Chapter History

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." In the fall of 2000, six young, independent women united to begin this long journey. An, Henrielle, Tiffani, Mary, Sonn, and Susan all had a common goal, to create a strong bond of sisterhood, promote cultural awareness, and to give back to their community by providing services. Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. gave them the guide to achieve these goals. They have survived many hardships and those adversities made each one of them stronger. They were a very unique and diverse group, from six different Asian ethnic backgrounds: Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Laotian, Korean, and Vietnamese. They brought their differences together and worked as one. Through the process of trying to establish Kappa Phi Lambda at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst they have gained a sense of growth, leadership, and accomplishment.

At the end it was all worth it and more: Kappa Phi Lambda was established in Massachusetts. The sisters at UMass strive to continue the traditions and goals of Kappa Phi Lambda by teaching others about Pan-Asian culture, by promoting education with those who share the same goals and dreams as they do, and to build a foundation consisting of independent women. With this they hoped to create a legacy that will live on for future generations and beyond.

Chapter Founding Mothers
(L-R): Sonn San, My Linh Tiffani Le, Susan Young Ae Lee,
Henrielle Ann Tirol Manapat, Thuy An Thi Nguyen, Mary Moc Bounphasaysonh