Cat morgan

Executive Director

Cat’s passion for social justice was sparked into flame during college after seeing a powerful documentary “Nefarious” about the human sex trade and joining the on-campus organization International Justice Mission. Working with Fierce Freedom gives her the opportunity to speak to thousands of people about the realities of domestic human trafficking. She loves having these conversations which lead individuals to finding their own role in the fight for justice.

She also currently serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for BeEmboldened Ministries and recently received a Masters of Political Advocacy & Leadership degree through Metro State University in St. Paul, MN. She and her beloved husband live in Eau Claire and enjoy exploring coffee shops, bookstores, and beautiful outdoor spaces. A lifelong learner, she enjoys the diverse range of tasks that each day brings, allowing her the space to grow as she fights for something she deeply cares about.

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Joyce Orth

Community Engagement Specialist

Joyce retired in 2021 from public sector employment with a local school district, serving most recently as the District Communications Coordinator. Her years of experience includes volunteering with community groups, and serving on boards for nonprofit and professional organizations at the local and state level. She currently serves as Lead Elder on her church board.

She loves to connect people to each other and to find avenues that add value to their lives. Brené Brown says, “ To me, a leader is someone who holds her- or himself accountable for finding potential in people and processes.” Joyce agrees! She’s excited to apply these strategies to her work and our work together to end human trafficking and exploitation in our hometowns.

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Lydia Lafferty

Administration & Event Support

Lydia Lafferty provides Administration and Event Support. Lydia has learned the in’s and out’s of the non-profit world from an early age. Long before Fierce Freedom was an official non-profit, Lydia worked with her mom to bring awareness about human trafficking to her community. She was even acknowledged by her high school classmates for a trip that she took to Thailand to work with young boys and girls who had been rescued from the sex trade.

Lydia brings strong organizational skills, creativity, and is a solid team member. She oversees office administration and finances.

When Lydia is not working for Fierce Freedom you can find her playing with her fur baby, Reyna or out Jeeping with her husband, Liam. Lydia also loves to read, study history, and craft.

Debbie Hong

Volunteer Coordinator

Debbie first learned of the horrific stories of child sex-trafficking during an International Justice Mission presentation at church in 2008. She was not aware of these crimes being prevalent in the US, to young children, or that it was in our own hometowns. As a grandmother with a heart for injustice, she felt compelled to do something. She began by forming an employer sponsored team to serve at the Justice Run each year.

After retirement from a utility company in 2019, she began volunteering in the Fierce Freedom office and at outreach events. She still volunteers her time as volunteer coordinator and through community programming for incarcerated juveniles.

Debbie cherishes time spent with family, camping, anything to do with water, and spoiling her grandchildren. She and her husband, Mike have 3 adult daughters, 3 son-in-laws, twelve grandchildren and 2 dogs.

Mark Halvorsen

Podcast Co-Host

Mark is a veteran broadcaster in the Chippewa Valley, having worked at WWIB/WOGO radio since 1985, with the exception of the two years his family moved to Liberia, West Africa, on behalf of Teamwork Africa, the non-profit he and his wife, Peggy, founded in 2010.

In addition to co-hosting the WWIB morning show, Mark has served as the WWIB/WOGO News Director since 1988, and he continues to host and produce the weekly public affairs show, “Chippewa Valley This Week.” Mark also works as an Account Manager at One Source Imaging.

A gifted interviewer, Mark co-hosts our Fierce Freedom podcast as a volunteer and has stepped in as a Fierce Freedom speaker when called upon. He and Peggy have been married since 1998 and have five adult children.

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Jenny Almquist

Founder of Fierce Freedom

In 2008, Jenny Almquist was at a presentation on human sex trafficking and couldn’t believe what she was seeing and hearing. How could slavery be happening in this day and age? She decided she had to do something and with her husband, Dave Almquist, started a retail business, Fierce Beauty, to raise money for organizations that free men, women, and children from human trafficking.

The mission evolved, and in 2012 Jenny launched a non-profit organization, Fierce Freedom, to educate and raise awareness about human trafficking in northwest Wisconsin. In 2013 the organization opened its office in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She served as Executive Director until August 2023.

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Questions or Concerns?

Email: board@fiercefreedom.org

"I believe that all jails desperately need your training as the victims of human trafficking frequently pass through the system. If staff is not trained on the warning signs of human trafficking and what the victims my look like, these are missed opportunities to provide help."

Captain Curt Dutton, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office

“Your agency is my greatest resource to share with anyone I talk to.”

Amy O’Donahue, Deputy, Specialized Enforcement, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Officer Ashland and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Offices

"Human trafficking is a worldwide crisis. Everyone can do something. Stand against this egregious violation and maltreatment of our fellow brothers and sisters on this planet. Join Fierce Freedom and fight human trafficking at home and around the world!"

H.W.

"Fierce Freedom is at the forefront of anti human trafficking! They are constantly working with the community to train, rescue, and bring awareness! If you're going to support an organization in your area, this is the one to partner with!"

J.K.