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. 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.
Today, over a decade 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 became the tradition and inspiration of nearly a 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. 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.
as written by one of our charters, Juliet Ham "Switch"
In Fall of 2004, UConn had no Asian-Interest Greek life, with the exception of student cultural organizations. Being that the Asian population was the highest at 8%, three women came together to offer something new to the community, the first Asian-Interest sorority. They made themselves known on campus as the Asian Women Awareness Organization, otherwise known as A.W.A.O. A.W.A.O strongly believed in what the sisters of the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority presented - cultural diversity, sisterhood and community service - and officially decided to be an interest group. By doing so, A.W.A.O participated in various events, mainly supporting the WOW organization, Women’s Center and Asian American Cultural Center. After a semester of service to UConn, these women were offered the bid to start the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
After a semester’s worth of hard work and traveling to meet new sisters, the University of Connecticut Colony was established on April 10, 2004, by Sooyi Cho, Juliet Ham and Pingna Wu. In the past, many attempts to bring such an organization have been brought up, but the job was never completed. During the process, there were many doubts from staff and faculty at UConn, but Sooyi, Juliet and Pingna did the unthinkable and have opened up doors for sisterhood for women in the Asian community and those interested in the Asian culture. These sisters strive to bring diversity, service and sisterhood to the UConn campus. The Sigma Chapter at the University of Connecticut started with three strong charters and hopes to continue this legacy.
Founding Date: March 9th, 1995
Chapter Count: 20
Colony Count: 6
Sister Count (nationally): 1400+
Sister Count (chapter): 50
Motto: "Sisterhood, Service, and Cultural Diversity"
National Philanthropy: NAPAWF
Colors: Scarlet red, White, & Heather Grey
Flower: Orchid
Gem: Diamond
Mascot: Phoenix