Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is a progressive multicultural Greek organization that was founded on March 23, 1994. We are a cultural, social, educational and community service orientated sorority. The sorority provides a means to success and support for women, particularly women of color. We are built on the unity of strong and independent leaders to affect change in our organization, our members, our universities, and local communities.
ABOUT Sigma Psi Zeta
National History
In the Fall semester of 1993, ten visionary women, fueled by a collective desire to confront historical injustices faced by women of color, embarked on a journey to establish a Greek Letter organization that transcended traditional boundaries. Their mission was to create a vibrant community that would nurture bonds beyond the ordinary and serve as a vehicle for change.
Hailing from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the founders recognized the pressing need to address the unique challenges encountered by Asian-American women on their campus. Their shared goal was to amplify their voices and create spaces for empowerment, while fostering an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding. With an oath of loyalty, allegiance, and dedication to each other and their cause they established a sorority, adopting Sigma Psi Zeta as the letters to represent SYZterhood. With Sigma Psi Zeta, they aimed to forge a SYZterhood that would stand as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity.
March 23rd, 1994 marked a significant milestone in the journey of the SYZterhood of Sigma Psi Zeta, as it was formally recognized at the State University of New York at Albany, ushering in a series of groundbreaking firsts. This date witnessed the establishment of our Alpha Chapter, a pivotal moment that also heralded the inception of the very first Asian-Interest Sorority on the East Coast. Amidst formidable challenges, our Founders tenaciously carved the path for our organization's existence, its purpose, and notably, its historical significance by defying the odds.
Over the years, Sigma Psi Zeta has evolved into an embodiment of the founders' ideals. Beyond its roots, the sorority has become a hub of leadership, scholarship, and service, empowering women to embrace their heritage while contributing to their communities. The impact of this visionary journey resonates in the diverse stories of its members and the positive change they continue to bring about.
Our Founding Mothers:
Gina Han, Sally Hsieh, Jean Kim, Jenny Kim, Sandra Lam, Winnie Liu, Yan-Chieh Liu, Michelle Macaraig, Sung-Yon Noh, Loan Tran
Overview
To become a national organization uniting the SYZters to follow the code of loyalty, allegiance, and dedication.
Vision
Mission
To promote unity of women and the awareness of the Asian/Asian American culture and heritages.
To best demonstrate SYZterhood and allegiance by merging all efforts and interests to provide an invaluable experience for the SYZters and services to the local communities and community at large.
Goal
Alpha Chi Charter
Alpha Chi History
On November 17, 2021, a group of nine benevolent women embarked on a mission to establish a foundation that would cultivate a lifelong bond of SYZterhood. Inspired by the visionary founders of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc., these dedicated individuals were motivated by the sorority's core beliefs and values, which resonated deeply with their own aspirations and convictions.
Drawing from the founders' visionary ideals and values, these dedicated women recognized the profound impact of fostering a supportive community and promoting inclusivity. Inspired by the sorority's legacy of empowerment and service, they sought to create a space where women could thrive, lead, and make a difference in their community.
Through their collective efforts and shared vision, these nine women laid the foundation for a new membership of Sigma Psi Zeta, upholding the sorority's principles and forging a lifelong bond of SYZterhood. Their commitment to embracing diversity, advocating for humanitarian causes, and empowering women continues to resonate, inspiring future generations and shaping the legacy of Sigma Psi Zeta on their college campus and beyond.
The Alpha Chi Charter was founded on November 17, 2021 under the leadership of our charter class:
Mary Anne “PETRA” Keovongphet
Amy “TOYΛ” Nguyễn
Mary “kylanarier” Dinh
Mardi “ruminity” Kin
Nouci “OPULENCE” Ha
Kristine “Sanctesolis” Horita
Shaelynn “HIERARCHY” Erickson
Aja “mahalaCahua” Uesato
Constence “aEunítri” Bottoms
Ten Rays of SYZterhood
The Ten Rays of SYZterhood, like the Ten Founders, form the basis for our sorority. They are the characteristics all SYZters work to best exemplify.
As our SYZterhood grows and evolves, Sigma Psi Zeta’s National Board continually develops initiatives that will encourage our SYZters to succeed, while still remaining connected to the history and vision of the sorority. With this in mind, the Ten Rays of SYZterhood link the natural progression of the organization to the spirit with which the sorority was first envisioned in the Fall of 1993.
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To uphold the history, values, and purposes of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
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To take part in the development of active SYZters, new members, and alumni through positive means to ensure that the Sigma spirit is passed through the educational, individual, and collective experiences of those associated with the Sorority.
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To support and emphasize academic achievement.
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To Combat the Violence Against Women through SYZter education, community awareness, activism, and financial support.
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To best demonstrate SYZterhood and allegiance through organization, conduct, and action.
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To support individual SYZters in their personal endeavors of leadership, sportsmanship, and community involvement.
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To give social and emotional support to active and alumni SYZters, thereby providing an invaluable experience to the SYZters.
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To promote the awareness of the Asian/Asian-American cultures and heritages, as well as multiculturalism and the cultures of the members represented in the sorority at large.
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To serve as an example of appropriate behavior with the university, other Greeks, and the community.
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To inform and educate about the causes Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority holds dear.
Fast Facts
Colors
Red and Gold
Flower
Yellow Rose with Baby’s Breath
motto
Lead from the Front
Philanthropy
To Combat the Violence Against Women
One of the founding organizations of NAPA (National APIDA Panhellenic Association)