doing okay or if I need to do more. But being surrounded by my sisters and other AZNM1 members, they are always there to pick me up when I’m down and help me realize that I am enough and can achieve everything I put my mind to.
Bianca Avila, Area Orientation Coordinator: Being a first-generation student, I always struggled to succeed and get my degree. I am the first of my extended family to attend a four-year university, and I am the oldest in my immediate family, so I always grew up thinking I could never fail. This is why the struggle I felt growing up was understanding that failing is only if I did not learn something from it. I have learned so much through all the challenges I did not see coming.
Laura Rolon, Area Recruitment and Retention Coordinator: Many of us in our organization, myself included, grapple with imposter syndrome. As a young Latina professional, I particularly relate to doubting my abilities despite achievements and accolades. It can be challenging to silence those self-doubts and project confidence. However, that’s where our organization’s strength lies. We cultivate a supportive environment built on one of our principles of “unity.” There’s incredible power in knowing we’re not alone in these struggles. We have access to a network of resources and the support of fellow members who understand these challenges. This sense of community empowers us to navigate self-doubt and push forward with our best foot forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Serena Valle, Area Coordinator: I am a Senior Academic Advisor at the University of Arizona. As an Academic Advisor, I am a go-to resource for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree within the college I work for. I support them in establishing and understanding their personal and professional goals and how pursuing a bachelor’s degree can help them attain them. As an Advisor, I am also an advocate for students. Supporting them as they navigate university bureaucracy and when life throws wrenches, provide them with support and options for navigating the university. These skills are crucial in my work as the Arizona/New Mexico Area One (AZNM1) Area Coordinator. As the Area Coordinator, I supervise the four additional Area Board positions and all the Chapter Presidents for our chapters in AZNM1. The Area Board provides direct support to our chapters. We assist them with creating, organizing, and executing their goals. This also ensures their goals align with the Strategic Plan of Lambda Theta Alpha. As an Area Board, we support our chapters in professional development as they learn to navigate our requirements as LTAs while also ensuring they are adding their identity and twist representative of the chapter.
Yessica Rodriguez, Area Assistant Coordinator: I am a medical assistant at a federally recognized clinic helping underserved populations. I am the AZNM1 area administrative coordinator and have been in this position for a year. This position has helped me better understand my time management skills and how to create a flowchart of my everyday tasks. It has taught me how to balance tasks, set time management, and create achievable daily goals to get things done and organized by specific deadlines. I want people to know that LTA was created at a time when our founding mothers didn’t have a place of their own to express their Latin roots. They paved the way to 40+ years of creating conservations, empowering Latina women, and giving us a voice to love the little brown girls we once may have resented about ourselves. They pioneered a path into something powerful: a nationwide sisterhood full of educated, dedicated, and motivated women. They created a movement for us to have a home away from home, to interact with the same cultural identities and norms as each other, and to feel safe around such lovely women.
Megan Quiroz, Area Finance Coordinator: I currently work as a legal secretary for our Attorney’s Office and have been there for over two years. I am the AZNM1 Area Finance Coordinator and have served in my position for 2 years. I oversee all the treasurers in the AZNM1 area and take care of everything finance. My proudest moment when serving in a treasurer role was when I served as chapter treasurer during my undergrad days. With the help of my chapter sisters and all sisters in the AZNM1 Area, we were able to win $1,500 in a contest where we were able to donate $750 to our national philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and $750 to our chapter philanthropy Casa Alitas.
Bianca Avila, Area Orientation Coordinator: The positions I have held in our organization have helped me in my current position. I am the Office Manager at an elementary school. I have learned how to take administrative work and organize it in a way that makes it easy to share. I have also learned how to help new members transition into the organization and new staff members in my work.
Laura Rolon, Area Recruitment and Retention Coordinator: My experience in project management aligns perfectly with my leadership roles within my organization and the Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado Areas. As a Project Manager for an advertising agency, I oversee campaign management from end to end, honing valuable skills in planning, execution, and team leadership. These skills translate directly to my work as a leader within Lambda Theta Alpha. My dedication to LTA stems from the incredible support and growth I experienced with the organization. Originally from the NJ/NY area, I held leadership roles at the chapter, area, and national levels through boards, mentorships, and committee positions. I’m particularly proud of continuing my service after relocating to Arizona. LTA’s sisterhood embodies finding a sense of belonging no matter where life takes you. The members here warmly embraced me and entrusted me with a board position, a testament to the supportive and empowering environment LTA fosters.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Serena Valle, Area Coordinator: Growing up, I loved being outside as much as possible and playing with my sister and our friends in the neighborhood. I loved to ride bikes, jump rope, and pretend to be Selena Quintanilla with my sister as we held performances in our living room. I was social and enjoyed getting to know people from the beginning. I could also be more reserved, but I have been intrigued by people. I was the kid who never wanted to grow up. I distinctly remember being in kindergarten and thinking, “It’s all downhill from here.” As I grew up, I made sure to continue to keep my curiosity and wonder from my childhood. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up, which was beneficial. I looked at every opportunity for what I wanted to do for my future, from considering the military to being a professional singer.
Yessica Rodriguez, Area Assistant Coordinator: I’m very much like how I was during my orientation process for LTA as I was growing up shy but observant. I would gradually open up as I got to know people, start beaming with my personality as I got comfortable, and am always willing to listen to everyone around me. I was a curious kid, always asking questions, willing to learn new things, and intrigued by the beauty of science. I’m still much like the kid I was growing up; I’m observant, optimistic, and always ready for something new to learn.
Megan Quiroz, Area Finance Coordinator: Growing up, I was timid but active. I started playing softball and dancing Folklorico at a young age. I started playing softball when I was 4 years old and stopped when I was 17 years old. My primary positions were catcher, 1st base, and 3rd base. I started dancing in Folklorico when I was 4 years old, stopped when I was 10, and then started dancing again when I was 15. I am forever grateful for softball and Folklorico because both helped shape me into who I am today.
Bianca Avila, Area Orientation Coordinator: Growing up, I was timid and liked to stay to myself. I had my close friends but didn’t seek any more friends. I’m the oldest of two and also the oldest / one of the oldest of the grandkids, so there was a lot of pressure growing up. I loved math and the way numbers always made sense, so I decided to study that in college. My love for learning and pushing to be the best has shaped me into who I am today. I’ve learned to understand and value mistakes and that showing confidence is something you grow into.
Laura Rolon, Area Recruitment and Retention Coordinator: From a young age, my mother recognized my sensitivity, both to myself and the emotions of others. I also possessed a strong curiosity, constantly fascinated by the “whys” and “hows” of the world. This natural independence blossomed early on – I preferred tackling challenges rather than relying on others. This trait continues to define me as an adult. I’m a go-getter, driven by my passions and convictions. My desire to bring people together hasn’t waned either. Like I enjoyed planning events as a child, I now hold the ” glue ” role within my family and friend groups, always seeking to create connections and shared experiences.
Pricing:
- A one-time, non-refundable fee to join our sorority ranges from $275 to $465.
- Semesterly dues to maintain active membership.
- Active members can vote, hold leadership positions, and fully participate in the sorority’s activities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lambdalady.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lta_aznm1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTAAZNM1/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lta_aznm1
