OUR HISTORY
The Founding of Kappa Phi Lambda
"...united with a single vision of providing women with the chance to use their pride in heritage to become leaders of society."
Founding Mothers (left to right):
Samantha Somchanhmavong, Elizabeth Choi, Rei Hirasawa, Chae Yoo, Connie Yang, Karen Eng, Hee Cho Moon
Our Founding
On March 9, 1995, seven young women at Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York set forth to create an organization that would represent their values and ideals on Asian-American culture. These seven women were Elizabeth Choi, Karen Eng, Rei Hirasawa, Hee Cho Moon, Chae Yoo, Samantha Somchanhmavong, and Connie Yang. They envisioned an organization that would inspire and educate their community by providing a voice to young women of different heritages and backgrounds. The sorority provided girls an opportunity to learn about and actively represent Pan-Asian culture.
Kappa Phi Lambda now has 25 chapters throughout a variety of colleges and universities and is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing Asian American interest sororities in the nation. Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority values diversity and does not deny anyone of different ethnicity. Our goal is to share our values with those who believe in the same ventures we strive for. We seek anyone who strives to be a unique, intelligent leader who wants to make a difference. With the importance of academic excellence, sisterly bonds, and Asian awareness, Kappa Phi Lambda has and will successfully leave behind a legacy of eternal sisterhood that its seven founding mothers worked so hard to achieve.
The Founding of Mu Chapter
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Chartering
In the Fall of 2000, six young, independent women united to begin this long journey. Thuy An Thi Nguyen, Henrielle Ann Tirol Manapat, My Linh Tiffani Le, Mary Moc Bounphasaysonh, Sonn San, and Susan Young Ae Lee all had a common goal: to create a strong bond of sisterhood, promote cultural awareness, and give back to their community. Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. helped guide them to achieve these goals. Along the way, they discovered aspects of each other as well as themselves that they never knew they were capable of. They faced many hardships together and became stronger because of them. They brought their differences together and worked as one. The establishment of Kappa Phi Lambda at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst became more than they ever hoped for. The sisters at UMass strive to not only continue but improve, the traditions and goals of Kappa Phi Lambda by teaching others about Pan-Asian culture, by promoting education with those who share the same goals and dreams as they do, and building a foundation consisting of independent leaders. With this in mind, they hoped to create a legacy that will live on for future generations and beyond.
