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We defend human dignity and disrupt injustice.

Founded in 2009, Freedom 58 Project is a Colorado-based nonprofit fighting modern-day slavery through art, education, law enforcement training, and international prevention work. We believe that every person—regardless of their geography or story—deserves to live free from exploitation.

Our core values are the heart of who we are.

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Every Human Life Has Inherent Dignity.
We believe every person is created with intrinsic worth that cannot be taken, bought, or sold. Our work begins with recognizing and honoring that dignity—empowering survivors, protecting the vulnerable, and respecting every team member and partner. We are not saviors; we are allies in restoration.
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Justice Drives Action.
We are driven by a deep commitment to justice—standing against exploitation, protecting the vulnerable, and championing freedom for all. This conviction fuels relentless compassion, bold advocacy, and an unwavering dedication to restoring dignity where it has been stolen.
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Prevention Is First.
We believe the most powerful intervention is prevention. By educating communities, equipping leaders, and intervening to stop trafficking before it begins, we disrupt the systems of exploitation at their roots.
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Collaboration Is Empowering.
We believe the fight for freedom is stronger when it’s shared. We partner with local leaders, law enforcement, educators, artists, and international teams—trusting and empowering those on the front lines to lead change in the communities they serve.

Our approach brings our values to life in the fight to end modern-day slavery.

 
Art as a Catalyst for Awareness
Through the Faces of Freedom Art Exhibit, we bring survivor stories into schools, churches, businesses, and community groups—sparking empathy, education, and action. Art opens hearts and minds, helping people confront the realities of trafficking in an accessible and transformative way.

 
 Training & Equipping Law Enforcement
We work directly with law enforcement in Colorado to train officers in identifying trafficking, supporting survivors, and disrupting criminal networks. By equipping those on the front lines, we build safer communities and stronger systems of justice.

 
 Intervening to Stop Trafficking Internationally
In Asia, we fund and support a trained team that identifies and stops traffickers before they can exploit vulnerable individuals. These interventions save lives and prevent lifelong trauma.

 
 Empowering Communities Through Education
We mobilize communities through events, resources, and partnerships that educate and activate everyday people—turning awareness into advocacy. We believe that when people know the truth, they respond with courage and compassion.

Our Team

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Bob Swenson

President and Co-Founder

Robert Charles Swenson is the President and Co-Founder of the Freedom 58 Project. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, in Marketing, Bob's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Bob's sports career began as an accomplished college football player to becoming an All-Pro NFL linebacker for the Denver Broncos' famed Orange Crush. He transitioned to real estate and now works as a land developer, serving cities and bringing beauty to communities.

With a passion for leadership training, Bob has played significant roles in advocacy and mentorship. He started and led the Point Man and Ambassador Ministry for Promise Keepers, building a network of 18,000 advocates focused on men's leadership, character, and integrity.

As a co-founder of the Freedom 58 Project, Bob's dedication to addressing the plight of the 50 million people trapped in modern-day slavery is unwavering. His commitment extends beyond advocacy, as he launched the Faces of Freedom Art Exhibit to amplify voices advocating for an end to this injustice. Bob's belief in the interconnection between healing, thriving, and supporting the vulnerable and oppressed is a beacon of hope in the fight against human trafficking.

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Libby Swenson

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Born and raised in Northwest Arkansas, Libby Crafton Swenson brings over 30 years of experience in public speaking, leadership, team building, and organizational strategy. She holds a BA in Health Sciences and Education from the University of Arkansas and is passionate about helping the next generation create a better and more just world.

Nearly 20 years ago, Libby became aware of the scourge of modern-day slavery, recognized as the fastest-growing criminal industry worldwide. Horrified by the egregiousness of this crime, she committed herself wholeheartedly to combatting it and compelling others to join the cause.

Libby has worked in over 15 countries, leading multiple teams overseas on various projects and collaborating with local organizations.

Libby's passion for innovative fundraising is a driving force in the fight against human trafficking. Her creative initiatives, including fly fishing events, triathlons, and art exhibits, not only raise awareness about modern-day slavery but also generate essential funds to bolster the anti-trafficking movement. Her dedication and ingenuity inspire all who strive to make a difference.

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Janelle Zander

Chief Operating Officer

Janelle Zander is an accomplished nonprofit consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations grow with clarity and impact. She specializes in operations, marketing strategy, and donor management—bringing deep expertise to organizations working to scale their efforts and strengthen their internal systems.

Janelle has worked with dozens of nonprofits across a range of causes, guiding leadership teams through strategic planning, brand development, marketing automation, and data-driven donor engagement. Her approach combines big-picture vision with operational precision, ensuring that marketing efforts align with mission goals and deliver measurable results.

With a strong background in marketing strategy and CRM optimization, she helps organizations streamline processes, improve donor retention, and build campaigns that inspire action. She has also led major rebranding and digital transformation initiatives that significantly elevated fundraising outcomes and audience reach.

Janelle holds a Bachelor of Science from Oral Roberts University and is passionate about advancing justice, especially in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

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Darren Zander

Creative Director

Darren Zander is an accomplished creative strategist and visual storyteller, with a focus on campaign development that drives awareness and action. With over 30 years of experience spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Darren brings a rare blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and strategic insight to every project he leads.

Throughout his career, Darren has directed brand films, produced large-scale events, and crafted compelling content across digital, print, and video platforms. His work is rooted in a passion for purposeful storytelling—leveraging creative media to illuminate complex issues and connect audiences to meaningful causes. He is known for managing multifaceted campaigns that bring clarity, cohesion, and emotional depth to brand narratives.

Darren holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts from Oral Roberts University, with a concentration in Drama, Television, and Film Production. He combines a director’s eye with a strategist’s mindset, offering leadership that bridges creativity with impact.

As a husband, father, brother, and uncle, Darren’s passion for anti-trafficking work runs deep. He is driven by a personal conviction to create a safer, more just world for future generations—one where every life is valued, and every story has the chance to be rewritten in freedom.

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Sharon John

Director of South Asia

With over 25 years of experience in both the corporate sector and international nonprofit work, Sharon brings a rare blend of strategic leadership and deep compassion to every role. He currently serves as the South Asia Director for Freedom 58, championing justice and restoration in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Previously, Sharon held the same position at Love Justice International, where his leadership helped shape one of its most impactful country programs.

Before entering nonprofit leadership, Sharon built a successful corporate career with companies such as American Express, RRD, and Tech Mahindra, leading international teams in Quality, Compliance, and Customer Service.

What sets Sharon apart is not just his accomplishments, but his heart. Whether navigating cross-border rescue operations or mentoring youth around a campfire, he leads with conviction, humility, and joy.

A lifelong learner, Sharon has completed leadership training in Hawaii and California. Outside of work, he has organized over 40 youth camps, coached life skills, and led community groups across the region. Through every challenge, he remains grounded in faith and driven by the belief that every life is valuable and worth fighting for.

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Kelly Kennedy Zander

Social Media Manager

Kelly Zander is a strategic social media manager and creative communicator with a heart for purpose-driven connection.

With over five years of experience in nonprofit marketing, she brings a rare blend of creative vision and project management expertise to every campaign she leads—ensuring ideas are not only inspired but effectively executed from start to finish.

Kelly has worked across a range of initiatives, managing content creation, digital engagement, and brand messaging with a keen eye for both aesthetics and impact. Her ability to bridge strategy with execution makes her a vital voice in campaigns that seek to educate, empower, and mobilize communities. Whether behind a camera or coordinating cross-functional teams, she brings clarity, intention, and care to every detail.

Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Metropolitan State University of Denver. As a young woman passionate about combating human trafficking, she is deeply committed to using social platforms to bring light into dark spaces—elevating stories of hope, resilience, and change.

Outside of work, Kelly is a wife, photographer, homesteader, and birth doula—rooted in a lifestyle that values life, freedom, and connection at every stage.

Our Board and Advisors
Our Partners

From donors to event sponsors to nonprofit partnerships, Freedom 58 thrives on impactful relationships in the fight to end human trafficking.
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“We believe that the greater the joy, the greater the capacity to work in the broken, dark places of the world.”

Bob Swenson

President and Co-Founder, Freedom 58 Project

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Our Signature Events

Discover our captivating signature events crafted to ignite inspiration and engagement. From exclusive private artist dinners celebrating creativity and conversation, to the moving Faces of Freedom art exhibit showcasing poignant expressions of trafficking survivors, our experiences are truly unforgettable. 

Embark on international trips to explore justice and social impact in the field, or join us for Justice on the Blue—a fly fishing event highlighting the work of Freedom 58 in addressing the global crisis of human trafficking and slavery.

Though our events currently thrive in Colorado, we are eager to bring these transformative experiences to your community. Schedule a call with Libby to discuss how we can collaborate and expand our meaningful events to your area. Let’s ignite inspiration together!

Schedule a Video Call with Libby

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Since its founding, Freedom 58 has recognized the need to mobilize the larger community to action in the fight to end modern-day slavery around the world. It has since expanded to travel to communities across the nation, visiting schools, universities, libraries, churches, galleries, hospitals, and other civic venues.