Twenty-two years ago four, young, Hispanic women met at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, and felt a need for fellowship and leadership development opportunities for Latinas. On April 6, 1981, Cynthia Garza-Fleitman, Nellie Flores-Ledesma, Irene Montoy and Melissa Montoya founded Kappa Delta Chi, familiarly known as KD Chi. In the over two decades since its creation, KD Chi has become one of the most recognized Greek-letter societies in Texas, and it was honored by the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations as Sorority of the Year in 2007. This month, the TAMIU chapter of KD Chi joined its sisters from around the state in celebrating April 6 as the sorority’s birthday. Melinda Esquivel, TAMIU KD Chi President, spoke with The Bridge about the group’s progress locally. Bridge: How do you feel about KD Chi’s birthday?Esquivel: I feel very blessed to see us thriving on a national and local level. We aren’t very old in comparison to other organizations but have established over thirty chapters nationwide.Bridge: How do you think the local chapter has progressed since it started?Esquivel: I think our chapter has improved significantly. Being active for three years has allowed me to see this chapter at its highest and lowest point. I can definitely say that since we have grown, we are more involved on campus now.Bridge: I understand April’s going to be a busy month for KD Chi. What are you all up to?Esquivel: Since the organization is service oriented, we tend to focus on events that better the community. Every year we participate in KLRN Women’s Health Conference. We gave away cupcakes [in the student center] earlier this week to celebrate our founding. This will be the second year we host Penguins for Prevention which provides students with information on cancer prevention, and we play loteria with residents of local nursing homes on a regular basis. As far as what’s next for KD Chi, Esquivel sees KD Chi moving forward in a positive direction. The group, in cooperation with Student Government, will host its Third Annual Bowl-a-Thon at Jett Bowl North on Sunday April 19. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. KD Chi is also currently collecting toys for needy children. “We will continue to promote our values, ensure the graduation of all our members, enrich student life, and participate in the community,” said Esquivel. For more information on KD Chi or to donate toys for needy children, contact Esquivel at melinda2005@students.tamiu.edu.