American Latina-based sorority
Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority Incorporated (ΑΠΣ) is a multicultural Latina-based sorority founded in 1990 at San Diego State University.[1][2][3] It was created to bring together and support the Latina women but is open to non-Latinas.[1][3] The sorority has seventeen chapters in five states.[4]
History
Thirteen Latina women established Alpha Pi Sigma on March 10, 1990, at San Diego State University.[5][3] They saw the need to unite and support Latina women on university campuses.[6]
The sorority's founders established six purposes that define the organization. The chapters carry out these purposes, including academic excellence, leadership development, cultural awareness, unity and friendship, empowerment, and community service.[1][2][3] However, academic excellence is the sorority's primary value, along with community service.[3]
The sorority is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) and holds a strict anti-hazing policy.[7]
Philanthropy
Both active sisters and alumnae are encouraged to raise funds to support the sorority's national philanthropy.[8] Chapters also select their philanthropies and volunteer in the Latino community.[3] Some examples of the Alpha Pi Sigma efforts are American Cancer Society, autism awareness, lunch distribution, heart disease awareness, a Tijuana-based orphanage, and Relay for Life.[1][9][3]
