In the Spring of 1997, Jannies Tocmo initiated the idea of bringing together a women’s organization that would emphasize Asian American Awareness to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Soon after, Princess Escudero, Debbie Jimenez, and Elaine Villaflores joined Jannies Tocmo in the efforts to bring such an organization that would explore Asian American issues, while encouraging excellence in academics, and the development of leadership skills. With these goals, they hoped to build the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. The founding sisters agreed to pursue their dreams by contacting alpha Kappa Delta Phi, a sorority founded on these principles, and first established at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Spring of 1990.

 

During the summer, the founding sisters searched to complete their charter pledge class. They found Jennifer DeGuzman, Mae Doloricon, and Bea Thanadabouth. The search continued and finally on October 3, 1997, Dawn Ansay, Melanie Joves, Jacqueline Llereza, Jennifer Rafael, Jeanette Rodriguez, Joy Soriano, and Jennifer Tabao were added to the family.

 

On September 19, 1998, the charter class pledged their loyalty, support, and respect to each other as well as to all the sisters of alpha Kappa Delta Phi, and vowed to uphold all sorority traditions and goals in order to firmly set a strong and lasting foundation for the future of the sorority on their campus. The alpha Kappa Delta Phi colony at the University of Illinois, Chicago was officially established on October 31, 1998, and the sisters continued to strive for excellence and strength in sisterhood.