It only took two.

Defining phenomenal

At the University of Michigan, Latina women—and women of color more broadly—were navigating higher education with ambition, resilience and pride. As campus opportunities expanded, so did a shared vision: to create a space that honored their identities, uplifted their lived experiences, and amplified their voices through intentional community and connection

Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. (DTL) was the first Latina sorority founded at the University of Michigan. Created by women who saw the power of coming together, DTL was built to foster sisterhood, academic excellence, and leadership while centering the importance of giving back. The organization was envisioned as a space where women could support one another, collaborate with campus and local organizations, and create meaningful change within their communities.

At the core of Delta Tau Lambda’s mission is a commitment to service rooted in impact. The sorority proudly advocates for breast cancer awareness, diabetes education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and mental health—causes that disproportionately affect communities of color. Through education, service initiatives, and community outreach, DTL continues to honor its founding vision by uplifting others and empowering women to lead with purpose, compassion, and intention.

Our phenomenal founders’

On April 2, 1994, two women of strength and integrity united to develop the first and only Latina-based sorority founded at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. On this day, Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated was born. Their mission was to build an organization that would bring about greatness to the communities in which the organization was a part of while working with women that strived for professionalism and leadership.

Rooted in community

Mission

The mission of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated is to build and strengthen Latinas’ position in society through community service, commitment and professionalism. Together we will unite to develop and empower Latinas, women of color, and women in general through personal evolution and teamwork. We will continue to build a strong foundation of resources through networking and community connections. We will work in collaboration with diverse women to create opportunities for growth and change.

Purpose

Delta Tau Lambda is a community-oriented sorority. Our main objectives are academic excellence and community service. We strive to bring about change in the Latino community as well as in other communities of color. A great deal of our work involves the youth, for we believe that they are our future and we their role models. We believe that through our hard work, we will empower others to achieve for themselves and lead one another to greatness.

  • Founded

    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  • Founders

    Darilis Garcia and Maria Victoria Ramos

  • Colors

    Brown and Gold always accented in Cream

  • Flower

    Forget me Nots

  • Symbol

    African Lion

  • Stone

    Diamond

Strength

Honesty

Excellence

Integrity

Unity

Wisdom

Quick facts

Founded at the University of Michigan in 1994

Established as a community and academic sorority

Sorority goals include community Service, Promote higher learning in Latino Youth, Convey in younger women through our wisdom, to reach for their dreams using education as their tool. Promote unity in the Latino community by: identifying common problems, supporting each other, and defining collective solutions. Expand our cultural horizons by working with other communities of color.

Core values are strength, honesty, excellence, unity and wisdom

Charitable causes include breast cancer awareness, diabetes education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and mental health advocacy, selected for their impact on communities of color

Members represent diverse cultural backgrounds, including Afro-Latina and Latina identities. DTL incorporates stepping and strolling as forms of cultural expression, learned through mentorship and invitation from Divine Nine organizations at the University of Michigan and practiced with respect for their origins.

Songs: Sudden Change, Comin’ on Strong and Yoli, Aint no Stopping Sunshine

National Stroll Song: Danza Kuduro by Don Omar

Motto: Strength and Unity are the Key to Excellence. Con Fuerza construiremos, Con Honestidad creceremos, Con Unidad nunca seremos Vencidas.

Nick Names: DTL, Phenomenal Women, Lionesses