Eighteen women created Gamma Eta Society at the University of Florida in Gainesville on October 18, 1995 under the leadership of Ilena Camilo.

There was a low retention rate for Latino students and a large cultural disconnect at the campus.

In direct response to those issues, the Founding Mothers led the efforts to create a sorority for women of diverse backgrounds to provide a social and academic support system.

The sorority's pillars are Sisterhood, Strength, Unity, Diversity, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service:[3] Gamma Eta's publication is The Sunrise.

Gamma Eta is composed of college-educated women of diverse cultural backgrounds, including Caucasian, Hispanic, African, Asian, Middle Eastern (West Asia), and Indian.