Q & A with human trafficking watchdog Nola Theiss

By Ella Nayor, Sanibel-Captiva Islander, April 16, 2010

Nola Theiss is a well-known face around the islands. She champions island social causes such as human trafficking. Theiss is one of those people who see obstacles as challenges to overcome and not be defeated by. After recently experiencing a stroke Theiss is busy working on projects with Zonta and Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, an organization she formed.

Where did you spend your childhood?

I grew up in the west suburbs of Chicago. I went to the University of Illinois, graduated at 20 and moved to Maryland. I taught high school for ten years and met Hal. We got married and had two daughters to go along with his teenage son. In 1981, I also started my business translating knitting and crochet instructions from foreign languages to English and designing knitwear. Over 20 years, we translated 12 languages and I authored and edited 8 books. This led to importing yarn and eventually having it manufactured for us. I was able to do this as a home-based business which employed 4 women. It was a great way to have a business and raise kids at the same time.

What brought you to Sanibel?

In 1987, when our younger daughter was four, she almost drowned at a summer day camp. We came to  Sanibel so she could enjoy being in the water again. We loved it and ended up buying a time-share  and in 1992 we bought a house and moved here permanently in 1996. We fell in love with the environment and the people and immediately got involved in the community.

What do you appreciate most about living on Sanibel?

Its unique lifestyle and wonderful residents. I’ve never felt so connected to any other place.

As a resident what do you see as the islands greatest challenge?    

Maintaining the Sanibel Plan and Vision. It was great to be part of the Mayor’s Meeting a few weeks ago and feel the commitment that has been with us since the beginning of the city.

We hear you are involved in helping to prevent human trafficking. What role do you play in combating human trafficking?
I founded Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships in 2006 after working with Zonta to start the Lee County Human Trafficking Task Force. Its mission is to bring the issue to the forefront of public consciousness and to help community leaders organize to fight trafficking. I’ve worked with over 20 communities and trained professionals in the US, Canada, Australia, etc.

Our most recent project is a program to prevent local girls from falling prey to traffickers by teaching them about the issue and leading them to create artwork – in one case, 3’ x 5’ wall hangings and to write and produce a play through the Cypress Lake Center for the Arts. We hope the girls will not only be stronger themselves but that their work will prevent other girls from falling into the hands of traffickers.

The artwork will be exhibited at a HTAP fundraiser at Nervous Nellie’s Restaurant on First St in Fort Myers Beach on April 23 at 7 pm and a short piece from the play will also be performed. Everyone is invited. We are also gratefully accepting contributions at PO Box 1113, Sanibel in the hope that we can do the program once a semester. This year’s program has been supported by our local Zonta Club. For more information, contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This summer the artwork will be exhibited at BIG Arts. We have made a template of this project so other communities can replicate it. We’re all about sharing resources and encouraging others to take up this cause.

Why did you get involved in championing the plight of human trafficking victims?

Zonta International introduced me to the issue. We raised two daughters and I know how easy it is for a girl to be tricked into situations which can really mess her up. When I found out that the average age for American girls to get involved in sex trafficking is between 11 and 14, I had to do something.   I put to use the skills I acquired serving on City Council in terms of advocacy and citizen participation.

How can people to be alert to human trafficking? What can people do to help stop it?

We all need to learn the facts and signs of modern day slavery and keep our eyes open. If you see something that makes you uneasy, call Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS. We have well trained professionals who will investigate. There have been more cases reported in the last year in Lee County than the last 5 years combined and it’s probably because of increased awareness. More and more of the cases involve young American girls.

 
When you are not fighting human traffickers or working to help the victims what are you doing on Sanibel?

I’m playing with Indigo (6), Zell (2) and Soleil (11 months), reading and writing book reviews, riding my bike and doing water aerobics, enjoying Zonta, travel, friends and family.

What is your family life like?

Right now, it’s a little wild with the 3 little ones around a lot. My daughters and I are very close and they have been a great support. I call Hal my hero since he was the one who got me to the hospital in time to get clot busting medicine which made the stroke I had at the end of January a temporary ordeal rather than a permanent handicap.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
In spite of being a “recovering politician” and doing public speaking all the time, I consider myself somewhat shy.

You tend to be pretty optimistic and tenacious. What do you attribute your happiness to? Any advice for living a joy-filled life?

Being optimistic has allowed me to get over the inevitable setbacks we all encounter. In every case of a “failure” I’ve experienced, it’s always led to something better. I try to use what I’ve learned to move on to the next big thing.  

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