NATIONAL HISTORY
Kappa Phi Lambda was founded on March 9, 1995 at Binghamton University by seven founding mothers.
These inspirational women – Elizabeth Choi, Karen Eng, Rei Hirasawa, Hee Cho Moon, Chae Yoo, Samantha Somchanhmavong, and Connie Yang – united with a single vision of providing women with the chance to use their pride in heritage to become leaders of society. There was a need for an organization of this kind that would give inspiration and education to its community, and thus, Kappa Phi Lambda was born.
The founding mothers envisioned themselves laying the cornerstones of what was to become a unique and revolutionary organization. They taught each other about strength and ambition while discovering their own true identities in the process. This sorority would unite young women of diverse heritages and encourage them to make use of their strong voices and thoughts. This sorority is open to women of all nationalities and backgrounds who want to learn about and actively represent Pan-Asian culture.
The founding mothers not only channeled Asian American awareness through voice, but also through action. These first sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda extended their hands to the community through charitable actions. By contributing their time and funds, they were able to make a powerful impact on the world around them.
Since its founding, Kappa Phi Lambda has since become one of the fastest growing and strongest Asian American interest sororities in the nation. Today, well over a decade after the founding mothers established Kappa Phi Lambda, the sorority has grown to a total of 28 locations. All sisters nationwide abide by the mission set forth by our founding mothers, but each school is also unique in its own right. This is symbolic of the women we seek: unique, intelligent leaders who want to make a difference. Several years ago, seven beautiful women lit the fire that is Kappa Phi Lambda and watched it grow. As our sisterhood expands, that fire now burns brightly within every individual sister, carrying with it the vision that our founding mothers conceived.
CHAPTER HISTORY
Our charters started their days as an interest group by the name of A.R.I.E.S. - Aspiring to Raise Interest in Excellence and Service. Driven by their aspirations and goals, the ten charters not only felt tied to the pillars of Kappa Phi Lambda - Sisterhood, Service, and Cultural Diversity - but were also impressed by the sorority's positive reputation, dedication to making a difference in the world, and strong bonds with one another. With hopes of leaving their "heel print" at UNC, they worked tirelessly to create an option for women on this campus to leave a legacy and impact on their community, all while finding their home away from home through an eternal sisterhood. Finally, on November 23, 2013, ten young women at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill united as one to bring Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. to their campus.
Charter Class
#2 Heysel Lam *Divinity*
#3 Isabella Sun *Dauntless*
#4 AnhThu Vuong *Pacific*
#5 Tran Nguyen *Extinguish*
#6 Ashli Hyunh *Impeccable*
#7 Denise King *Amavel*
#8 Rika Ri *Wispa*
#9 Sarah Lee *Ruthless*
#10 Vanessa Pang *Ensnare*
#11 Hannah Kim *Sophrosyne*
Hosted by: National Board 2013 – 2014
On January 12, 2020, we obtained chapter status and officially became the Alpha Eta Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
UNC Kappa Phi Lambda is a proud member of UNC's Multicultural Greek Council.