Sigma Alpha Zeta

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

"My name is Azul Guerra, and I am the proud President of Sigma Alpha Zeta Sorority, Inc. for the 2025–2026 school year. I joined this incredible organization during my first year of college, and from the moment I became involved, I knew I had found my home away from home. What initially drew me in was the warmth and sincerity of every sibling I met during rush events. Their openness made me feel instantly welcomed, and I quickly realized that Sigma Alpha Zeta was more than just a sorority, it was a community rooted in purpose and connection. What truly attracted me to SAZ were our three pillars: Academic Excellence, Community Service, and Sisterhood. These values deeply resonated with me because they reflected both the person I aspired to be and the community I wanted to belong to. I knew that joining meant surrounding myself with determined, like-minded individuals who not only prioritized their academic and personal growth but also gave back to the communities around them. Since becoming a member, SAZ has provided me with countless opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. I have learned what it means to be a leader, to uplift others, and to balance responsibility with compassion. Most importantly, I have built lifelong bonds with my siblings who have become such an essential part of my life. This sisterhood goes beyond our college years and lasts a lifetime which makes SAZ so special. Leading this organization is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride, and I am excited to continue fostering an environment where every member can thrive and feel empowered to make a lasting impact."

About Sigma Alpha Zeta

Philanthropy

Sigma Alpha Zeta’s philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness, a cause we are deeply committed to supporting. During the month of October, we dedicate a week to hosting daily events to bring awareness to our philanthropy. We collaborate with campus departments like CARE to host different workshops on the importance of healthy relationships and share resources to those affected by domestic violence. We strive to provide educational workshops, promote an open dialogue, and empower our community with tools to recognize and prevent abuse. A long tradition we hold is writing letters showcasing our support to DV survivors which we give to our local Domestic Violence Solutions Center in Santa Barbara. We always end the week with a candle light vigil to honor survivors and remember those lost. In addition to our DVA week, we host an annual 5k run for Domestic Violence Awareness. This past year we had the privilege of hosting our 13th annual Run for Love. This special event brings together students, alumni, and community members all in solidarity for the cause. All proceeds directly support the Domestic Violence Solutions center in SB. Sigma Alpha Zeta remains dedicated to fostering awareness, education, and support for all those impacted by domestic violence.

Recruitment requirements

- Attend our last informational

- A completed SAZ application

- 2.5 cumulative GPA

- One page autobiography

- 2 letters of recommendation

- Unofficial transcript

- Resume

- Complete one year as a UCSB student after applying (Can’t be graduating the same year that you are applying)

Annual Events

Within SAZ, every event we host and all the work we do are a reflection of our pillars. For community service, our biggest and most special event is our Student Empowerment through Education Development (S.E.E.D) program, which has been at the heart of Gamma Chapter for the past four years. Each year, we have successfully hosted this program but we continue to expand and improve it. Through this program, we outreach to underrepresented high schools in the LA and Santa Barbara areas and host a week-long initiative that introduces students to resources that make higher education more accessible. We believe that every student deserves equal opportunities regardless of their background, and S.E.E.D allows us to live out that belief. Our sisterhood is celebrated and strengthened through various events throughout the year. Some traditions we hold in Gamma Chapter are our annual 24 hour sisterhood where we dedicated a full 24 hours to bonding and creating memories that last a lifetime. SAZ-giving is also a cherished event where siblings bring Thanksgiving food and we share gratitude for the sisterhood we have built. We also celebrate our Founders’ Day every year with cake and cheers to another year of Gamma Chapter, honoring the legacy of those that came before us. Alongside these traditions, our sisterhood chair works very hard to plan creative and exciting events where we spend quality time together. Education remains the purpose of our sorority, and our Academic Chairs work year round to support our success. They provide resources and workshops to prepare us for life after graduation, while also fostering an environment of academic excellence. At the end of each year, we proudly recognize and celebrate our graduating members, honoring their accomplishments as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.

History

Sigma Alpha Zeta was established in 1992 at CSU Fresno by a group of extraordinary women who sought to promote the upward mobility of women through education, sisterhood, diversity, and community service. The motivation behind this organization was to help with the lack of unity amongst women of color on their campus and the need for a group that embraced these differences with open arms. These women envisioned a multicultural group that could bridge the gap between women of all walks of life. In May of 1999, our fourteen founding mothers established Sigma Alpha Zeta's Gamma Chapter at UC Santa Barbara. These women came together to continue a legacy that the sisters of Sigma Alpha Zeta established so many years before. We have since grown to be a highly respected organization on our campus by dedicating our time and efforts to our academics, sisterhood, and community. Our purpose is to enhance personal growth, create networks, strive for excellence, and support the upward mobility of women. We are a unique group of women who pride ourselves on diversity, culture, personalities, and interests. We cultivate long friendships and open up doors to help achieve future goals.

National Sisterhood Retreat