"Hermanas are proud to congratulate recently promoted Captain Batungbacal "

Italy-- July 10, 2005

Ariel Batungbacal, member of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA), a national Latina- based sorority, was promoted Sunday to the rank of Captain in the United States Airforce. Batungbacal, born in Hawaii and raised outside of Atlanta, Ga. earned her bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2001.

Batungbacal joined SIA in the spring of 1998 as a freshman. Having excelled in the Air Force ROTC program at UMCP and following in the footsteps of her decorated relatives, Batungbacal began her Air Force career as a second Lieutenant in 2001. Later this month, Batungbacal will graduate with a master’s degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University.

“We are not only proud of Ariel’s accomplishments, but inspired by the dedication and persistent hard work that have brought her this far,” says SIA National President/ CEO Jessica Mayorga. “When our sisters succeed, we all do. SIA is evermore so strong because of the excellence of our sisters who have become shining stars in their fields and role models to our younger members.”