Welcome to Chosen Ministries
Who We Are
We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization founded in 2014 by Maria Santiago. Our mission is to support the economic empowerment of women through vocational scholarships and additional poverty alleviation programs.
Our Track Record
Since 2014, we have worked diligently to identify barriers that hinder the success of the women we serve and remove them by creating practical solutions centered around career coaching, mentoring, life skills, financial literacy and on-the-job training through paid internships. We have supported the long-term sustainability of over 800 Indianapolis families by collaborating with generous individuals, churches, private foundations, and corporate partners. Take a look at our video showcasing a few of our accomplishments.
Our Leadership

Maria Santiago
Founder, Executive Director
Founder, Executive Director

Jonathan Ember
Pastor, Diversity Church Indy
Pastor, Diversity Church Indy

Dr. Anna Merrill
Psychology Fellow at Riley Hospital for Children in the Riley Child Development Center
Psychology Fellow at Riley Hospital for Children in the Riley Child Development Center

Greg Vance
CEO and Certified Career and Business Coach, Career Meets Purpose
CEO and Certified Career and Business Coach, Career Meets Purpose

Dr. Joanna Mitchell-Brown
PHD, Senior Research Fellow, Sagamore Institute
PHD, Senior Research Fellow, Sagamore Institute

Kathie Fox
Ministry Liason, Kaleo Indy
Ministry Liason, Kaleo Indy

Sara Miller
Sales Production and Financial Analyst at OneAmerica
Sales Production and Financial Analyst at OneAmerica
Our Partners
We are so grateful for the numerous individuals, churches, companies, and private foundations who stand with us as we support women in our community.
Diversity Church Indy | Dress for Success | M. Santiago Group | Kaleo Indy | Nina Mason Pulliam Trust | Pathfinders Insurance School | Owens Insurance Agency | RESQ | Lake City Bank | M. Santiago Group | Centier Bank | iSpace Office Solutions | Ronald Blue & Trust | Skyline Club | Pathfinders Insurance School | College Park Church | Barla Golf Academy | Lavenia & Summers | Sagamore Leadership Initiative | College Park Church | Imavex & One Orphan Foundation | Alliant Credit Union | We Give Foundation | Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation, Inc. | Gaming 2 Give | RESQ Health & Safety Training
Giving
We recognize the many overwhelming needs in our community and are truly honored by your willingness to stand with us as we serve our community. We are are a volunteer led and driven organization comprised of dedicated individuals who see the value in serving others in a dignified and sustainable manner. Each quarter we have over 50 single mothers and underemployed women seeking assistance with furthering their education. These are women who are underemployed and typically earning less than $10 per hour, have one or more children, and will remain stuck in systemic poverty without the upward mobility assistance found through our vocational scholarship program – a program that allows them to earn at least $3-$4 more per hour upon graduation.
Serving
Chosen Ministries has many ways you can partner with us to serve our community! We have several serving opportunities where you may participate including board membership, fundraising, client engagement, event planning and more!
Click the button below to complete a short application and give us the opportunity to learn more about you and your interest in serving with Chosen Ministries.