Human trafficking occurs when a person is forced into service against their will—usually forced work or prostitution. Often one person controls another by exploiting a vulnerability. The control can be physical, financial, or psychological. Than’s organization, UNSEEN, is working through collaboration across a broad spectrum of participants worldwide to reduce trafficking by working with the partners to help underwrite their efforts. The stories he tells will break your heart. The Pandemic has added many stressors to this situation.

Than Baardson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Unseen, a nonprofit that accelerates the fight against human trafficking and its root causes. This role allows him to serve leaders across the world who are fighting some of today’s greatest injustices. He began his career as a firefighter and he continues to work as a broadcast journalist, speaker, documentary filmmaker, photographer, writer, and communications specialist.