Founding Mothers
Seven extraordinary women came together to establish Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at Binghamton University on March 9, 1995. These seven founders, Elizabeth Choi, Karen Eng, Rei Hirasawa, Hee Cho Moon, Chae Yoo Park, Samantha Somchanhmavong, and Connie Yang united with a single vision of providing women with the chance to use their pride in their heritage to become leaders of society.
symbols
creed:
"Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity"
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colors:
Red, White, Heather Grey
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flower:
Orchid
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gem:
Diamond
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mascot:
Phoenix
CREST
Be it known to all these present that the herein described coat of arms with crest has been designed and designated specifically for the honorable Kappa Phi Lambda of the United States of America in accordance with the finest traditions of heraldry. The arms of said Kappa Phi Lambda are blazoned as follows, quarterly sanguine and argent, first, an orchid proper, second, a diamond sceptre proper, third, two candles argent alighted, fourth, a globe proper, all within a border agent and surmounted by a vallary crown bearing the greek letter Kappa Phi Lambda, behind the shield, a phoenix wings displayed sable. The motto is Fraternite, Servitium, Varietas, which means Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity'.
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the sisters of 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.
The sorority was conceived through the notion of an organization that would provide a culturally sound and educationally inspiring grounding for Asian American women. These seven women envisioned themselves laying the cornerstones of what was to become a culturally, revolutionary, and unprecedented organization: This cultural based sorority was to unite young women of differing heritages and encourage them to make use of their strong voices and thoughts. This sorority is open to women of all nationalities and backgrounds who want to learn about, actively speak for, and represent Pan-Asian culture. Held together by the bond of sisterhood and striving to educate each other and the rest of the community, our founding mothers not only channeled Asian American awareness through voice, but also by action. They taught each other about strength and ambition while discovering their own true unparalleled identities in the process. These first sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda also extended their hands to the community through charitable works of both service oriented and philanthropic natures. By doing so, they were able to make a real and impacting difference in the world around them. All the while, they were given the opportunity to educate others about the beauty and complexity of Pan-Asian culture. Kappa Phi Lambda formed to provide the campus, and on a large scale, the society, with yet another option for learning, and another outlet for activity.
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history
OUR PILLARS
SISTERHOOD
Although it is difficult to describe, the bond of sisterhood is a common light that burns passionately in each sister. We embrace a unique relationship based on friendship, respect, and a shared vision. Wherever we go, and no matter how long ago we were initiated, each sister is connected and important to the sorority. With a network of sisters spanning across the globe, we can find comfort in knowing that Kappa extends so much further beyond our own universities! There's no sisterhood like the KAPPA SISTERHOOD.
SERVICE
Kappa Phi Lambda is an organization which prides itself on its sense of commitment to cultural diversity and strong bonds of sisterhood. However, our other primary focus is to offer service to the community. Community and culture is largely what has made us strong and independent women today. It is for these reasons that we want to reciprocate and give back to the communities around us. Sisters participate in individual community service events of their choice, as well as those which we support as a whole and unified organization. The sorority predominately focuses on contributing to domestic violence organizations, all the while maintaining its sense of diversity by fundraising for other types of causes of concern.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Although we are an Asian/Asian American interest sorority, by no means are we non-Asian exclusive. We have sisters all over the nation that come from different backgrounds and ethnicities. We believe in educating our community on Pan-Asian cultural heritage, and we spread cultural awareness on campus by hosting and participating in cultural events and by performing in cultural productions. It is important to us to uphold the importance of understanding all cultures and enriching multiculturalism.
TODAY
Today, more than 25 years after our founding mothers established Kappa Phi Lambda, the sorority has grown past the boundaries of Binghamton University. What had been only the legacy of seven exceptional women, had quickly become the tradition and inspiration of over four thousand unique women. Although Kappa Phi Lambda is one of the youngest Greek organizations nationwide, it has successfully flourished into a strong and respectable one that is recognized by Asian American organizations, our peers, and Greek colleagues from all over.
Although the sisters of each school abide by the mission set forth by our founding mothers, each school is also unique in its own right, adding to our respect for diversity. This is symbolic of the sisters we seek: unique, intelligent, ambitious women who want to make a difference as leaders in our organization and in the culture we take pride in.
Our ultimate goal is to spread our vision and share our experiences with other exceptional women. We are progressing steadily throughout time, and we will be able to fulfill our ultimate goal with the help of these potential leaders as well as those of you that have yet to come.
EVER SINCE '95
Several years ago, seven beautiful women lit the fire that is Kappa Phi Lambda and watched it grow. That fire now burns brightly within each of its present sisters, carrying with it all of our individual aspects, and it will continue to burn within the sisters to come.