Than Baardson – Accelerating the Fight Against Human Trafficking and its Root Causes

In Making Waves Conversations by Mark Sylvester


Accelerating the Fight Against Human Trafficking and its Root Causes


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

CEO, Co-Founder of Unseen


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.

Watch The Face of Human Trafficking | Megan Rheinschild | TEDxSantaBarbara

For those interested in seeing how trafficking and its root causes are being tackled, please visit Unseen’s site and read about the plan Than talked about: Our Plan 

Thorn released the video which references sextortion, not sexploitation. 

Thorn is a part of TED’s Audiacious Project

Additionally, anyone can click the Take Action tab on Unseen's site for a few ways to get involved.