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Our Organization
Herstory
Sigma Psi Zeta was formally established at the University at Albany, State University of New York on March 23, 1994.
Our Founding Mothers observed that of the existing Greek Letter organizations already established at the university, none were able to provide the kind of community they sought. No existing organization could nurture the bonds of SYZterhood beyond the collegiate experience while focusing on the unique needs of a newly emerging multicultural population. Our founders set out to meet the needs of this demographic by creating a new SYZterhood.
Sigma Psi Zeta has since grown to embody the beliefs of our Founding Mothers. We have become a sorority that celebrates the foundational things we have in common as well as our unique cultural backgrounds and individual experiences. The activities in which we participate increase our awareness of the multitude of cultures that have contributed to our history. Our philanthropic activities increase our understanding of the timeless struggles faced by womxn of color everywhere. We continue to pursue the end of violence against womxn in all of its forms – particularly within communities of color.
Our Founding Mothers established an organization encompassing the strength of multicultural womxn thriving in a world with difficult odds. Since then, the SYZterhood has grown exponentially, developing leaders who have pledged to continue to uphold the fundamental tenets of the sorority.
Kappa Charter Founders
The Kappa Charter of Sigma Psi Zeta was founded on January 7th, 2001 at Virginia Tech by four women: Elaine Kwan, An Tran, San Young Hwang and Van Tran. They established the first multi-cultural Greek organization at Virginia Tech and laid the ground works for the umbrella organization of Asian-Interest Greeks. They have created a foundation on which the Kappa Charter sisters have carried on their legacy. After 20 years, Kappa Charter continues to serve the community, fight for equity and inclusion, and develop skills for their future careers. Kappa Charter founders and alumnae can be found across many different industries, some in established leadership roles at tech companies, advertising agencies, and health care.
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Elaine Kwan
SONIC #2
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An (Tran) Major
FUSE #3
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San Young Hwang
KIWI #4
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Van Tran
SPARKS #5
Our Board: Spring 2024
Executive Board
President: Mia Hagood
Vice President: Lamia Kaiser
Treasurer: Josie Saunders
Secretary: Adeline Chen
Historian: Jen Nguyen
Central Council: Jen Nguyen
Minor Board
Community Service: Jen Nguyen
Recruitment: Sharan Patnaik & Giello Capate
Philanthropy: Adeline Chen
Culture: Sharan Patnaik
Scholarship: Lamia Kaiser
Step & Stroll: Mia Hagood
Webmistress: Jen Nguyen
Fundraiser: Josie Saunders & Mia Hagood
AASU/UCFS Representative: Mia Hagood
Social: Adeline Chen & Mia Hagood
Mia Hagood & Esha Islam