Braden grew up on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills of western Nebraska. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he earned his bachelor's degree in communication studies with a minor in journalism. He then went on to earn his J.D. at the University of Nebraska College of Law, where he completed concentrated studies in international human rights law and litigation. During law school, Braden developed a passion for pursuing justice and combating human trafficking. He published an article in the Nebraska Law Review on international human trafficking law and completed a summer internship with International Justice Mission in Uganda. After law school, he served as a public prosecutor in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he served on multiple multi-disciplinary task forces aimed at investigating and responding to cases of sexual exploitation of children.

 

Alyssa was born in Virginia but moved to Nebraska when she was young. She was homeschooled and began working full time at the age of 16. By the time she was 20, she was managing her own retail store. She managed several stores, including Old Navy, Icing, and Claire's, before making the transition to working with a rental property marketing company, and later ministry. She served on staff at a large church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she primarily coordinated and led the various volunteer teams. She has a heart for vulnerable and abused women, and has personally ministered to and advocated for several women who were adjusting to life after escaping abusive relationships.

 

Braden and Alyssa met in mid-2018 at a prayer gathering for victims of forced labor. They reconnected a few months later and were married in April of 2019. They enjoy rock climbing, traveling, reading, and raising their son, Lewis.