Elizabeth Smart will be the keynote speaker for the Women Aware Conference to be held Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.
“Elizabeth Smart is one of those people I think almost everyone knows, especially for those like me in the true crime community. Her story is absolutely incredible, heartbreaking, shocking and inspiring,” said Women Aware Conference Director Cindy-Lou Morgan. “It’s also been incredible to follow her life and see what she’s accomplished since her kidnapping and the incredible impact she’s had on women and other survivors.”
Smart was abducted June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. The police safely returned Smart to her family March 12, 2003, after being held prisoner for nine grueling months.
Through this traumatic experience, Smart has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation.
Morgan wanted the keynote speaker to have that name recognition many people would know and feel really excited for this year’s conference. Each of the past keynote speakers have been exceptional, but there are a handful that stick out when talking to past attendees.
“I wanted this year’s speaker to really make a splash and be one of those iconic speakers attendees will speak about for years to come,” Morgan said. “I believe every single woman who is able to should attend this year’s conference and hear Elizabeth’s presentation and story. There’s something different about hearing someone like Elizabeth, who of course has written books, done TV interviews and big name documentaries – but meeting her in person, hearing her story and message in person, really resonates with people. It’s life changing for some.”
Smart testified before her captor and the world about the private nightmare she suffered during her abduction, which led to his conviction.
The founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation,” she has helped promote the National AMBER Alert, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions.
Smart has chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, “My Story.” In addition, she and other abduction survivors worked with the Department of Justice to create a survivors’ guide, entitled, “You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment.”
This guide is meant to encourage children who have gone through similar experiences not to give up but to know there is hope for a rewarding life.
Smart recently has released a new book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life. “Where There’s Hope,” is the result of her mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
The early-bird conference registration before Sept. 1 is $45. After Sept. 1, the fee is $50.
Those registering may pay by check, cash or invoice by making checks payable to Women Aware, Inc., PO Box 1282, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63902.
To register online go to www.womenawareinc.com/conference.
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