According to Allissa Witucki, Assistant Director for the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, there are two multi-cultural Black Greek Council sororities on campus and no Latina-based sororities.
“We decided to take it upon our own hands, and try to make a difference by creating Mujeres Triunfando,” said President Lissette Isabel.
Isabel wishes to raise awareness of the Latin community to students on campus and unify the diverse mix of students.
“Other organizations are more exclusive,” said Samantha Floyd, former event organizer and fundraiser for Mujeres Triunfando.
According to Floyd, Mujeres Triunfando has been comprised of students with very mixed backgrounds, including African American, Turkish, Dominican and Columbian.
Floyd said Sigma Lambda Gamma is a multi-cultural and Latina-based sorority established at nearby colleges including Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.
“We want to bring it to Ferris,” said Floyd.
Isabel said it would provide more opportunity for everyone involved because Sigma Lambda Gamma is a well-known national sorority.
Mujeres Triunfando has been working closely with the Office of Student Leadership and Activities and the national organization to make the sorority possible.
According to Witucki, Mujeres Triunfando must be a member of one of the Greek Councils on campus to become a sorority. The Panhellenic Council is for social sororities, and the Black Greek Council is for National Panhellenic Council organizations.
“Since Mujeres Triunfando is a multi-cultural sorority and we do not have a Multi-cultural Greek Council (or a National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Council), we are currently still working on how we are going to handle the situation with the organization,” said Witucki.
Floyd said Mujeres Triunfando has been active in the community, and Sigma Lambda Gamma would be too.
Mujeres Triunfando has participated in the salsa night, the Big Rapids Fall Festival, last year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, The Big Event and has created children’s books for migrant farm workers.
Isabel hopes to share knowledge of different cultures, strengthen leadership skills, academically motivate members, provide positive role models and encourage unity amongst a wide range of students.
“It’s like a sisterhood,” said Isabel. “All the girls are pretty close.”
Students can help or become involved in Mujeres Triunfando’s efforts by attending the weekly meetings on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in FLITE 304. n