About

Lia Garcia serves as Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She has served the Catholic Church for nearly 30 years in the archdioceses of Miami, Washington, Baltimore, and the Diocese of Arlington. Lia also serves as the host of the Catholic Review Podcast Protagonistas de Fe; as a national advisor for the Comunidades Eclesiales de Base (Small Faith Communities); as consultant/speaker for Liturgy Training Publications (LTP); as a coach and trainer for the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM); as a mentor of young adult women at The Given Institute; as Chair of Region IV for the implementation of the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry; and as a co-founder/active member of the Asociación Nacional Católica de Líderes Latinas de América (ANCLLA).She frequently speaks on issues concerning Hispanic/Latino Catholics in the United States.

She previously served as the vice president of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM); as the Chair for Region IV for the V Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry; as a member of the 2022 and 2023 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) Planning Committee; as a member of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Social Ministry Convocation Planning Committee; and as a member of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Local Committee. Lia’s servant leadership has been recognized by Catholic Relief Services with the “2019 Hispanic Heritage Partner Award” and by NCADDHM with the “2022 Regional Director of Hispanic Ministry” award.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Saint Joseph’s College in Maine. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in ministry degree at Barry University with a focus on Latina’s contributions to the Church in the United States. Lia holds a certificate from the Franciscan University in Steubenville as Director of Religious Education, a digital evangelization certificate from Catholic-Link and Universidad Juan Pablo II in Costa Rica, and a certificate from the City of Baltimore for completing the New American Leadership Institute (NALI).

Lia is a seasonal traveler, a foodie, a theologian, and a writer. She is currently organizing a 2025 Lenten pilgrimage for women to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. She is originally from El Salvador and makes her home in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Yohan and three children: Sofia, Andrés, and Ignacio.