Alpha Zeta Chi: “Be peaceful, be friendly, be accepting.”

Kvlei was in a sorority prior to founding her own and said that she did not like the way things were going within the organization. Her, her sister, and her friend, as well as their boyfriends at the time made the decision to leave the organization and create Zeta Phi Lambda/Zeta Phi Iota. This was originally founded on August 29th, 2015, and later revamped significantly to Alpha Zeta Chi.

Why such a significant revamp?

Kvlei says that the vision for their sisterhood was different to that of the brotherhood, so they chose to part ways. This led to the birth of AZC on February 20th, 2016 as they became their own entity.

Why not join an already founded sorority?

Kvlei wanted to see her own ideas come to life and at that time, she felt like she couldn’t do that within someone else’s sorority with other people influencing the decisions. Being in this previous sorority, she was unable to make decisions on her own and she felt that she would never get a chance to truly shine to make a difference in the Greek community. She wanted to create a real sisterhood that she could be in charge of with a drama-free environment. She said that she didn’t want the title; it means nothing to her. She wanted to make real friends and to have fun in the process. She didn’t feel she was able to get this from joining another sorority.

What makes AZC unique?

AZC is based upon a Hawaiian theme. Kvlei chose to have this theme as it gives her a sense of peace and welcoming fun, and that is what she wants AZC to represent. It is made to be a getaway, a safe haven, just as Hawaii is known as a vacation spot away from reality. “My girls know that if they have no one, real life and online, they have me and they have each other. Most sororities aren’t like that. They do it for the name, the title, the clothes, or whatever but that’s not us.” The sorority fully embraces the theme to the extent the sisters also have a Hawaiian name, with a special meaning.

What is the culture of the organization?

Kvlei stated “There are 16 of us, and we talk all day, everyday. If there’s an issue it’s solved there and then, but there never really is. We just have a different twist and vibe to us; we do a lot of things in the spur of the moment. We like to have fun. We’re friendly, we don’t talk down to people, or treat anyone with negativity. It’s all positive with us.” AZC has a unique bond formed by unity and trust between the sisters. They are very welcoming and have a laid back approach; they do not start with a pack of strict rules, nor do they treat their pledges harshly, or in an inferior manner. They encourage fun where the pledges can get to know one another for who they are. Kvlei says that they talk about everything with each other and all of the sisters are unique in their own way. The sisters are made to feel comfortable with being themselves and that opens them up to trust each other from the first day of pledging.

What are AZC’s plans for the future?

They are yet to bond with other Greeks as they have been focussed on bonding with one another and building their own foundation first. However as summer gets closer, they will be planning more events and increasing their involvement in the Greek community.