L.A. CATHOLIC SISTERS COLLABORATE WITH LMU TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
March 14, 2025  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

To celebrate Catholic Sisters Week 2025, which shines a light on Catholic sisters’ ministries rooted in faith, love, hope and service, the Office of the Vicar for Women Religious of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is announcing a collaboration with Loyola Marymount University’s College of Business Administration to launch an innovative entrepreneurship training program to empower Catholic sisters in the greater Los Angeles area.

“Sisters have long been a vital presence in communities, serving as educators, caregivers, and advocates for those in need,” said Sr. Maria Carlos, E.I.N., Vicar for Women Religious. “This program strengthens our ability to respond to today’s challenges with creativity, sustainability and faith-driven leadership. We are fortunate to have received support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to help sisters expand their ministries and sustain their critical work. Without the grant, this program would not be possible.”

Currently, there are more than 1,000 Women Religious who live and work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as members of 114 active congregations-religious institutes. The unique curriculum supports Catholic Sisters in expanding their leadership and mission-driven efforts through initiatives that serve vulnerable populations, including education programs, community health services, and nonprofit ventures.

“We are honored to create a program for our Catholic sisters that blends entrepreneurial thinking with a commitment to service,” said David Choi, Conrad N. Hilton Chair of Entrepreneurship and director of the LMU Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship. “By providing these leaders with the tools to develop sustainable solutions to pressing social challenges, we are amplifying their impact in transformative ways.”

Developed by LMU faculty, including David Choi, Ph.D. and Alex Glosenberg, Ph.D., with contributions from Dominic Chai, S.J., Ph.D., the program equips Catholic Sisters with entrepreneurial skills to strengthen their ministries, launch social enterprises, and drive meaningful change. It also fosters a sense of fellowship and mutual support among participants.

Twenty-two Catholic Sisters from diverse religious orders convened on the LMU campus for the programs’ first gathering from March 7-9, providing a unique opportunity for inter-congregational exchange and reinforcing the importance of shared wisdom and collaboration in their ministries. Through a series of immersive workshops, mentorship opportunities, and practical business training, participants strengthened their skills in strategic planning, adaptability, and creating innovative and mission-driven solutions, while exchanging insights and experiences to enrich their collective mission.

####