History:
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.
(L-R) Samantha Somchanhmavong,
Elizabeth Choi, Rei Hirasawa, Chae Yoo Park, Connie Yang, Karen Eng,
Hee Cho Moon
Today, nearly 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 bcame the tradition and
inspiration of over seven hundred 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.
For more information about Kappa Phi Lambda on a
national level, click the link below:
Our Mission:
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.
Symbols:
Crest:
Colors:
Red, White, Heather Grey
Mascot:
Phoenix
Flower:
Orchid
Gem:
Diamond
Creed:
Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity