
University of Maryland Nu Zeta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma
National Sorority Incorporated
Nu Zeta Chapter History

The start of the UMD Associate Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma began with the interest of Jocelyn Nolasco. In order for the interest group to function, the womxn became a student organization known as JEWELS. It focused on the idea of the value of womxn being just as important as the most glamorous jewels and also noting that every jewel is different.
On November 17, 2017 at the Nyumburu Cultural Center Amphitheater, Sisters Jocelyn Nolasco, Bridget Celena-Pacheco, Celia Barrientos, Alexis Peters, Louisa Baltodano, and Alexis Ojeda-Brown were introduced to the University of Maryland, College Park campus as G.S.T.A.B.O.N.O. the six fearless founders of the UMD Associate Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma.
On January 8th, 2020, our entity officially became the Nu Zeta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma after many semesters of hard work and commitment.
Our Roots "Nuestras Raíces"
During the fall of 1989, the foundation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. was commenced by collegiate women who recognized the need to form an organization that provided empowerment to women of all cultural backgrounds. Her humble beginnings were built at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa where their vision was to create a network of academic and social support for Latina women. Under the guidance of Esther Materon Arum and Mary Peterson, the vision came to fruition on April 9th, 1990, as the University of Iowa Panhellenic Council officially recognized the organization as a sorority.
Through the continued commitment and leadership of the founding mothers, the operation of Sigma Lambda Gamma has thrived on many college campuses and provides an avenue for educational excellence to women of many nationalities. Our members recognize the need for togetherness and support among women of varying cultures at the university level and they remain dedicated to the overall success of women in a global environment.
Sigma Lambda Gamma is a sisterhood of women who have chosen this affiliation as a manner to achieve personal development and awareness to the responsibility of community involvement for the betterment of our local, regional, national and global communities through the efforts of a network of close to 3,000 sorority members.
Today, Sigma Lambda Gamma is the largest, historically Latina-based national sorority with a multicultural membership in chapters and alumnae associations throughout the United States – from Arizona to Wyoming; Florida to Minnesota; New York to Texas; and many more states between the coasts of California and Rhode Island. A criterion for membership into Sigma Lambda Gamma is open to women of exceptional morals & ethics with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, and who are pursuing or have completed courses leading to a degree in an accredited college of university.
For more information, visit our national website at: www. sigmalambdagamma.com

Gamma Facts
Mission
"Through excellence in the organization's five founding principles, Sigma Lambda Gamma provides opportunities for lifelong empowerment to its members, thereby positively influencing the global community."
Vision
"Empowered women leading the world."
Motto
“Culture is Pride, Pride is Success”
Colors
Shocking Pink and Majestic Purple
Mascot
Purple Panther
Crest
6 Books (5 closed, 1 open), 5 Stars, Shaking Hands, Women with Balance, Pyramid
Founding Date
April 9, 1990
Founding Location
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Principles
Morals & Ethics, Social Interaction, Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness
Flower
Pink Rose
Stone
Purple Amethyst