76. Hope in a Cup: How One Woman Is Using Coffee to Combat Human Trafficking—The Story of Talitha Coffee and Jenny Barber

What if your morning cup of coffee could help transform someone’s life? In this unforgettable episode of Mission First People Always, Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with Jenny Barber—survivor, leader, and co-founder of Talitha Coffee—for a conversation that will change the way you think about business, leadership, and human dignity.

Jenny’s personal journey from surviving child exploitation to founding a thriving, purpose-driven company is nothing short of extraordinary. With over 140 employees and 9 coffee shops, Talitha Coffee is more than a business—it’s a movement of healing, hope, and tangible restoration for survivors of trafficking.

In this episode, Jenny opens up about the meaning behind the name “Talitha,” how her personal pain fuels her mission, and how she's built a people-first company that integrates business with deep compassion and purpose. Whether you’re a business leader, social advocate, or someone looking to live with more intention—this episode will inspire you to lead with courage and heart.

This episode is a reminder that one person’s story—when paired with vision and bold leadership—can change countless lives. Hit play now to hear Jenny’s powerful journey and discover how your leadership can be a vehicle for healing, justice, and lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Jenny’s story of overcoming child exploitation and stepping into leadership
• The biblical and emotional meaning behind the name “Talitha”
• How Talitha Coffee grew from a vision to a multi-location mission
• What the Talitha Care Network provides for survivors (job training, housing, healthcare & more)
• How personal mission shapes leadership style and decision-making
• Practical ways to support the anti-trafficking movement through your everyday choices

Links for This Episode:

• https://talitha.com/mikepatterson
• https://www.instagram.com/talithacoffeeroasters
• https://www.instagram.com/jennybarber22

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
• Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
• Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction: From survival to social impact
• 01:48 – Meet Jenny Barber: Advocate, leader, and founder
• 03:10 – Jenny’s personal story of overcoming exploitation
• 07:25 – Why she launched Talitha Coffee
• 10:44 – The meaning behind the name “Talitha”
• 13:02 – How the Talitha Care Network supports survivors
• 16:35 – From vision to 9 thriving coffee shops
• 20:15 – Challenges of growing a people-first business
• 23:20 – Leadership lessons from lived experience
• 26:00 – Trauma-informed culture in the workplace
• 29:12 – The power of purpose-driven teams
• 32:44 – How listeners can support Talitha’s mission
• 35:00 – Final thoughts: Leading with courage, empathy, and hope