Board of Directors:

The Freedom Café relies on a Board of Directors that is responsible for making major decisions in the organization and steering us towards fulfilling our mission. Our Board is composed of a variety of specialists bring their knowledge together in their passion to create a world where all people are free. Learn more about the individuals below.

Jenna Roberts, President
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Erik Ickes, Secretary
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John Caulfield, Treasurer

Bryan Bessette, Co-Founder, Executive Director
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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, Bryan 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.

Daniel Demers, Development Chair
Dan is the founder and owner of D Squared Java (Espresso Bar and Coffee House) in Exeter, NH which opened it's doors in 2012. The focus of D Squared Java is on quality and continuing to push the envelope of specialty coffee on the New Hampshire Seacoast. Dan has accumulated nearly 10 years of coffee and barista experience, holds a Level 2 Barista certificate through the Barista Guild of America and is a certified Lead Instructor for the Specialty Coffee Association.

As a frequent speaking guest and trainer at Freedom Cafe, Dan has offered Seed to Cup seminars detailing coffee's journey from the farm to the coffee shop as well as providing training opportunities for motivated volunteers to learn about the brewing process.

Noticing the connection with the coffee industry and human trafficking, Dan became a board member in 2015 to help educate consumers through the Freedom Cafe on how to purchase coffee in an ethical manner.

Rachel Vaz, Capacity Building Chair
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Jenny Packard, Marketing
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Kate Waddell, Development
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