INDIANOLA, Iowa — After years of perseverance and numerous setbacks, members of the Sigma Lambda Gamma colony have established the first Latina-based sorority at Simpson College.

According to the Simpson website, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. recently notified the college that a chapter petition has been approved, and it will be officially known as the Eta Zeta Chapter.

Members said they became a chapter last Monday.

The Simpsonian reported in October that SLG, the largest historically Latina-based national sorority, had been trying since fall 2013 to gain a foothold as the college’s first multicultural Greek house on campus.

The group started as the Latina Sorority Ladies, with members Brenda Soto, Zoe Carlson, Ashley Sims, Carina Gonzalez, Alexis Vargas and Angelia Patiño.

Becoming a national chapter wasn’t easy, though. Founding members experienced financial obstacles, academic requirements and retention.

But despite the obstacles, sorority members said their mission is to empower women of all backgrounds and to spread cultural awareness.

The Simpson chapter has 11 women, according to the college’s website.