​The history of 31:8 Project dates back to 2010 as an organization that would focus on the research and development of educational curriculum pertaining to human trafficking and deliver seminars in high schools across the Midwest. It has since expanded to working with medical institutions, faith-based organizations, colleges and minority groups. 31:8 Project was formally registered as an organization on September 15th, 2015. Although we work with many other groups throughout the United States and world, our current focus is on combating human trafficking in North Dakota.

Board of Directors

Stacy Schaffer

Founder and Executive Director

Stacy is the Founder and Executive Director of 31:8 Project. She has based her work in advocacy on the ideal that no one person can do everything, but everyone can do something. Stacy is the coordinator for the Demand Reduction Program and an adjunct professor at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.  She currently serves as Coordinator for the United States Region on behalf of the Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery, the Rotary District 5580 Human Trafficking Committee Chair, member of the Farwest Rotary Club, and board member for the ND Human Rights Coalition. She’s a regular contributor to organizations such as the ND Human Trafficking Task Force, Lutheran Social Services, and Tipi Wakan Ministries.
With a passion towards serving others, Stacy has dedicated much of her time advocating for human rights. This pursuit has influenced her education, career, and community work.
Stacy graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Prior, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Behavioral Sciences from the University of Mary. In 2011, she was crowned Miss ND International and represented a platform on combating human trafficking. She launched 31:8 Project in 2015 to rally the general public to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Stacy was recently awarded the ND Emerging Leader Award for her work in the non-profit sector and was selected as one of the Bismarck Tribune's “20 Under 40”. Stacy was the 2018 University of Mary's Bell Banner Alumni of the Year, and has been recognized as one of Bismarck's Hidden Hometown Heroes. Stacy often credits her motivation, work ethic, and determination from growing up on a farm near the town of Wishek, ND. Stacy hopes to inspire invidviduals across the state to join 31:8 Project on the journey to help end modern day slavery, starting right here in North Dakota.

Karel Sovak

Chair

Karel Sovak is an advocate for community service, education, and entrepreneurship. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Mary, teaching courses in management, marketing, and leadership. Karel completed his doctoral work in Applied Management and Decision Sciences with Walden University. He specializes in assisting organizations with processes such as strategic planning and board governance. Karel is also a freelance writer for a variety of regional publications. He is married with five children and three grandchildren.

Carole Barrett

Carole has centered her life’s work on education and social justice, focusing on those in vulnerable communities. She holds an MA in English, a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, and has served as a Fulbright Scholar. She is a professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Mary. Carole has worked with a number of institutions including the St. Francis Indian School, the University of South Dakota, United Tribes Technical College, the Indians Into Medicine Program, and the North Dakota Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commision on Civil Rights.

Amy Hollar

Vice Chair

​For Amy, servant leadership is the cornerstone of her educational and personal philosophy. She is an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Mary and is active in campus organizations, including the UMary Board of Student Publications and the UMary Professional Development Committee. Amy earned her BA in Communication at the University of Mary and her MA in Communication from the University of Nevada. Amy volunteers with Junior Achievement of Bismarck-Mandan and other community groups.

Debbie Buechler

Treasurer

​Debbie’s motto of “be the better person” is exemplified through her lifelong work in the medical field and her drive to make the world a better and safer place. She has built her career in the medical field working in areas such as chiropractic care and physical therapy. She is currently the Office Assistant at Aim Physical Therapy in Bismarck. Debbie is a cancer care advocate, having had many family and friends affected by cancer of various forms. She is married with two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Alisha Weston

Alisha’s greatest passion is to help those who have struggled through life’s hardships find healing, experience unconditional acceptance, and pursue their Christ-designed potential. She is the Care Pastor at Bismarck’s Evangel Church. Alisha earned her BS in Psychology in 2011, followed by her MA in Professional Counseling. When’s she’s not in her office creating leadership curriculum or providing counseling services, you can find her curled up with a book, watching a documentary, or traveling. Alisha is married with two children.

Thea Ward Jorgensen

Secretary

Thea lives out her personal mission, “impact through action, service, and compassion”, through her work with organizations including Veterans Outdoors Adventures ND, the Welcome House, Bio Girls Bismarck, the ND State Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Bismarck Out of The Darkness Walk. She currently serves in the ND Army National Guard as a Public Affairs Specialist. Thea seeks to help others find mental and physical strength as an advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and as a fitness professional with Thea Ward Fitness. Thea is married and the knows greatest gifts in her life are her niece and nephew.

Michele Enderud

Michele is an experienced Human Resources professional and educator. She is the Director of Human Resources for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation and teaches business classes at Dickinson State University and Bismarck State College. Michele holds a double Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Human Resources from Dickinson State University and an MBA from the University of Mary as well as being certified in Labor Arbitration from King’s University. Michele is married with two adult sons. ​

Jennifer Winter

Jennifer’s greatest joy is helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking climb out of the cylcle of abuse and find their voice. As an ordained minister and Victims Advocate, her many community service roles have put her shoulder to shoulder with individuals living through painful seasons of their lives. Jennifer is the Family Crisis Shelter’s County Coordinator in Watford City. She is a member of her area’s human trafficking task force, chairs the Sexual Assault Response Team, and is a member of the Salvation Army. She believes that although we cannot change our yesterday, we can contend to live today without regret.

Josh Ulmer

Josh was raised in North Dakota where his family’s company, Ulmer Auction Service, gave him insight into the farming and ranching industry and allowed him to travel the state. He attended Bismarck State College, earning an Associate’s degree before graduating from Dickinson State University with a degree in Business Administration. Josh is a Personal Banking Officer at BNC National Bank in Bismarck and active in several community groups. He and his wife, Erica, are passionate about creating a community where safety is a priority.

Murray Sagsveen

Legal Advisor

Murray Sagsveen is the legal advisor to the board of directors. Murray’s expertise stems from his service in the military, his work with state government, and as general counsel for medical and higher education organizations. He currently serves on several nonprofit governing boards, including Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN), North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology, He is the synod attorney for the Western North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ​

Staff

Kayla Schmidt

Communications Manager

Kayla is a writer, storyteller, content creator, and information sponge. She loves working with nouns: people, places, things, and ideas. She’s a part of the creative collective, The Good Kids, located in downtown Bismarck. Kayla is an emcee and event organizer for 1 Million Cups, a volunteer with Bismarck Beacon and TEDx, active with the North Dakota Women's Network, a certified trainer for Green Dot, a quizmaster with Geeks Who Drink, and she skates with the BisMan Bombshellz roller derby team. She earned her MA in Creative Nonfiction writing at the University of East Anglia in 2015. You can read her work at kaylaschmidt.com.​

Tyler Merkel

Marketing Manager

With nearly 15 years in the fields of marketing, academic advising, recruitment, sales, and most importantly, serving people, Tyler has a passion for enabling others to succeed. He completed his A.A.S in Computer Support at Bismarck State College and B.S. in Biology from the University of North Dakota. Tyler recently launched own business, Merk's Marketing, which focuses on Employee Recruitment Marketing and Talent Acquisition.

Shayla Elm

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Shayla strives to live out her everyday life as a servant leader. She recently graduated from the University of Mary, with a B.A. in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations. Shayla is a people-person and values curating strong relationships. Her energetic on-stage presence and her extroverted character has helped her past work as a photographer for the University of Mary and as an on-field personality for the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs baseball club in Minot. Learn more about Shayla’s work at elmcreativecommunication.squarespace.com.