Board of Directors

Bryan Bessette is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Freedom Café, a nonprofit social enterprise based in Durham, New Hampshire dedicated to engaging communities in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation. Since co-founding the organization in 2012, Bryan has helped grow The Freedom Café from a grassroots initiative into a sustainable nonprofit that mobilizes volunteers, students, and community partners to advance awareness, education, and practical action.

Through The Freedom Café, Bryan has led collaborations with organizations including STOP THE TRAFFIK, the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, and the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force. He regularly designs and facilitates educational programs that explore the intersection of global supply chains, human trafficking, and conscious consumerism, helping communities understand how everyday choices can contribute to meaningful change.

Bryan has spent more than two decades developing leaders and building collaborative community initiatives across nonprofit, university, and civic sectors. He has served as a chaplain at the University of New Hampshire since 2002 and has taught courses in community leadership and volunteer management at both UNH and Great Bay Community College.

Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Athletic Training from Plymouth State University and is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys endurance cycling, exploring the mountains and trails of Northern New England, and cooking with family and friends. He and his wife Hannah and their musical family live in Durham, New Hampshire.