Who We Are
Women at the Helm, Changing the Pharmacy Industry
Trailblazers in Pharmacy
Empowering women in pharmacy since 1913, Lambda Kappa Sigma
is rooted in sisterhood and committed to elevating the next generation of leaders.
Champions for women
As the only pharmacy fraternity dedicated to elevating women,
LKS embraces the power of womanhood, fostering a supportive community where every member is empowered to lead, grow, and succeed.
UNITED IN PURPOSE
With over 30,000 members strong, LKS stands as a community of trailblazing women shaping the future of the pharmacy profession.
DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE
From the classroom to the pharmacy practice, LKS provides lifelong opportunities for personal growth, professional excellence, and the empowering bonds of sisterhood.
Elevating Women in Pharmacy Since 1913
Nine Women, One Vision
In 1913, at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, nine pioneering women came together to form Lambda Kappa Sigma, creating a sisterhood dedicated to empowering women in pharmacy. Today, with over 30,000 members and a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and professional growth, LKS continues to elevate women in the profession. When you join Lambda Kappa Sigma, you become part of a network of driven, passionate women who empower and support each other, working together to shape the future of pharmacy.
Who We Are
The heart of Lambda Kappa Sigma lies in the values, traditions, and purpose that have guided us for over a century. From our mission and motto to the principles our founders envisioned, these are the cornerstones that shape who we are as a fraternity and as a community of women dedicated to advancing pharmacy and empowering one another.
Our Mission
Lambda Kappa Sigma provides lifelong opportunities for women in pharmacy through professional excellence and personal growth.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to help you find your people—women in pharmacy who will support, uplift, and inspire you every step of the way. In LKS, you’ll build lifelong friendships and a strong community that empowers you to make a positive & meaningful impact wherever you go.
Our Values
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our core values—Sisterhood, Scholarship, Integrity, Service, and Leadership—are the foundation of everything we do, empowering each woman in pharmacy to become her best self while supporting and uplifting one another.
Our Motto
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our motto, ‘Esse Quam Videri’ (‘To be, rather than seem to be’), is about being real. We believe in showing up as our true selves and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. By leading with integrity and staying authentic, we inspire women in pharmacy to make a real impact—on their careers, their communities, and on each other.
Our Creed
I believe in loyalty.
I believe that loyalty is the divinest activity of the spirit, the wisest method and the most powerful force in the realm of Fraternity affairs.
I believe in the sacred sovereignty of my sister over her own life. Therefore I will not trespass on her domain, or seek domination over her ideas or conduct in any way.
I believe that I see some truth my sister may not see and to which I must be true.
I believe equally that my sister sees some truth which I may not see, so I must be not only open-minded but sympathetic because I want to know her truth too.
I believe that I have more defects in manner, speech, disposition, and temperament than I can detect or am willing to admit. Therefore it ill becomes me to be too sharp a critic of my sister.
I believe that humor is one of the major gifts of God. I hope for my sake that my sister possesses it. I pray for her sake that I may have enough of it to laugh at myself.
I believe that the happiness and success of my sister is as important as my own. Therefore I will seek in behalf of others the same things that I seek and ask for myself.
Will that there is Spirit in this Universe which prompts, inspires and sustains those who make life an adventure, and I trust that Spirit.
This creed was dedicated to the sisters of Lambda Kappa Sigma in 1954 by Ruth Davies Flaherty, Grand President 1952-1954.
Our Fraternity Flower: Yellow Chrysanthemum
The roots are alumni who provide a strong foundation. The stem represents current members who contribute the framework for new and continual growth. The blossoms are the new members who have been allowed to grow, develop and flourish from the support of the roots and stem. It is through their efforts that future generations of pharmacy leaders and visionaries find their way into the Lambda Kappa Sigma sisterhood!
Our Founders
Nine Women, One Vision: Elevating Women in Pharmacy Since 1913
In 1913, at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, nine pioneering women came together to form Lambda Kappa Sigma, creating a sisterhood dedicated to empowering women in pharmacy. Today, with over 30,000 members and a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and professional growth, LKS continues to elevate women in the profession. When you join Lambda Kappa Sigma, you become part of a network of driven, passionate women who empower and support each other, working together to shape the future of pharmacy.
Since its inception, Lambda Kappa Sigma has been dedicated to elevating women in pharmacy and reshaping the narrative of gender representation in the profession. With a commitment to fostering leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, LKS has played a pivotal role in empowering women pharmacists to excel and thrive in their careers.
Over the years, Lambda Kappa Sigma has welcomed over 30,000 members into its ranks. While women have made significant strides in the pharmacy industry, Lambda Kappa Sigma recognizes that there is still work to be done. As the landscape of pharmacy continues to evolve, LKS remains steadfast in its mission to empower future generations of women pharmacists to take on leadership roles, break down barriers, and drive positive change within the profession.
Lambda Kappa Sigma stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring legacy of its founders’ vision. By championing the advancement of women in pharmacy, LKS continues to shape the future of the profession and inspire generations of pharmacists to come.
Lambda Kappa Sigma’s Guiding Principles
Our Mission
Lambda Kappa Sigma provides lifelong opportunities for women in pharmacy through professional excellence and personal growth.
Our Purpose
At LKS, our purpose is evident in the friendships we cultivate, the support we offer, and the difference we make in our communities. Whether it’s through service projects, leadership initiatives, or advocacy efforts, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact wherever we go. We believe in empowering women pharmacists to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence, thereby shaping the future of pharmacy for generations to come.
Lambda Kappa Sigma’s Guiding Principles
Lambda Kappa Sigma provides lifelong opportunities for women in pharmacy through professional excellence and personal growth.
At LKS, our purpose is evident in the friendships we cultivate, the support we offer, and the difference we make in our communities. Whether it's through service projects, leadership initiatives, or advocacy efforts, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact wherever we go. We believe in empowering women pharmacists to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence, thereby shaping the future of pharmacy for generations to come.
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our core values form the foundation of everything we do. Sisterhood binds us together, fostering a supportive community where every member is valued and empowered. Through scholarship, we cultivate excellence in education and professional development, equipping women pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to excel in their careers. Integrity guides our actions, ensuring that we uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work. Service lies at the heart of our mission, driving us to make a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond. And leadership is our legacy, as we empower women to step into their full potential and become catalysts for positive change in the pharmacy profession and beyond. With these values as our compass, LKS stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for women pharmacists everywhere.
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our Fraternity motto, 'Esse Quam Videri' ('To be, rather than seem to be'), is more than just words – it's a way of life. We believe in authenticity, in always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. This principle guides every decision we make, every action we take. Whether advocating for patients, supporting communities, or fostering leadership among women pharmacists, we lead by example, embodying the values we hold dear. With integrity as our compass and authenticity as our guide, LKS stands as a symbol of excellence and inspiration in the pharmacy profession and beyond
- I believe in loyalty.
- I believe that loyalty is the divinest activity of the spirit, the wisest method and the most powerful force in the realm of Fraternity affairs.
- I believe in the sacred sovereignty of my sister over her own life. Therefore I will not trespass on her domain, or seek domination over her ideas or conduct in any way.
- I believe that I see some truth my sister may not see and to which I must be true.
- I believe equally that my sister sees some truth which I may not see, so I must be not only open-minded but sympathetic because I want to know her truth too.
- I believe that I have more defects in manner, speech, disposition, and temperament than I can detect or am willing to admit. Therefore it ill becomes me to be too sharp a critic of my sister.
- I believe that humor is one of the major gifts of God. I hope for my sake that my sister possesses it. I pray for her sake that I may have enough of it to laugh at myself.
- I believe that the happiness and success of my sister is as important as my own. Therefore I will seek in behalf of others the same things that I seek and ask for myself. Will that there is Spirit in this Universe which prompts, inspires and sustains those who make life an adventure, and I trust that Spirit.
The roots are alumni who provide a strong foundation. The stem represents current members who contribute the framework for new and continual growth. The blossoms are the new members who have been allowed to grow, develop and flourish from the support of the roots and stem. It is through their efforts that future generations of pharmacy leaders and visionaries find their way into the Lambda Kappa Sigma sisterhood!
Driven by Purpose, Defined by Values
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our core values form the foundation of everything we do. Sisterhood binds us together, fostering a supportive community where every member is valued and empowered. Through scholarship, we cultivate excellence in education and professional development, equipping women pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to excel in their careers. Integrity guides our actions, ensuring that we uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work. Service lies at the heart of our mission, driving us to make a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond. And leadership is our legacy, as we empower women to step into their full potential and become catalysts for positive change in the pharmacy profession and beyond. With these values as our compass, LKS stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for women pharmacists everywhere.
Authenticity in Action: Living Our Motto
At Lambda Kappa Sigma, our Fraternity motto, 'Esse Quam Videri' ('To be, rather than seem to be'), is more than just words – it's a way of life. We believe in authenticity, in always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. This principle guides every decision we make, every action we take. Whether advocating for patients, supporting communities, or fostering leadership among women pharmacists, we lead by example, embodying the values we hold dear. With integrity as our compass and authenticity as our guide, LKS stands as a symbol of excellence and inspiration in the pharmacy profession and beyond
Our Creed
- I believe in loyalty.
- I believe that loyalty is the divinest activity of the spirit, the wisest method and the most powerful force in the realm of Fraternity affairs.
- I believe in the sacred sovereignty of my sister over her own life. Therefore I will not trespass on her domain, or seek domination over her ideas or conduct in any way.
- I believe that I see some truth my sister may not see and to which I must be true.
- I believe equally that my sister sees some truth which I may not see, so I must be not only open-minded but sympathetic because I want to know her truth too.
- I believe that I have more defects in manner, speech, disposition, and temperament than I can detect or am willing to admit. Therefore it ill becomes me to be too sharp a critic of my sister.
- I believe that humor is one of the major gifts of God. I hope for my sake that my sister possesses it. I pray for her sake that I may have enough of it to laugh at myself.
-
I believe that the happiness and success of my sister is as important as my own. Therefore I will seek in behalf of others the same things that I seek and ask for myself.
Will that there is Spirit in this Universe which prompts, inspires and sustains those who make life an adventure, and I trust that Spirit.
This creed was dedicated to the sisters of Lambda Kappa Sigma in 1954 by Ruth Davies Flaherty, Grand President 1952-1954
Our Founders:
Librarian Ethel J. Heath and students Annabel Carter Jones, Mary Connolly Livingston, Emma MacDonnell Cronin, Willette McKeever Cheever, Mary Durgin Loveland, Alice G. Coleman, Margaret M. Curran, and Rosemond A. Guinn.
Our Fraternity Flower: Chrysanthemum
The roots are alumni who provide a strong foundation. The stem represents current members who contribute the framework for new and continual growth. The blossoms are the new members who have been allowed to grow, develop and flourish from the support of the roots and stem. It is through their efforts that future generations of pharmacy leaders and visionaries find their way into the Lambda Kappa Sigma sisterhood!