The Heart and Anchor of the Lambda Chapter: How Frieda “Ariella” Campos built a home for many
When Frieda Campos joined Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. in the summer of 2023, she wasn’t just looking for a sisterhood; she was looking for a solution. On the campus of Grand Valley State University (GVSU), the social landscape often felt "clicky" and exclusionary. For many women, there simply wasn’t a place where they felt they truly belonged.
Frieda, known within the sisterhood as “Ariella,” decided to change that. By taking on the revitalization of the Lambda chapter, she set out to create a sanctuary for “women like us”—a space where every voice was valued and no one was left on the outside looking in.
The Power of one
The journey of revitalization is rarely a crowded path. For an entire year, Frieda operated as a “chapter of one.” While most student organizations rely on a full board of members to manage the complexities of campus life, Frieda shouldered the responsibility alone. She navigated the intricate requirements of the Office of Student Life, balanced the chapter’s finances, and hunted for a faculty advisor—a task she successfully completed in just one semester.
There were moments that tested her resolve. She recalls the "defeating" feeling of planning events and setting up tables, only to have no one show up. But where others might have seen failure, Frieda saw a foundation. She refused to let a quiet room define the value of her mission. She spent that year learning the inner workings of the university and setting a standard of excellence, proving that the impact of one woman is measured not by the size of her crowd, but by the depth of her dedication.
A natural transformation
Perhaps the most moving part of Frieda’s story is her personal metamorphosis. She describes her younger self as “really shy,” the kind of student who would attend meetings but never find the courage to speak. The revitalization of the Lambda chapter encouraged her to find her voice.
Through the necessity of advocacy, Frieda transformed into a natural, outspoken leader. She began engaging with campus administration and presenting funding proposals before the student senate with a newfound confidence. This wasn’t just leadership by title; it was leadership by growth. By pushing past her own comfort zone, she became the very advocate she once needed.
Passing the torch
The true measure of a leader is how they prepare the ground for those who follow. When Rosa “Alitzel” Argueta, freshman, joined the chapter in Spring of 2024, Frieda’s role shifted from a solo operator to a dedicated mentor. She describes the “vulnerability” of letting go—learning to share the positions and responsibilities she had worked so hard to maintain.
Together, they brought back a national tradition: the "Salute to Latinas, Fuerza de la Mujer Latina". Frieda led the charge, navigating school funding and coordinating the logistics to ensure the event’s success. But more importantly, she used the opportunity to teach Rosa the ropes, ensuring that the legacy of the Lambda chapter would continue long after Frieda moved on to graduate school.
A legacy of belonging
Today, Frieda’s impact is felt across the GVSU community. Her integrity has earned the respect of faculty and students alike. In a striking testament to her character, a faculty advisor from a different sorority has become one of the Lambda chapter’s biggest champions, simply because she witnessed the authentic way Frieda carries out the DTL mission.
For Frieda, the reward isn't found in accolades, but in the quiet moments of connection. "It’s always such a reward to hear that they feel heard and seen and understood by us," she says. "That they feel really welcomed when they come to our events—that means a lot."
Frieda “Ariella” Campos proved that you don’t need a massive team to start a movement. You only need the courage to stand up first. Because she was willing to lead alone for a year, no woman at Grand Valley State University has to feel alone again.
