Sigma Phi Omega was founded in 1949 at the University of Southern California. At a time when there was significant hostility towards Asian-Americans, especially Japanese- Americans, our 17 founding mothers sought unity as a response to the aftermath of World War II and Pearl Harbor. Today, we are the oldest ongoing Asian-interest sorority in the U.S. and the third oldest Asian-interest sorority ever founded. There are a total of ten chapters across California and Texas, each consisting of sisters from all cultures and backgrounds.