As my term as Talitha Kum’s representative in North America comes to an end, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey we’ve taken. This role has provided me with a deeply enriching human and international experience, shaped by collaboration, a commitment to listening to the realities on the ground, and the conviction that our shared commitment can truly transform lives.

Serving with Talitha Kum on an international level has been a learning experience for me. I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated women from different continents, cultures, and religious congregations who courageously and compassionately lead the fight against human trafficking. This diversity has been a strength that has allowed us to better understand the global dynamics of exploitation and to strengthen our collective action.

I am particularly grateful for the deepening relationship with the Alliance to End Human Trafficking. This collaboration has made it possible to better align North American realities with those of the international network and to highlight the advocacy, research, and awareness-raising efforts underway in different regions of the world. Helping to promote this work, integrate it more clearly into our international database and our priorities, and give it greater visibility has been an important responsibility for me—and a commitment I have carried out with conviction.

My term also gave me the opportunity to work closely with the other regional representatives. Together, we shared our challenges, our resources, our insights, and our hopes. This sense of mission-driven solidarity, built on trust, respect, and mutual support, was one of the most valuable aspects of these years of service. It reminded me that the fight against human trafficking can only be waged through networking and a sense of community that transcends borders.

I am grateful for the many people I have met throughout this term: the survivors who inspire us with their resilience, the members of the networks who work tirelessly on the ground, and the partners who believe in the power of collaboration. I also want to express my deep gratitude to all those who, often far from the spotlight, choose to take a stand and take simple yet decisive actions: a donation, a signed petition, participation in a training session, or a conversation that raises awareness. These are women and men of hope, convinced that every action counts and that change is built one step at a time. Their quiet but steadfast commitment is a vital force that sustains our mission and reminds us that transformation always begins with an act of courage, however humble it may be. And when we look, through the lens of Talitha Kum, at all these accumulated actions, we see thousands of acts and thousands of survivors reached—proof that hope in motion can truly change lives.

I would also like to express my full support and encouragement to Sister Gina Marie Blunck, SND, who is now serving as Talitha Kum’s regional representative for North America. Her extensive experience, her sense of mission, and her deep sensitivity to human realities are invaluable assets for this role. I am convinced that she will carry out this mission with wisdom, courage, and a vision deeply rooted in human dignity. I hope that in this role she will find the same collaboration, solidarity, and trust that I have enjoyed, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside her.

I conclude this chapter with a deep sense of gratitude and peace. I am happy to continue collaborating with Talitha Kum in a spirit of continuity, support, and renewed commitment. The mission continues, and I remain fully committed to this vital struggle for human dignity.

To each and every one of you, thank you for your trust, collaboration, and the light you have shared throughout this term.

Sr. IsaBelle Couillard, SGM