National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) exists to promote and foster positive interfraternal relations, communication, and development of all Latino fraternal organizations through respect, leadership, honesty, professionalism, and education. NALFO is comprised of 17 fraternities and sororities bound by a shared commitment to fraternal unity and empowering Latino and under-served communities.
Cristina Luna, associate dean of students and director of Greek Life, was recently named President of NALFO. She will serve a two-year term that began February 2024. During the term, a few responsibilities will be to represent and advocate for all 17 member groups, focus on empowerment and education of diverse cultures among Latino oriented group, support student retention, and creating spaces of belonging. Having first became involved in 2010, Luna began volunteering under the Member Services committee. Seeing the progress of NALFO, she also would co-present on their behalf at other annual meetings and conferences. She then served as the vice president of member services from 2018-2019.
Having earned her doctorate degree from Southern California in 2022, focusing her research on Latina-oriented sororities that are members of NALFO, Luna has built a career on supporting and working with fraternity and sorority students. “I truly believe they serve a purposeful membership experience when done right,” says Luna. Being heavily involved in her sorority, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, for over twenty years, Luna understands the value in cultivating partnerships to move everyone forward. Being passionate about the holistic development co-curricular involvement provides students, Luna brings that passion to the Dean of Students Office under the Division of Student Affairs. “Dean Luna is very deserving of this new position and NALFO membership has made a great selection. Her body of work in Greek Life over the years is second to none, and I am excited for NALFOs future,” says Dean Ryan Holmes, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
The impact Latino Greek Letter Organizations have in the community and institutions of higher education is immeasurable. They positively impact retention on this demographic of students, help with student identity development, and becoming contributing citizens to the community. Additionally, NALFO hosts a national day of service each year in November. “Service was part of our new member process and something we were taught was important to our membership to help serve others,” says Luna.
Congratulations Dean Luna on your selection.
