World of Experience, One Joyful Mission

When Talita Borges walked onto the campus of Trinity Washington University, something clicked. “What stood out most,” she recalled, “was how deeply mission-driven the community is, especially in its care for students.” For someone who has spent a decade bringing people together

Director of Campus Ministry Talita Borges

across cultures, faiths and continents, Trinity felt like home.

Borges officially joined Trinity in January as the new director of Campus Ministry, stepping into a role most recently held by the beloved Sister Ann Howard, SNDdeN, who retired after eight transformative years as campus minister.

Born in Brazil and raised in a vibrant Catholic household, Borges brings a richly international spirit to her new role. Her ministry has taken her from Brazil to Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where she collaborated with Christians across denominations and immersed herself in interfaith initiatives that shaped her deeply.

“These experiences showed me firsthand that it is not only possible, but deeply enriching, to bring together people of different cultures and religious traditions,” she said. “Diversity is not something to overcome, but a gift to be recognized, honored and celebrated.”

A lay consecrated woman affiliated with the Focolare Movement, Borges sees her calling at Trinity as a joyful continuation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s legacy. “Carrying forward that legacy means helping to cultivate a community where faith, learning and justice are deeply interconnected,” she explained—accompanying students not only in their academic and spiritual growth, but in becoming architects of a more just and compassionate world.

She is especially eager to expand ecumenical and interfaith programming, creating inclusive spaces where every student feels seen, welcomed and spiritually nourished.

Sister Ellen Reilly, SNDdeN, offered a warm blessing upon her arrival, sharing, “I like your inclusivity, openness to all students and staff, your goal to build community and to be service-oriented. Blessings on your ministry!”

With joy, conviction and a world of experience behind her, Talita Borges is ready to write her own chapter in Trinity’s living mission.